By Kyle Patrick Smith, CEO of HRKyle Services

There was a time when I was terrified to speak in front of groups.

As an introvert, public speaking didn’t come naturally to me. I used to avoid eye contact in meetings, hope I wouldn’t be called on, and feel a wave of nerves every time I had to speak up. The idea of standing in front of a room—whether it was five people or fifty—felt overwhelming. Fast forward to today, and, well… now I sometimes have trouble knowing when to stop. (Yes, really. Just ask anyone who’s been to one of my keynotes.)

My journey into public speaking wasn’t about becoming someone else—it was about becoming comfortable being myself, out loud. I want to share what helped me grow into a more confident speaker, especially for those of you just starting to develop your own professional speaking skills.

Start Small and Practice Often

My earliest “speaking gigs” were small: sharing ideas during team huddles, volunteering to give updates, and gradually stepping up to lead internal trainings. Each time I spoke, it felt uncomfortable—but each time I did it, I got a little better. The key was consistency. Speaking is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Don’t wait for the big stage. Start where you are. Every chance to speak is a chance to grow.

Reframe the Nerves

I still get nervous before I speak—and I’ve learned to embrace that. Early on, I thought nerves meant I wasn’t cut out for public speaking. Now I know they mean I care. That energy can fuel focus and connection, rather than fear.

One thing that helped me: record yourself. Watch it back—not to critique, but to grow. You’ll catch habits, fillers, and opportunities to clarify your message. It’s awkward, but incredibly helpful.

Find Your Voice, Not Someone Else’s

At first, I tried to mimic the speakers I admired—those bold, animated, flawless communicators. But it never felt right. What changed everything for me was letting go of the performance and focusing on connection.

You don’t have to be the loudest or the flashiest. The most powerful speakers—whether they’re motivational speakers, keynote speakers, or leadership speakers—are authentic. Your story, your style, your pace… that’s what resonates.

Invest in Yourself

If you want to improve as a speaker, put yourself in situations that help you grow. Over time, I said yes to bigger opportunities: leading workshops, delivering corporate trainings, speaking at conferences. Along the way, I studied public speaking for professionals, learned from the best motivational speakers, and picked up practical tools I still use today.

Most importantly, I stayed committed to the process. Every talk is a new lesson. Every audience, a new opportunity.

Lead with Purpose

One of the best things I ever learned: focus less on being impressive, and more on being helpful (this is a good leadership lesson anyways). When I stopped worrying about how I looked and started focusing on how I could serve, everything shifted.

If your message can help someone think, grow, or feel seen—speak it. That’s what the best business speakers and corporate motivational speakers do. It’s not about a performance. It’s about making a difference.

Let’s Build Your Confidence, Together

I’ve gone from shy and nervous to leading rooms full of professionals—and I know you can, too. Whether you’re preparing for a big moment, stepping into leadership, or exploring a future in speaking, I’d be honored to help.

Ready to find your voice and grow your confidence?

Email me at Info@HRKyle.com, call me at 330-541-5533, or visit our website at HRKyle.com to learn more about how I help professionals like you step into speaking roles with clarity and confidence.