The "Fear of Public Speaking" and the "Elevator Speech." Why Nerves Hit Hard!

The _Fear of Public Speaking_ and the _Elevator Speech

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You’ve got 30 seconds. Maybe 60. You’re at a networking event, social function, or seminar, and the leader says, “Before we get started, let's go around the room and introduce ourselves. When it's your turn: stand up and tell us who you are and what you do. Give us your Elevator Speech .”Your mind blanks. Palms sweat. Heart pounds. Sound familiar?

That’s the Fear of Public Speaking—sneaking into situations we don’t always recognize as “public speaking.” An Elevator Speech is a mini-presentation, and just like standing in front of an audience and delivering a talk, it can trigger the same anxiety.

Why does such a short talk cause such a big reaction?

Because the stakes feel high. You want to make a strong impression, come across as confident, and not ramble. And unlike a scheduled speech, an Elevator Speech often happens on the spot, with little time to mentally prepare. That unpredictability fuels fear.

But here’s the good news: Preparation = Confidence. Just like any presentation, your Elevator Speech should be practiced, refined, and ready to go. When you know exactly what you’re going to say, nerves take a back seat. Just as an athlete works out and practices before a game, Elevator Speeches should be developed, practiced, refined, and practiced, again, before they are needed.

HERE is a great way to Practice your Elevator Speech. HERE is the best way to Test your Elevator Speech.

A strong Elevator Speech isn’t a robotic script—it’s a flexible, authentic message that explains who you are, what you do, and how you bring value. It should be conversational, not memorized. Confident, not canned. Here is an Elevator Speech Template that will help you develop that important mini-presentation.

Overcoming the fear starts with reframing the moment: Instead of “This is scary,” try, “This is an opportunity.” Because it is! A well-delivered Elevator Speech can lead to connections, collaborations, even career-changing conversations.

Get my Elevator Speech Template. Practice, Practice, Practice and Test it. Do those things and you'll be prepared. And when you’re prepared, I guarantee your Elevator Speech will be absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT! —————————————————————————————————————————————————

About the Author         Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”

Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, andPresentation Skills.

They do this because they know:"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities."

They also know:We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.

He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!

Services:

1. Keynote Speaker

2. Workshop Facilitator

3. Breakout Sessions

4. Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching

Topics:

1. Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!

2. Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!

3. Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.

4. We are All Self-Employed!

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My books can be purchased on amazon.com.          NO SWEAT Public Speaking”          “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”

Audible offers “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!” as an audio book.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.

Thank  you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated