University of the People
Engl 1102-01 Assignment Unit 5
Vanessa Van Gersie
Instructor: Karuja Raja
Reflective Essay: Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
Public speaking has always been a challenge for me. The thought of standing
before an audience and delivering a speech used to cause anxiety and self-
doubt. However, through conscious effort and practice, I have managed to
overcome this fear. This essay reflects on my journey of overcoming public
speaking anxiety, focusing on self-awareness, critical thinking, organization,
supporting evidence, and personal reflection.
I realized my fear of public speaking stemmed from a lack of confidence and
fear of judgment. Every time I had to present in class, I would feel my heart
race, my hands tremble, and my voice waver. Acknowledging these emotions
was the first step toward improvement. I kept a journal documenting my
feelings before and after presentations, which helped me identify patterns of
anxiety and moments of success (Brookfield, 2017).
To address my fear, I researched techniques for overcoming anxiety, such as
deep breathing, visualization, and practice. I also analyzed why certain
speeches resonated with audiences. Observing TED Talks and studying
speakers’ body language and vocal modulation gave me insights into
effective public speaking strategies. I realized that my fear was largely due
to a lack of preparation rather than an inherent inability to speak well
(Thompson, 2018).
Initially, my speeches lacked structure, making me feel lost while speaking. I
adopted a simple format: introduction, main points, and conclusion. Outlining
my speech beforehand allowed me to stay focused and ensure a logical flow
of ideas. Practicing with structured content helped me feel more confident
and reduced my nervousness (Ryan, 2011).
My progress became evident through practice and feedback. In my
first presentation, I stumbled over words and avoided eye contact. However,
after weeks of preparation and rehearsal, I delivered a speech at a university
event where I felt more in control. A peer-reviewed study by Thompson
(2018) on public speaking anxiety supports the idea that repeated exposure
and structured practice significantly reduce fear.
Looking back, I see public speaking as a skill rather than an innate
talent. Overcoming my fear has not only helped in academic settings but
also improved my confidence in social interactions. This experience taught
me that self-awareness and strategic improvement are crucial for personal
growth. I now approach new challenges with a mindset of continuous
learning and resilience (Moon, 2004).
Reflective writing enables individuals to explore their experiences deeply and
derive valuable lessons. By acknowledging my fear, applying critical thinking,
organizing my thoughts, supporting my progress with evidence, and
reflecting on my growth, I have transformed my approach to public speaking.
This journey has reinforced the importance of perseverance, preparation,
and self-awareness in overcoming challenges.
References
Brookfield, S. D. (2017). Becoming a critically reflective teacher (2nd ed.).
Jossey-Bass.
Dewey, J. (1933). How we think: A restatement of the relation of reflective
thinking to the educative process. D.C. Heath.
Moon, J. A. (2004). A handbook of reflective and experiential learning: Theory
and practice. Routledge.
Ryan, M. (2011). Improving reflective writing in higher education: A social
semiotic perspective. Teaching in Higher Education, 16(1), 99-111.
Thompson, R. (2018). Strategies for overcoming public speaking anxiety: A
psychological perspective. Journal of Communication Studies, 45(2), 112-
130.
