Federico Sendra, CEO and cofounder of SpaceDev, a consultancy and development services company with a focus on blockchain and web3.
Much has changed in the last couple of decades, including the life and work of executives. If you conjure a mental picture of Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, chances are you’re imagining them as you saw them many times: in an interview, talking to the camera or giving a speech at a packed auditorium. We now consider it normal, as if anyone behind a popular product is required to have a public persona. However, it wasn’t always like that—certainly not when my parents entered the job market.
The first time I stood on stage as a speaker, I couldn’t hear much over my heart palpitations. It was the all-too-common fear of public speaking acting up, sure, but it was also the accumulated stress of having had to juggle a busy schedule in the days prior so I could prepare well. Indeed, standing in the spotlight and delivering organized information to an audience is easier said than done, especially when it’s your first time.
Despite everything, I now consider public speaking one of the most rewarding parts of my career—it has empowered me as a CEO in surprising ways. If you’re an entrepreneur, especially in tech, stepping onto a stage could transform your entire business (and much more).
Why It Matters
Public speaking can boost your influence. When you take the stage at industry conferences, webinars or meetups, you color yourself a thought leader—someone others look to for wisdom and valuable ideas. This visibility often leads to opportunities and connections that otherwise might not have come your way, helping you scale your business as well as find partnerships, investors or even clients inspired by your vision.
In tech, where innovation and competitiveness lay down the beats, being in the eyes of the public can make a difference. Satya Nadella, for example, has leveraged public speaking to build credibility and shape public perception of his brand, Microsoft. When people associate you with expertise and authenticity, they naturally gravitate toward you.
Common Barriers
Despite the benefits, many entrepreneurs hesitate to take the plunge. Fear of speaking in public is a common phobia, as a 2017 Psychology Today article noted that it affected roughly 25% of people. Even veteran executives can feel anxiety at the thought of standing in front of a crowd.
Time can become an obstacle. Your calendar is likely jam-packed with meetings and various instances of critical decision-making. Preparing for a speaking engagement—from crafting a compelling narrative to rehearsing your delivery—requires freeing part of one’s schedule, which can feel impossible amid competing priorities.
Another hurdle is a lack of confidence or experience. Many worry about stumbling over their words, forgetting their points or failing to engage the audience. A usual culprit is the misconception that successful speakers are naturally charismatic, deterring people from even trying.
Learning To Wow An Audience
As with most things, preparation is key, so start by carving out dedicated time to hone the required skills. A speech coach can be a game changer, helping you refine your message and delivery. Organizations like Toastmasters provide a supportive environment for practicing, while online courses on platforms like Udemy or MasterClass offer flexible learning options.
Psychology experts have found that visualization can be a powerful therapeutic technique. Before an engagement (maybe in my hotel room), I might close my eyes and picture myself delivering a successful presentation. I imagine the audience nodding in agreement, laughing at my jokes and applauding at the end, and I add the sensations I’m likely to feel or want to embody. It can also help to research the venue beforehand; making it as real and vivid as possible matters. Research published by BJS Open noted that mental rehearsal activates the same neural pathways as actual practice.
Research published by Scientific Reports found that deep and slow breathing exercises can reduce anxiety. A Harvard Business Review article also noted that deep breathing can help you project your voice more effectively.
You can also leverage technology to improve. Apps like Speeko can analyze your tone, pacing and filler word usage, providing actionable feedback. Recording yourself during practice sessions is a great method to identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
The First Time Is Always The Hardest
You’re very much allowed to make mistakes or feel overwhelmed, but what matters most is taking that initial step. The experience of speaking to an audience—even if it’s just a small group—teaches you more than hours of preparation ever could.
Trust me—your first presentation won’t be as bad as you imagine. Focus on your message rather than yourself. Remember, the audience is there to learn from you, not to judge you (and they’re probably going to be somewhat distracted or thinking about their issues at home). By the time you finish, you’ll likely realize the anticipation was worse than the actual experience.
Pubic Speaking And Leadership
Becoming a speaker will make you a better captain of your ship. Crafting a memorable presentation requires you to distill complex ideas into simple, persuasive narratives—a skill that translates directly to managing teams and communicating with stakeholders.
Speaking can also strengthen empathy. Understanding your audience’s needs and fashioning a message that resonates with them fosters deeper connections. This ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes and adapt is invaluable in entrepreneurship.
Perhaps most importantly, public speaking can shift your perspective. It’s not about showcasing yourself but about giving to others. Every time you step on stage, you’re sharing knowledge, inspiring action and contributing to the growth of your audience. It’s a generous gesture that reflects the best qualities of leadership.
Take The Leap
As Ray Bradbury once said, “First you jump off the cliff and you build your wings on the way down.” Book that first event. It may feel daunting, but the rewards far outweigh the risks. The only way to become great is to start. Who knows? Your words might just change someone’s life—including yours.
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