From Fear to Global Stages: 3 Things I Would’ve Told My Public-Speaking-Fearing Self

Hey, it's Dawn McGruer, the Business Growth Coach, and welcome to Dawn of a New Era, the podcast where we talk all things health, wealth and happiness, and where founders share the good, the bad and ugly of being an entrepreneur. Welcome to episode 161, From Fear to Global Stages: Three Things I Would Have Told My Public Speaking Fearing Self. Welcome back to Dawn of a New Era, the podcast where we explore what it really means to be a woman in business, building a wildly successful life and legacy on your own terms. I'm your host, Dawn McGruer, and today we're getting super real.

We're diving into something that held me back for years, and if you're listening, I have a feeling it might be something you felt too. That twist in your stomach before speaking, the racing heartbeat, the urge to hide behind slides or avoid the mic altogether. Yep, we're talking about public speaking fear, and more specifically, what I would have told my public speaking fearing self before I ever stepped onto a stage, became a keynote speaker, or stood in front of global audiences. And trust me, if I can go from terrified to thriving, you can too.

So let's jump in. Now, item number one is no one wants perfect, they want real. So let's start with the biggest myth I believed for far too long, that if I didn't sound like a polished TED Talk speaker or have the perfect slides, I had no business being on stage. Sound familiar?

But here's what I know now, deep in my bones. People aren't looking for perfect, they're craving connection. Your audience isn't judging your every word, they're listening for the one moment that makes them say, She gets me. That moment of relatability where the real power is.

In fact, the times I stumbled or paused or shared something vulnerable, those were often the moments I got most feedback. So if you're holding back because you're not perfect yet, please hear this. You are already powerful. You just need to speak from your truth.

Now, number two, your voice is a vehicle for impact, not judgment. And one of the biggest mindset shifts that changed everything for me was this. I stopped focusing on being impressive, and I started focusing on being of service. Because when you're worried about being judged, your energy is inwards.

But when you're focused on making a difference, your energy goes outwards. And that shift, that's where your power lives. Let me ask you this. What if your voice is exactly what someone in the room needs to hear today?

What if your story is the catalyst for someone else's breakthrough? Because I promise you, when you start thinking about your audience as humans, not critics, your fear melts into purpose. Now, number three, confidence doesn't come first. It comes from doing the scary thing.

And let's bust another myth, because confidence doesn't magically appear one day. No one wakes up and says, Today I suddenly feel fearless. Let's go speak to 500 people. You know, that just doesn't happen.

But what actually happens? You do the scary thing. You feel the nerves, and you survive. And then you go on to do it again.

And this time, you stumble less. And then again, and suddenly it's exciting instead of terrifying. So confidence is built through action, not preparation, not theory, not mindset work alone. The version of me who now loves speaking is the same woman who once felt physically sick before networking events.

The only difference? I just kept showing up. I stopped waiting to feel confident and started acting as if I already was. And with every room, every mic, every yes, the fear got smaller and my impact got bigger.

So if you're still with me, here's your loving reminder. You don't need to be ready. You just need to be willing. Say yes to the stage.

Say yes to the podcast interview. Say yes to sharing your story, even if your voice shakes, because your message is bigger than your fear. So here's a quick recap. Let's wrap this up with the three truths I want you to remember.

No one wants perfect. They want real. Speak with heart, not with rehearsed scripts. Your voice is impact, not performance.

And focus on connection over perfection. Confidence comes from action. The more you speak, the more powerful you become. And if you're thinking, Dawn, I want to feel confident.

I want to scale. I want to show up as this version of me, then I'd love to help. Whether it's joining my next mastermind, attending one of my retreats, or jumping into the 100K in 90 Days challenge, this is what I do. I help women unlock the most powerful version of their voice and build a business around it.

So DM me the word confidence on Instagram at Dawn McGruer, or check out the show notes to book a free Scale Strategy call today. Because here's the thing: your story is your superpower. Your voice is your vehicle. And the world is ready for what you have to say.

I believe in you, and I can't wait to see you take the mic. So until next time, remember, you were never meant to stay small. You were born to speak, lead, and thrive. And this is your Dawn of a New Era.

Thanks for listening to Dawn of a New Era, the podcast brought to you in association with the Her Power Community. This initiative was founded by myself, and it's all about empowering female founders to recognize their limitless potential and pursue their ambitions with confidence. Now, there is less than 1.8% that goes into investing in female-founded businesses, and we are here to make positive change.

So come and support us on Instagram at Her Power Community and find out more about what we're doing to support female founders to scale and grow their businesses.