February 16, 2026

Liz Wool Insights

Liz Wool interview on WSMV "Today In Nashville"

How to Sound Confident (Even When Your Heart Is Racing)

Do you get anxious at networking events? Does your heart race when you have to speak in front of your team? Do you avoid speaking with your boss about important issues? Does the thought of giving a presentation at work make your palms sweat, you feel hot and sweaty, hands shake, leg shakes (this happened in my first presentation) and feeling nauseous just thinking about public speaking?

Here's the thing I want you to know right from the start—public speaking isn't just a skill; it is the gateway to opportunities to reach your dreams, goals, visibility and legacy. I realized in my thirties, that in order to get ahead in my career, I needed to overcome my fear of public speaking. This was the first step to achieve promotions, recognition and primo assignments that showcased my talents, abilities and capabilities! These kinds of opportunities are available to YOU! Effective public speaking will change your career, expand your network, and open doors you didn't even know existed.

Because here's the truth: your voice is your future.

I've Been There Too

Listen, I understand this fear. I've gone through it myself. Can I let you in on a secret? Everyone feels nervous before speaking. And I mean everyone. Even the most confident people you know—the ones who seem like they were born with a microphone in their hand—they get butterflies too.

The difference isn't that you don't feel fear. The difference is that you train your mind and heart to co-exist while you’re speaking and feeling discomfort. You can learn to fuel your energy and excitement with the right thought processes versus focusing on your anxiety. This shift will create confidence in the midst of your speaking anxiety and help you say ‘I got this’ and walk out of the fear when you finish speaking and CHEER (silently in your mind, like me!).

And I want you to understand something really important:

What you have to say is important.What you say is unique. People want to know you. They want to connect with you. They want to hear your insights, your intelligence, your perspective.

The most confident speakers that you see have learned how to train their mind to work WITH them, not against them.

Break Through Self-Limiting Beliefs

When planning a presentation or speech, do you hear voices in your head telling you that you're not good enough? That people will judge you? That you'll mess up?

Those thoughts are self-limiting beliefs and it’s time to get rid of them.

You can start by tapping into what you know to be true and using affirmations to knock those negative thoughts out of your mind:

• "I am worthy."

• "I deserve this."

• "I have something important to say."

• "People are going to value me."

• “I am smart.”

• “I am an expert too!”

You have a purpose. And when you're connected to that purpose, when you believe in your message, the fear doesn't disappear—but it takes a back seat to your passion.

Start Small and Build Your Confidence

If fear is holding you back from opportunities, promotions, or just sharing your brilliant ideas with the world, you can start small. Really small. And that's completely okay.

• Practice often.Not just before the big presentation. Practice in low-stakes situations—team meetings, coffee chats, networking events, even talking to yourself in the mirror. Every conversation is an opportunity to build your speaking muscle that creates YOUR unstoppable confidence.

• Use your affirmations daily.Your brain believes what you tell it repeatedly. Make those positive thoughts louder than the negative ones.

• Connect to your why.Whether it's advancing your career, building your network, or sharing knowledge that could help others—remember why you are speaking in the first place and connect to your higher purpose.

Your Voice Matters

Public speaking is a skill, and like any skill, it gets stronger with practice—just like athletes! The opportunities waiting for you—presentations, speaking engagements, networking connections, conversations with your boss or colleagues—they're all within your reach.

Your voice deserves to be heard. People want to connect with you. And the world needs to hear what you have to say.

Start where you are, use what you have, and take that first small step.

You will overcome your public speaking anxiety and nerves - Like ME! And SOAR towards your goals and dreams!

💪 You've got this!