Beat the Fear of Public Speaking / 3

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Quite a cliff-hanger, eh! If you read my book, or sign up for my course, you will find out what happened.

I survived, obviously. I didn’t actually die, if you see what I mean. And it’s important to emphasise this fact, because surveys have shown that most people fear public speaking more than death itself.

The comedian Jerry Seinfeld made a good joke about this:

At a funeral, most people would prefer to be in the casket than deliver the eulogy.

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Where Was I? Oh, yes…

That first participant wrote this after joining me for one of the online Ask-Me-Anything sessions:


I honestly can’t thank you enough for your time, attention, and insights today. They’ve been invaluable.

I’m not even two full lessons into this course, but already I’m thinking completely differently about what public speaking is, and how I might shape a personally meaningful talk into something valuable for others – a talk I would not have considered at all, had I not been (gently) pushed to consider it!

I was also grateful for your honesty about your own public speaking experiences throughout this session. Not only were they fascinating to listen to and learn from, but I felt encouraged to open up in return. This has helped me define some more areas to think about for my Arrangement homework.

I’m a bit scared about where all this is going to end up (I’m thinking it might be a big, hairy talk!) but this is already turning out to be a thought-provoking and fulfilling course, so thank you again.

Big hairy talk! I’m delighted.

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Good Enough For These Fine People…

Rather to my surprise, participants on my in-person courses have included:

  1. a well known British psychotherapist-author-TV presenter
  2. the host of a much loved podcast
  3. a man who wrote speeches for Barack Obama when he was US president

Philippa Perry, the psychotherapist-author-TV presenter, was preparing to go on tour with her latest book. She wanted a refresher.

Isabel Berwick, the podcast host, was preparing to face her largest live audience (at the time), 800 people.

Terry Szuplat, the president’s speechwriter, was curious about what it’s like actually to deliver speeches. He was generous enough to say this afterwards:

"Learn, as I have, from John-Paul Flintoff. Highly recommend" - Terry Szuplat, speechwriter to US president Barack Obama

Philippa, who goes by the name of her cat Kevin on Instagram, posted this when I asked how the book tour was going:

Philippa Perry testimonial: 'Your course on improv and public speaking was a fantastic grounding for this tour. (Yes use that on the flyers!)'

Not bad, eh?

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Your turn now

I hope you’re tempted to take this course.

The next cohort starts on Monday 14 September 2026.

For full details – format, price, schedule, how to book – please visit the course page →.