From zero: Here's what I’d do if I’d never attempted to improve my public speaking.

In my career I’ve worked with tonnes of people who, at the very top of their Personal Development Plan, write, ‘Improve my public speaking.’

Unfortunately, in 99% of cases, that’s as far as it goes.

I guess I was in the 1% when I started my journey to improve, and I know many people have never taken that first step. Despite their desire to do so.

So, if I was starting from scratch today, knowing what I know now. What would I do first?

1. I’d join my local Toastmasters group

This is the gym for your speaking muscles. Toastmasters is where I learned to stand up, speak up and practise. The feedback you get at a Toastmasters meeting - from your own supportive group - is simply invaluable.

There are thousands of clubs around the world, and most big towns and cities have one. I’d encourage you to look up your local club today.

2. I’d watch every single TED talk on public speaking

Speakers like Julian Treasure, Amy Cuddy, and Chris Anderson have mastered the craft and broken it down for the rest of us.

Watch them, study them, noice how they open, how they use pauses, how their stories land. Learn from the best.

3. I’d attend every conference I could and, ideally, speak at them

Yes, it can be terrifying the first time. But conferences are where theory meets action. You’ll learn more in 15 minutes on a real stage than in 15 hours reading tips on LinkedIn.

Even if you’re just attending, it’s a chance to observe live speakers. What worked? What flopped? And if you’re speaking, even better. It builds confidence, authority, and a surprising number of LinkedIn connections.

4. I’d dive into the Better Public Speaking masterclass

Shameless plug? Maybe. But if you want practical, modern strategies without the fluff, the masterclass on this site is where it’s at. It distills years of speaking know-how into actionable lessons you can apply right away.

No jargon. No generic advice. Just results.

To sum up

If I’d never worked on my public speaking, I’d still be that guy from Marketing who is hit and miss when he presents. Improving your public speaking doesn’t just make you a better speaker, it changes how people see you. And more importantly, how you see yourself.

So if you’re starting from zero, good news: the roadmap’s right here. Just take the first step.

Hate public speaking? Let’s fix that.

If you want to start your journey to banish your fear of public speaking and presenting, improve your confidence, and boost your career prospects, then check out the online masterclass here at Better Public Speaking.