How to Become a Better Public Speaker: Tips from a Communication Expert
The #1 Fear That Could Be Costing You Opportunities
Jerry Seinfeld once joked that people’s number one fear is public speaking, and their number two fear is death — meaning most would rather be in the casket than give the eulogy.
That joke hits home for entrepreneurs, because public speaking isn’t optional when you’re building a business. Whether you’re pitching investors, leading a team, or speaking at a conference, your ability to communicate clearly is one of your most valuable assets.
To break down how to actually get good at it, I sat down with Mary Rose Ewing, CEO of Presence — The Ewing School for Public Speaking, who shared exactly how anyone can become a confident, compelling speaker.
Public Speaking Is a Skill — Not a Talent
Mary Rose’s story began with lunchtime walks that turned into a business idea. Her now-husband was frustrated working in corporate communications training. She encouraged him to start a firm helping people prepare for TV, congressional testimony, and speaking engagements.
Fast forward eight years — they now run a successful school that helps executives, entrepreneurs, and experts clarify their ideas and share them with confidence.
Her biggest message:
“Charisma on stage isn’t born — it’s built.”
Anyone can become a powerful speaker through practice, structure, and feedback.
What Makes an Effective Public Speaker?
According to Mary Rose, effectiveness begins with clarity of purpose.
Before you speak, ask yourself:
1️⃣ What’s my message?
2️⃣ What do I want my audience to walk away thinking?
3️⃣ What action do I want them to take?
That’s true whether you’re addressing one person in a meeting or a thousand at a keynote.
She also warns against relying on word-for-word scripts.
“If you write a script, you’ll sound like you’re reading an essay. Outlines work better — they help you sound natural and authentic.”
Preparation: The First 30 Seconds Matter Most
Nervousness peaks the moment you step on stage — that’s why your opening and closing lines should be rock solid.
“Memorize your first 30 seconds,” Mary Rose said. “And do the same for your last two sentences.”
These are your two biggest opportunities: grab attention and leave a lasting impression.
How to Handle Mistakes Like a Pro
Everyone blanks out sometimes. The trick?
Never apologize. It lowers your credibility.
Pause intentionally. A three-second silence feels long to you — but not to the audience.
Breathe. Nervous speakers tend to speed up; slowing down creates control.
“Audiences want you to succeed,” she said. “They’re rooting for you.”
Even if you lose your place, just pause, breathe, and pick back up. No one remembers the stumble — they remember how you recovered.
The Confidence Trifecta
Mary Rose shared three physical habits that project confidence even if you don’t feel it:
1️⃣ Practice, practice, practice. Reps build confidence.
2️⃣ Eye contact. Don’t look over heads — connect with faces in every section of the room.
3️⃣ Open posture. Hands unclenched, feet shoulder-width apart, stand tall.
“Take up space,” she said. “Own the room — even if it’s a boardroom.”
Why Storytelling Beats Slides Every Time
Facts fade. Stories stick.
Humans evolved to remember narratives — not numbers. When you frame your message as a story, your audience becomes emotionally invested in how it ends.
I shared my own experience: when I tell a story, I notice the audience leans in. They want to know what happens next.
That anticipation draws attention away from my nerves and gives me control of the room.
“Stories are how humans connect,” Mary Rose said. “They help people remember your point before they even realize it.”
How to Simplify Complex Ideas
If you can explain something complex in simple terms, you’ve mastered it.
“It’s easy to sound smart by being complicated,” Mary Rose explained.
“But the mark of true expertise is making the complex simple.”
She encourages speakers to write their ideas down, talk them out loud, and iterate until the message fits in a single, powerful sentence.
That’s how Steve Jobs landed on:
“Apple is reinventing the phone.”
Simple. Clear. Unforgettable.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Mary Rose’s final piece of advice was powerful:
“Public speaking isn’t something you’re good or bad at — it’s a skill you can always get better at.”
Whether you’re terrified of the mic or comfortable in front of crowds, your goal is the same: practice, get feedback, iterate.
Every presentation, every meeting, every conversation is another rep.
Final Thoughts
Jordan Peterson once said, “If you can read, write, and speak well, you’re unstoppable.”
And he’s right.
Public speaking is more than performance — it’s leadership.
When you can express ideas clearly and confidently, people listen.
And when people listen, you lead.