Perfection is an alluring (yet, completely unattainable) goal. The idea of delivering a flawless speech, where every word lands perfectly and every gesture is just right, can feel like the ultimate achievement. But the pursuit of perfection often creates more anxiety than confidence, and it can distance you from the very people you’re trying to reach: your audience.

In my own journey, I’ve found that audiences don’t connect with perfection; they connect with authenticity. They’re not looking for a perfect performance—they’re looking for someone who feels real, relatable, and human. Let’s explore why authenticity matters so much in public speaking and how letting go of perfection can transform your speaking experience.

When we strive too hard for perfection, we set ourselves up for frustration. Don’t get me wrong, you should certainly strive for excellence but know the difference between it and perfection. When you focus only on...