Avoid what could be your biggest professional mistake

Imagine this: tomorrow you receive an invitation to speak at a major conference, the most important in your field. At first, you feel honored. But almost immediately, doubt creeps in: “I’ve never spoken at such an event. I’ve only presented in meetings, and even then, I didn’t feel very confident.”

At that moment, two options present themselves:
a) Accept the invitation and do your best to prepare.
b) Decline, hoping another chance will come when you feel ready.

From experience, I can tell you the second option is the worst one. Few things are more damaging to a career than letting opportunities for visibility slip away.

I speak from personal experience. I am a journalist with a background in radio, television, and multimedia, and an expert in communication. Over the past 23 years (and the last five running a communications agency) I have helped people and organizations around the world make the most of the increasingly rare opportunity to put their work in the spotlight.

Still, let’s be honest: public speaking isn’t easy. Around 77% of the population feels some degree of fear when speaking in public. Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is one of the most common phobias worldwide. So if your instinct is to choose the second option, know that you are not alone: you are simply joining the majority.

The better choice for your career and your sector

Scientific research confirms what many of us intuitively know: public speaking fuels professional growth. A 2025 MIT study showed that employees who received public speaking training were 12% more likely to be promoted into leadership roles, clear evidence that communication skills translate directly into career progression.

But the benefits go beyond personal advancement. Studies also show that presenting your work publicly significantly increases the diffusion and impact of ideas, even when the material is already available online. In other words, when you speak, your message travels further, touches more people, and has greater influence.

Training and practice: the first steps

In the end, public speaking is a strategic skill that professionals can no longer afford to ignore. It’s not only about conquering fear: it’s about recognizing its value in growing your career and amplifying the visibility of the issues and projects that matter most to you.

Training and practice, guided by experienced coaches, are the first steps to speaking with confidence and intention. At 10 Billion Solutions Academy, we have designed small-group courses, for no more than five people per session, to provide personalized feedback and ensure practical progress. For those who need targeted support, we also offer one-on-one micro-consulting and coaching sessions to help you not only seize opportunities, but create them.

Check out our programme

Take a look at the upcoming dates and secure your spot. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can use our contact form or write to us directly at academy@10billionsolutions.com. We’ll be happy to help!