Almost thirty years ago, I had a moment that majorly shifted the trajectory of my professional life.
I’d just discovered that public speaking wasn’t only a skill - it was a profession. And, to my amazement, people were actually getting paid to do it. I thought, “Maybe… just maybe, that I’ve found what I want to be, when I grow up.”
However, I knew there was a problem. Standing in front of a crowd, I was terrified of being judged - or worse, humiliated!
So, on my own time, out of my own pocket, I booked myself into one of those classic 3-day Train the Trainer programs - I didn’t know exactly what I was walking into, but I knew why I was there.
Day One. The facilitator walks in - sharp, seasoned, with a presence that owns the room — and straight away kicks off with a question:
“What do you want to get out of this program?”
Without hesitation, I said:
“I want to overcome my fear of public speaking.”
He looked at me - deadpan - and replied:
“I’m sorry. I can’t help you with that. Next.”
I was floored.
This was the reason that I’d signed up. The fear had been sitting in the pit of my stomach now for years. I wanted it gone!
I raised my hand again. “Hang on - that’s my number one goal for being here.”
He paused, and then said something that has stayed with me ever since:
“Richard, don’t ever aim to eliminate the fear. That fear is energy. It’s what keeps you honest and humble. The moment that it disappears, you become complacent. Clinical. Even contemptuous of your audience.
I see it all the time - especially in academia, where I work - speakers who walk in with zero fear… and zero regard for the people in front of them. Don’t ever become that kind of presenter.”
That single moment (for me)… changed everything. It reframed how I viewed public speaking. And fear.
And here’s the kicker. Just this fortnight - nearly three decades on - I still feel that fear.
But now, it walks hand-in-hand with excitement.
Recently I delivered an executive program for senior clinicians. Key-noted a national event in the motor industry. Facilitated a two-day leadership program in Sydney for a major insurer. A video recording for our Proteus website and a virtual session from the studio.
Different sectors. Different rooms. But every time - every single time - just before I step up, I feel that same cocktail of nerves and adrenaline rising.
And to this day, I still remind myself to welcome it.
Because it means that I care. It means this audience matters. Because that edge and tension is where real presence lives. It sharpens your storytelling. Anchors your energy. And reminds you that this moment truly counts - for them.
To this day, I don’t try to get rid of the fear. I flip it. From ‘nervous to service’. I get excited. I breathe it in.
Because that’s the difference between someone who talks at you…
and someone who truly presents - because they care.
Wishing you a wonderful week of embracing your fears and daring to care.
Richard Dore
Co-CEO - Director of Partnerships
Proteus Leadership
One of the most important skills that a leader can possess is the ability to communicate effectively. We are often called on to present information or strategy, or maybe to conduct a meeting; not having the appropriate skills can stop us getting an important messages across.
This program has been designed to give participants the communication skills and templates required to effectively deliver the message they want, and to gain maximum impact.
The structures and templates introduced in this program are invaluable for any person wanting to gain confidence and to take that next step in their communication development.
Tables and individual places are now limited so, click on the button below to register yourself and your team today!
Face-to-face Masterclass
with Richard Dore
Adelaide – 8 Oct
Melbourne – 15 Oct
Brisbane – 22 Oct
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