From Fear to Freedom: How Public Speaking Can Transform Your Business and Career | The Nathan Newberry Show

Introduction

Public speaking remains one of the most common fears people face, yet it can be one of the most powerful tools for growing your business, spreading your message, and creating impact. In this episode of The Nathan Newberry Show, speaking coach and professional speaker Sam Demma shares his journey from shattered soccer dreams to building a nearly seven-figure speaking business. He reveals how shifting your mindset from self-focus to audience service can transform your presentation skills and open doors to new opportunities.

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Sam Demma addresses the number one fear most entrepreneurs face: public speaking. He explains that the anxiety comes from unfamiliarity and the feeling of being observed.

"What's helped me the most is reminding myself that it's not actually about me, it's about the audience. Every time I make it about me, I feel really nervous. Every time I make it about the audience and that I'm just here to serve and support and spread a message that's going to help people, shifting it from me to them typically helps calm me down."

Even as an experienced speaker with nearly 700 keynote performances under his belt, Sam admits he still gets nervous before major events. For his upcoming speech to 5,000 people in California, he knows he'll feel those butterflies. However, he counters this anxiety with extensive preparation and a service mindset.

Practical Tips for Reducing Speaking Anxiety:

1. Remember it's about serving the audience, not yourself
2. Practice your material repeatedly until it becomes second nature
3. Start small with groups like Toastmasters to gain experience
4. Focus on the value you're providing rather than personal judgment

Building a Successful Speaking Career

For entrepreneurs looking to expand their impact beyond one-on-one interactions, Sam outlines the path to building a speaking career:

1. Craft Your Keynote Message

The foundation of a successful speaking career is a powerful message that resonates with audiences. Sam emphasizes that you can't just write a great speech—you have to deliver it repeatedly to refine it.

"You can't actually earn the keynote by writing it down. You earn it by delivering it because every time you do it, you're going to see how the audience reacts and you're going to change how you deliver it."

2. Practice Consistently

Sam joined Toastmasters and delivered a five-minute speech every week for two and a half years, using the feedback to sharpen his material. This consistent practice allowed him to become comfortable and confident in his delivery.

3. Implement Effective Outreach

The marketing aspect of speaking is where many talented speakers fall short. Sam reveals his approach:

"I would recommend at least 20 high-quality videos a day if you're super serious about just growing a speaking career... I did like 20 a day for a full school year and ended up booking 30 talks."

He demonstrates his personalized video approach during the podcast, showing how he introduces himself to potential clients in a way that stands out from generic email pitches.

The Business Benefits of Public Speaking

Beyond the personal development aspects, Sam outlines several key business benefits of developing your speaking skills:

New Revenue Streams

Speaking can be lucrative, with corporate speakers earning between $20,000 to $70,000 per engagement. Even in education, which tends to pay less but aligned with Sam's passion, he's built a business approaching $1 million in annual revenue.

Enhanced Marketing Opportunities

"Think about your speaking as someone paying you to market your services to your ideal clients. There are conferences with your ideal clients sitting in chairs, and if you have some lovely stories you can share that could help them, someone will pay you to go market in front of your top prospects."

Expanded Network and Travel

Speaking engagements have taken Sam across Canada, the United States, Kenya, and soon to Australia—all expenses paid. This travel creates opportunities to build relationships with potential clients and partners worldwide.

The Mindset of High-Performance Speakers

What separates ordinary speakers from extraordinary ones? According to Sam, it's commitment to service over self-promotion.

"I think the industry needs more people who see the opportunity not from a revenue standpoint... but from an impact standpoint that they can make a significant contribution, fill their heart with fulfillment, and also make a good living doing it."

He believes high performance comes from "having the discipline to do the fundamentals consistently day in and day out, even when you don't feel like it." This applies especially to speaking, where practice and preparation are essential for success.

Continuous Learning

Sam attributes his growth to:

• Reading industry books from experts like Jane Atkinson and Michael Port
• Joining professional associations like CAPS (Canadian Association of Professional Speakers)
• Working with a personal coach for three years
• Attending conferences and workshops to refine his craft

Conclusion

Public speaking represents one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for entrepreneurs looking to scale their impact and business. By overcoming the initial fear, consistently practicing your message, and implementing strategic outreach, you can transform speaking from a source of anxiety to a pathway for growth.

As Sam reminds us, "If someone has a story they think could help people, you're being selfish by not choosing to share it." The world needs authentic voices who care more about making a difference than simply collecting a check.

Ready to take your message to the stage? Start small, practice consistently, and remember that it's about serving your audience, not showcasing yourself.

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