TL;DR:
Fear of public speaking affects students’ mental health, academic performance, and career readiness. Integrating storytelling and public speaking in school and university curricula builds confidence, improves communication skills, and equips students for personal and professional success.
Public speaking is consistently among the top fears in the UK. According to YouGov (April 2025), it ranks in the top three phobias nationally. Among students, the issue is even more pronounced: studies from 2021 found that 64% of university students reported fear of speaking in public, with similar findings in previous years indicating high levels of anxiety.
This fear isn’t just an emotional hurdle; it affects academic success, career progression, and overall well-being. Students who lack confidence in communication may struggle to contribute in class, participate in discussions, or present their ideas clearly.
For educators and institutions, this is a societal issue and one that can be mitigated through structured learning opportunities, including public speaking courses online, workbooks, and journals.
Understanding Student Fear of Public Speaking
Several factors contribute to public speaking anxiety among students:
- Misconceptions: Many feel they are alone in their fear, seeing it as a personal flaw rather than a common experience (Fearless Public Speaking).
- Inadequate Preparation: Practising in low-pressure environments often doesn’t prepare students for real-world speaking situations.
- Focus on External Factors: The anxiety comes from being the focus of attention and fearing negative judgment from peers.
- Fear of Failure (Atelophobia): Worries about forgetting words, making mistakes, or embarrassing oneself are common triggers.
The YouGov survey highlights the scope of the problem among younger populations:
- 63% of Gen Z would avoid public speaking if they weren’t required to do it
- Forgetting words (36%) is the top anxiety trigger.
- Job interviews (32%), speeches (25%), and work presentations (22%) are the most intimidating scenarios.
Despite this, there is a willingness among students to face their fears: 14% find public speaking scary but push themselves to do it, while 20% don’t like it but will participate if necessary.
Why Education Must Prioritise Public Speaking
Confidence in communication is not just a soft skill. It’s a transferable skill that underpins success in academics, employment, home life and personal development. By embedding public speaking and storytelling into curricula, schools and universities can:
- Improve confidence in communication
- Reduce anxiety and its impact on mental health.
- Equip students with essential skills for job interviews, presentations, personal and professional life.
- Enhance critical thinking and clarity of thought.
- Encourage creativity and self-expression through storytelling.
Providing structured opportunities to practise these skills ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also socially, personally and professionally equipped.
Practical Tools: Courses, Workbooks, and Journals
Integrating tools such as online courses, workbooks, and journals supports student learning by creating a safe environment to practise and reflect:
- Online courses: Flexible modules allow students to build skills at their own pace, practising public speaking in a structured way. Explore courses
- Workbooks: Step-by-step exercises guide students through techniques for overcoming fear and improving delivery. Add a workbook to your learning library
- Journals: Reflection journals support confidence, mental health, and ongoing development, helping students track progress and celebrate achievements. Start your confidence journal today
These resources complement classroom learning, enabling students to practise, review, and internalise skills independently.
Storytelling: Building Engagement and Influence
Storytelling is not just a creative exercise; it’s a critical life skill. Students who learn the importance of storytelling can:
- Engage audiences with clarity and purpose
- Persuade and inform effectively.
- Build confidence in sharing ideas in both academic, personal and social contexts.
By practising storytelling in educational establishments including school, college, and university, students develop communication skills that will serve them throughout their careers and personal lives.
Embedding Public Speaking in Education
Educational Institutions can embed public speaking through:
- Classroom presentations and debates.
- Dedicated communication or confidence modules.
- Integration into induction programmes and extracurricular activities.
- Access to online courses, workbooks, and journals.
- Bringing in experts to deliver workshops and webinars.
This holistic approach ensures that students regularly practise and develop skills, reducing anxiety and enhancing confidence in communication.
FAQs
1. How common is fear of public speaking among students?
Studies from 2021 found that 64% of university students reported fear of public speaking, with ongoing research showing that this fear continues to affect mental health, academic success, and career progression.
2. What tools help students overcome this fear?
Courses, workbooks, and reflection journals provide structured practice, guidance, and self-assessment, helping students build confidence and reduce anxiety.
3. Why is storytelling important in education?
Storytelling helps students engage others, present ideas clearly, and communicate persuasively — skills that are valuable academically, socially, and professionally.
Public speaking and storytelling are essential life skills, yet fear of speaking remains a significant barrier for students. By integrating public speaking courses online, workbooks, and journals into school and university programmes, educators can help students overcome anxiety, build confidence, and prepare for success beyond the classroom.
Take the next step: Explore my public speaking courses, workbooks, and journals today
