Public speaking is one of the most common fears in leadership, yet it is also one of the most powerful tools for influence, credibility, and connection. Across the hospitality industry, leaders describe for It’s Personal Stories different journeys to the stage, but all share one truth: speaking well is not about perfection. It’s about authenticity, preparation, and a willingness to grow. Their insights offer practical, grounded guidance for anyone seeking to strengthen their voice and elevate their leadership.

1. Preparation Builds Confidence

Harry Javer, Founder of The Lodging Conference, explains that public speaking became easier only through deliberate preparation. Early in his career, while introducing speakers night after night, he discovered that confidence follows readiness. After once announcing the wrong book title onstage, he realized, “I wasn’t prepared, I needed to prepare more.” Taking Dale Carnegie courses further strengthened his skills. His advice is simple: practice aloud, know your material thoroughly, and respect your audience by arriving prepared.

2. Be Yourself, Always

Jeff Higley, President of the BHN Group, grounds his speaking style in authenticity. “Be yourself,” he says, noting that he communicates the same way with CEOs as he does chatting sports with friends. He believes audiences immediately sense when someone is genuine and that sincerity builds trust faster than polished technique. For Higley, great communication is not about performing, it’s about connecting.

3. Know Your Message First

Justin Knight, CEO of Apple Hospitality REIT, admits that public speaking has never been his favorite responsibility. His strategy is to focus on substance above all else. “If the message is right, communicating it is far easier,” he explains. Knight advises leaders to develop clarity, conviction, and expertise before worrying about delivery. When you know exactly what you want to say, nerves soften and communication becomes more natural.

4. Fear Lessens With Experience

Liam Brown, Group President at Marriott International, recalls an early conference moment when he began speaking before he was ready and felt completely overwhelmed. Over time, repetition transformed fear into comfort. He emphasizes that nervousness doesn’t signal inability, it simply signals humanity. With each opportunity, from team meetings to conference stages, leaders build muscle memory that replaces anxiety with ease.

5. Lead With Storytelling

Alicia Evanko-Lewis, Executive Vice President at Northstar Travel Group, believes that the most memorable speakers are effective storytellers. She has seen firsthand how authentic stories spark connection, deepen engagement, and make ideas resonate long after an event ends. For anyone developing their voice, she recommends grounding presentations in real experiences and human moments because people remember stories, not slides.

6. Confidence Through Curiosity

Alexandra Jaritz, Senior Vice President, Global Category Head, All Suites & Focused Service Brands at Hilton, views curiosity as an essential ingredient in public speaking. Curiosity drives listening, which in turn makes speakers more relatable and responsive. It helps leaders stay present onstage, adjusting naturally instead of reciting memorized lines. When speakers approach audiences with openness and genuine interest, communication becomes a shared experience rather than a performance.

Your Voice Is a Skill, Not a Trait

Across these leaders’ journeys, a reassuring message emerges: no one is born a confident speaker. Public speaking becomes powerful when leaders pair preparation with authenticity, curiosity with clarity, and practice with purpose. The goal is not to eliminate fear, but to speak with conviction despite it. When leaders embrace their own voice, they don’t just communicate, they inspire.