The Scariest Speech I Ever Gave (And Why I’m Glad I Didn’t Back Out)

Have you ever had to speak in front of people and felt like your whole body wanted to run away?

Today’s Daily Prompt asked: “Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?” and it instantly took me back to one of the most anxiety-filled moments of my life.

It wasn’t a speech or a performance in the usual sense.

I was asked to give the eulogy at my grandfather’s funeral.

My grandpa was a very well-known and deeply loved man. He volunteered as a firefighter for over 40 years, and the impact he had on our community was huge. On the day of his funeral, hundreds of people showed up to honour him.

For someone with severe anxiety, that sight was… overwhelming.

Rows and rows of people.

Uniforms.

Tearful faces.

Family members looking to me to say something meaningful.

Every part of me wanted to back out. My heart was racing, my hands were shaking, my chest felt tight, and my brain kept whispering, “You can’t do this. You’re going to mess up. Everyone is watching.”

But another part of me knew how much my grandpa meant to me — and how much I wanted to honour him.

So I took a breath.

And then another.

I reminded myself that I didn’t have to be perfect; I just had to be honest.

When it was time to speak, I walked up anyway — right alongside my anxiety — and read the words I’d written. I talked about his years of service, his humour, his stories, and how he always showed up when people needed him.

My voice shook.

I stumbled over a few words.

But I got through it.

When I sat down, the anxiety was still buzzing… but underneath it was something else I wasn’t used to feeling: pride.

I was proud that I didn’t let my anxiety make the decision for me.

I was proud that I chose love over fear.

And I’m so grateful I didn’t back out, because I don’t regret it for a second.

Sometimes, anxiety tells us that we can’t handle big, meaningful moments.

But sometimes those are the very moments that show us how strong we are.

💛 Today’s prompt for you:

Have you ever had to speak or perform in front of others while feeling anxious?

What was it for, and how did you get through it?

If you feel comfortable, I’d love to hear your story in the comments. You never know who might feel a little less alone because you shared. 🌿

If you’re working on your anxiety too, you might really love the Calm & Confident Anxiety Recovery Course I created

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