Every Leader Is a Public Speaker — Whether You Signed Up or Not
Why communication — not charisma — is the real foundation of trust and leadership.
I’ve spent many hours standing in front of audiences throughout my career — sometimes fully prepared, sometimes speaking completely on the fly — and here’s what I’ve learned:
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being a clear one.
Teams don’t actually need charisma — they need clarity. They need leaders who can communicate calmly, confidently, and with purpose, whether that happens in a boardroom, a hallway conversation, a Zoom meeting, or on a stage. And the truth is this: if you lead people, you are already a public speaker, whether you ever planned to be one or not.
Some leaders are naturally outgoing and expressive, but even extroverted leaders still feel nervous before they speak. Others are quiet and thoughtful, and for them, public speaking can feel like being placed under a spotlight they never asked for. Both experiences are valid — and both types of leaders can become strong, trustworthy communicators.
Here’s the most important truth I want you to know: your audience rarely notices your mistakes. If you stumble over a word, pause to think, or briefly lose your place, you will notice it far more than they ever will. People are listening for meaning — not performance. They are not measuring you against perfection. And that is a comfort.
Communicating well isn’t about saying everything — it’s about saying what matters. Clear leaders don’t overwhelm people with detail. They simplify, focus, and get to the point. That clarity builds confidence. Rambling creates doubt. And yes — we all use filler words when we’re nervous. Awareness simply helps us grow.
Our body language also communicates constantly. Tone, posture, eye contact, and presence often speak louder than our words. Sometimes we project tension or uncertainty without realizing it. Other times, we communicate steadiness simply by being grounded and present. The good news is — these are skills we can learn.
Public speaking may still feel intimidating. Your heart may race. Your face may blush. Your voice may shake. But the only way through that fear is to do it — gently, repeatedly, with compassion for yourself. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the decision to show up anyway.
And preparation truly helps. Having structure steadies the mind. Practicing aloud (not just in your head) makes a difference. Keeping slides simple — three key ideas, often supported by images — helps your audience stay connected. And if humour isn’t your strength, you don’t need to force it. Your presence is enough.
You will stumble at times. You may forget a sentence. You may feel nervous. And you will still be a capable, trustworthy leader whose voice matters.
Because here is the heart of the matter: communication — not charisma — is what builds trust. And when leaders communicate clearly, people feel safer. Teams gain direction. Uncertainty settles. Culture strengthens.
That is why every leader is, in one way or another, a public speaker.
And whether you are quiet or outgoing, confident or nervous, your voice still matters more than you think.
To learn more about our public speaking workshops or one-on-one executive coaching, click here.
Warmly,
Nancy Riegel