.png)
Why Speech Anxiety Isn’t the Enemy
Natella Isazada | Assistant Professor
ACSS Department, University Canada West
Have you ever felt fear of public speaking also known as speech anxiety or stage fright? Have you wished you could snap your fingers and make it disappear? If so, you’re not alone. Every term, I meet students and professionals who are nervous about speaking in front of an audience, and who believe great speakers feel no fear. But here’s a secret: nervousness isn’t a flaw. In fact, it’s something to embrace, because it’s proof that you care.
We often forget that our audience, even when attending a free event, is still giving us their most valuable currency: their time and attention. Wanting to honour that gift naturally triggers a physiological response. Your heartbeat rises, your hands warm, your thoughts sharpen. This isn’t weakness — it’s biology.
Evolutionary psychology helps explain this. Our ancestors depended on group belonging for survival, so speaking in front of others carried real social risk. Our brain’s survival system still reacts as if the stakes are life-or-death. So, if your knees shake before a presentation, congratulations — you’re human.
Even world-renowned speakers experience this. Warren Buffett has admitted he was “terrified” of public speaking early in his career and even avoided courses that required him to talk (CNN Business, 2020). Adele regularly experiences stage fright before performances and has spoken openly about panic attacks before concerts (The Guardian, 2016). None of these two eliminated fears — they learned to work with it.
The goal isn’t to erase anxiety; it’s to manage it. Here are a few evidence-based strategies to help transform nervousness into focus:
1. Reframe the sensations.
Harvard research shows that shifting from “I’m anxious” to “I’m excited” reduces performance stress by redirecting attention to opportunity rather than threat (Brooks, 2014). You’re not nervous — you’re energized.
2. Practice under realistic conditions.
Don’t rehearse silently in your head. Speak out loud. Stand up. Use gestures. This helps your brain encode the experience as familiar instead of threatening. Practice in front of a real audience even if it’s your roommate, your grandmother who doesn’t speak English, a child, or even a cat. Any live audience helps you get used to staying on track despite inevitable distractions.
3. Prepare your opening line.
A strong, memorized opener reduces the initial adrenaline spike and helps you settle into your rhythm. It also sets a confident tone for your audience.
4. Use the 4–6 breathing method.
Inhale for four seconds, exhale for six. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and slows the heart rate.
5. Focus on service, not performance.
Ask yourself, “What value do I want to give my audience?” When the focus shifts from perfection to contribution, pressure decreases and authenticity increases.
The goal isn’t to silence your nervousness — it’s to harness it. A touch of anxiety sharpens your focus, reminds you that the moment matters, and signals that you respect your audience. Great speakers aren’t fearless. They’re simply in control — and so can you be.
References for a good read:
Brooks, A. W. (2014). Get excited: Reappraising pre-performance anxiety as excitement. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143(3), 1144–1158. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035325
CNN Business. (2020, February 14). Warren Buffett used to be terrified of public speaking—here’s how he got over it. https://www.cnn.com
The Guardian. (2016, February 29). Adele: I get so nervous before shows I sometimes have panic attacks. https://www.theguardian.com
What Makes a Great Elevator Pitch?
Adnan Sarwar, Full-Time Term Faculty
ACSS Department, University Canada West
Interviewer: Natella Isazada
In your view, what makes the elevator pitch truly memorable and persuasive?
Adnan: A truly effective elevator pitch is a concise, well-structured introduction that communicates who you are, what you do, and why it matters—all within a few seconds. It is not just about delivering information; it is about creating an immediate sense of clarity, confidence, and purpose. Because we rarely get a second chance to make a first impression, an elevator pitch must be intentional, authentic, and aligned with the value you bring.
The most impactful pitches are:
✔ Clear – They avoid jargon and get to the point quickly.
✔ Value-Driven – They highlight a meaningful benefit or unique strength.
✔ Authentic – The tone feels real, confident, and consistent with who you are.
✔ Emotionally Resonant – They leave the listener feeling something—interest, trust, or inspiration.
✔ Tailored – They subtly align with the audience’s goals, industry, or challenges.
When delivered well, an elevator pitch can open doors, build trust, and invite deeper conversation.
Natella: Can you recall a time when an elevator pitch made a real difference in your life?
Adnan: I met our former ACSS Program Chair and elevator-pitched him cold in 30 seconds at the GUS Christmas Party in 2021. This is what I said: “Hi George, my name is Adnan Sarwar, I have been teaching undergraduate courses to international students over the past 12 years at various colleges and universities in Vancouver, BC and I can teach Business, Marketing and Hospitality Management courses at UCW. I am also an award-winning AI and FinTech Entrepreneur. Would you like someone like me teaching in your department?” He gave me his business card, I sent him my resume same evening and have been working for UCW, ever since, for 4 years now.
Natella: What common mistakes do you see people make when delivering their pitch?
Adnan: Most people talk too much about themselves and overwhelm their prospect instead of getting to know them first as a person. One of the best formulas I learned early on is FORM, which is:
F for Family - most people love when you ask them about their family.
O for Occupation - second most important thing for new people you meet is their job, career or business.
R for Recreation - third most common things are hobbies / interests, people love sharing what they like doing in their spare time.
M for Message | this is when you deliver your Elevator Pitch
For the formula to work, we need to focus on FOR 99% on them and only 1% on the M.
Natella: Students often want to know how to tailor an elevator pitch depending on the audience, while staying true to themselves. How do you personally navigate that balance between authenticity and adaptability?
Adnan: It all begins with understanding that different audiences care about different outcomes. While the core of who you are remains consistent, the emphasis shifts based on what the listener values most. This intentional alignment shows respect for their priorities and makes your message far more compelling.
For an investor, the focus should be on opportunity and impact. Highlight the problem you are solving, the market potential, and why your solution is positioned to win. Investors listen for scalability, differentiation, and confidence.
For a potential employer, the emphasis should shift to skills, experience, and measurable results. Employers want to hear how you add value, how you solve problems, and how your strengths align with their organizational needs.
For a collaborator or partner, prioritize shared goals, complementary strengths, and mutual benefit. They need to understand how working together elevates both sides and why the partnership creates outcomes neither could achieve alone.
In each case, the structure stays similar, but the language and focus adapt to the listener’s interests. This audience-centered approach ensures your pitch feels relevant, respectful, and strategic—ultimately increasing the likelihood of engagement and connection.
Natella: With so many digital platforms now, do you think the traditional in-person elevator pitch still matters? How has it evolved?
Adnan: Absolutely—the traditional in-person elevator pitch still matters, perhaps now more than ever. While digital platforms have expanded the ways we introduce ourselves, they haven’t replaced the value of real-time human connection. In-person moments—whether at events, conferences, or chance encounters—carry an immediacy and authenticity that no online profile can fully replicate. You can’t hide behind editing, filters, or multiple drafts; your presence becomes part of the pitch.
That said, the elevator pitch has definitely evolved. Today, it’s no longer just a 30-second spoken introduction. It’s a multiplatform identity that must stay consistent across LinkedIn summaries, emails, video introductions, and even your digital footprint. The modern pitch is:
✔ Shorter — attention spans are tighter.
✔ More visual — digital platforms force you to communicate value quickly.
✔ More personal — people expect authenticity and relatability.
✔ More interactive — conversations now flow between online and offline spaces.
Remember, in the Age of AI, it is even more important TO BE HUMAN.
Natella: Thank you, Adnan, for generously sharing your insights with our audience.