From Nervous Teen to Confident Speaker: My Journey and How You Can Do It Too

Let’s be real: not everyone is born confident. In fact, most of us have to build confidence from scratch, brick by brick, and sometimes it feels like we’re working with flimsy materials! As a teenager, I was the classic “deer in headlights” whenever I stood up to speak. I’d hold onto my paper like a life raft, mumbling words as I kept my eyes glued to the page. But as shaky as those early experiences were, they were the start of something big. The truth is, everyone has to start somewhere.

The secret? Many of those who appear super confident still feel a surge of nerves every time they speak. Even celebrities with decades of experience admit to it! For example, Adele has famously shared that she feels nauseous before every performance (she’s joked about needing a “nervous vomit” routine before she sings!). Beyoncé has revealed that she gets stage fright too and uses her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, to help get through it. And *Emma Watson*, while delivering her powerful UN speech, admitted she was nervous as ever. It turns out, nerves don’t discriminate—they come for us all!

What made the difference for me was learning to work with the nerves instead of against them. I forced myself into situations that made me uncomfortable, repeatedly. And here’s where it gets funny: each time, I’d realize that the “monster” of public speaking wasn’t quite as terrifying as I’d thought. I survived each encounter and came out with a little less fear and a little more confidence.

The trick is to reframe your nerves. Think of them as that extra jolt of energy—kind of like a double shot of espresso before your big moment (though sometimes it feels more like ten shots!). Over time, you start to embrace the fact that being a little nervous can actually make you sharper and more present. It’s not about eliminating nerves; it’s about learning to channel them so you can connect with your audience.

If you’re someone who feels nervous speaking up, remember: you’re not alone, and it’s absolutely normal. Start small, put yourself in situations that feel challenging, and take each experience as a step toward building your confidence. I went from a terrified teenager to someone who now gives speeches confidently—and even coaches others to do the same. So, trust me, if I can do it, you can too. And who knows? Someday, you might just be the one up there, making it look easy.