RTE star Kathryn Thomas has admitted she has a massive fear of public speaking – despite presenting some of our biggest TV shows.
The Voice of Ireland host admits she has to carry out “exercises and breathing techniques” before addressing a large group.
She said: “As a TV presenter I find speaking down a camera lens much easier than addressing a room of expectant faces.
“And even now I still have exercises and breathing techniques I carry out to make sure I can keep my nerve.”
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And Kathryn, 35, is exploring this in a new TV show for RTE – The Speech – which follows people with that same huge fear of speaking in public.
She said: “I am filming a new show called The Speech, which follows four people who have a horrendous fear of public speaking.
“It’s been really interesting to see how fear can really hold somebody back.
“Global studies reveal that making a speech in public ranks higher at terrifying people than death.”
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But writing in her Star column, Kathryn said people need to grab the fear “by its balls” and refuse to let it hold you back.
“When it boils down to it, what we really fear is what other people will think about us. That’s what holds us back.
“Fear the fear and do it anyway – a cliche at this point? Probably. But it’s worth thinking about the phrase and grabbing it by its balls.”
