Richard Branson's Smart Strategy for Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
Few things are as intimidating as speaking in front of a large crowd.
They all have their eyes on you, they're listening closely and scrutinizing every word, they may even be judging you. Of course, none of that is true half of the time, but that's what's going through your head.
But you know who else absolutely hates public speaking? Virgin Group billionaire and British eccentric Richard Branson. It's hard to believe that someone who was constantly pitching ideas, meeting with investors, and giving interviews would detest speaking in public, but it's true.
“I loathe making speeches, and always have,” said Branson in a blog post on Entrepreneur. He still cringes at the memory of having to give his very first speech in front of his classmates at school. But over the years, Branson has become accustomed to facing the dreaded crowds, thanks to a few valuable tips he's picked up along the way. They may very well help you overcome your own fear too.
1. Imagine you're having a friendly chat
In an interview with Business Insider, Branson almost bashfully explained how someone once told him to imagine he was having a chat with a friend in his living room.
After receiving this seemingly simple advice, every time Branson is tasked with public speaking, he ignores the fact there are millions of people watching him. Instead, he casually sits on stage and pretends he's telling a story to a group of friends.
It takes practice to fully convince yourself, but once you do, it removes a lot of the anxiety that makes public speaking difficult.
2. Always prepare
You don't have to be an expert at improv to be good at public speaking. Branson mentions in his blog post on Virgin how one of his favorite authors, Mark Twain, once said:
“Impromptu speaking – that is a difficult thing. I used to begin about a week ahead, and write out my impromptu speech and get it by heart.”
So don't panic if you're not the best at making spontaneous jokes. Prepare them, rehearse them, and learn to recite them so well that they sound like you just thought of them on the spot.
3. Practice, practice, practice
You probably sighed at this one. Everyone says the same thing, "practice makes perfect!" While it's not the magic solution you were hoping for, practice is truly how anyone gets better at anything.
To support this point, Branson always refers to Winston Churchill, who said he averaged an hour’s preparation for every minute of a speech. Put it this way: if you're not hearing your speech in your dreams, then you haven't practiced enough.
Branson ends his post with another Mark Twain quote:
There are only two types of speakers in the world: 1. The nervous. 2. Liars. So if you’re nervous, you’re in good company.
Now here's an exercise for you. Take these tips and use them while practicing a speech in front of a mirror, or your pets, or your partner. You'll feel silly at first, but the only way you'll stop feeling anxious about public speaking is if you get so accustomed to doing it that it almost becomes second nature.
If an entrepreneur like Branson who constantly lives in the public eye can do it practically every day, then you can certainly do it for that one meeting or event. Good luck!
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.