Fear of Failing
Fear of Failing
Mar 25, 2026
By Michelle Peticolas
“People fear public speaking more than death.”
As Jerry Seinfeld joked, that means most people would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy.
I didn’t think I had that fear—until I stood in front of an audience with 56 minutes to fill after a four-minute film trailer… and my mind went completely blank.
That moment changed everything.
Why We Fear Public Speaking
Fear often comes from new situations and loss of control.
When I joined Toastmasters International, I had to adapt to shorter, structured speeches. It felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
Then came the unexpected—phones ringing mid-speech, interruptions on stage, technical issues. These moments can throw anyone off.
What Fear Feels Like
Fear isn’t just nerves.
It shows up physically—racing heart, shallow breathing—and mentally—freezing, forgetting what to say, or relying too much on a script.
Sometimes, it’s the fear of being judged.
How to Handle It
You don’t eliminate fear—you learn to manage it.
- Prepare with structure: clear opening, three points, strong close
- Practice ideas, not words: stay flexible
- Ground yourself: breathe, connect with the room
- Pause and continue: trust your next thought
Final Thought
Fear doesn’t go away.
But every time you speak, you prove you can handle it.
And over time, confidence replaces fear.
Keep speaking. It gets easier.
Dr. Michelle Peticolas is an international best-selling author of Step Into Your Brilliance, award-winning filmmaker, and sought-after life transformation coach. For over two decades, she has empowered high-achieving, mid-life women to reclaim their power and purpose after major loss, guiding them to turn pain into possibility. Blending personal wisdom with practical tools, she shows audiences that even the deepest wounds can become the source of their greatest strength.
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