The importance of public speaking and self-expression skills is often overlooked and feared by many. The majority of people simply do not like it. In a period of time when technology has revolutionized nearly every facet of life, it’s often easier to scroll through Instagram and watch endless TikTok videos instead of interacting with people during school and work breaks. It’s simply easier to watch YouTube videos all day than go to the park and meet new people. However, the importance of public speaking and self-expression should not be undermined.

Public speaking can often be overlooked by skills such as studying, reading, writing, etc. However, the evidence shows that when one speaks publicly, it elevates their abilities in all three fields. According to the Noah Webster Educational Foundation, 15% of speech and debate participants experience higher self-esteem, 31% of speech and debate participants attend classes more regularly, 36% of speech and debate participants see an increase in their reading test scores, and 87% of speech and debate participants demonstrate improved analytical skills.
The myriad of benefits not only increase one’s intelligence, but can directly impact one’s success in the workplace. A study done by World Metrics states that “public speaking skills contribute to better leadership abilities, according to 85% of executives.” Likewise, they report how “77% of professionals believe that speaking in public is vital for career advancement.”
With these statistics in mind, it is important to note that public speaking is not something one can pick up in a few days. Each person has to break out of their comfort zone and put themselves in unforeseen territory. It requires lots of practice, self-reflection, and resilience. In fact, it is one of the most feared things to do in life.
There are many ways to get involved. For high school and college students, they can simply introduce themselves to classmates they have never talked to, strike up a conversation, and join clubs where they will meet new people. For grownups who deal with this fear, they can strike a conversation at the park, or coffee shop, or even get involved in the community, such as volunteering at a local food bank
Still, the degree to which people are worried about public speaking cannot be understated. According to the National Social Anxiety Center, 74% of Americans are more afraid of public speaking than dying.
There are a variety of ways to alleviate the fear that many consider worse than death.

One way to help ease nerves is to do deep breathing exercises. A study by Harvard Business Review showed that participants who practiced deep breathing exercises experienced a 15% reduction in cortisol levels, a stress hormone. In return, lower stress levels can lead to increased confidence, which helps a person when they want to put themselves out there.
The opportunities are endless. The simple task of speaking to a group of others can be daunting to many, but with the right practice, it can be done. All you have to do is go outside and say hi to a stranger. Just give it a try.