The Water That Wasn't There: A Lesson About Fear of Public Speaking

Most people who are terrified of public speaking aren't afraid of the stage. They're afraid of something that doesn't exist — and I can prove it.

The water wasn't there

As a young boy, I was standing in front of my parents' house on a hot summer's day.

At the end of the road I could clearly see a pool of water shimmering on the tar. I ran inside and asked my mother if we could go swim down there.

She laughed and told me it was an illusion — just hot air rising from the road.

I didn't believe her. I could see the water with my own eyes.

So I walked to the end of the road.

There was nothing there. There never had been.

The next day I saw the "water" again. But this time I knew it wasn't real — and it had no power over me.

Here's why I'm telling you this.

Most people who are terrified of public speaking aren't afraid of the stage. They're afraid of something that doesn't exist.

"They'll judge me." "I'll go blank." "They'll see how nervous I am."

These feel completely real. Just like the water felt real to me.

But walk to the end of the road and see what's actually there.

Your fear of speaking isn't the truth. It's hot air.