"Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage and confidence in the doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

Ever felt like you’re not ‘expert enough’ to be featured in the media?

Or maybe the thought of pitching to a journalist, speaking at an event or doing a live interview makes your stomach drop?

You’re not alone. This is more common than you might think!

For many business owners, it’s not a lack of knowledge or opportunity that holds them back from PR - it’s a lack of confidence.

The fear of rejection. The fear of speaking in front of an audience. The worry that journalists will see right through you and wonder, "Who does this person think they are?"

But the thing to remember is that confidence isn’t a prerequisite for PR - it’s a result of doing it.

If you’re waiting until you "feel ready" to put yourself out there, you’ll be waiting forever. Instead, let’s tackle the real barriers that stop you from getting visible and give you practical ways to build confidence while taking action.

The Confidence Challenges That Keep You Stuck in the Shadows

1. "I’m Not Expert Enough"

One of the biggest misconceptions about PR is that you need to be the most experienced, well-known or qualified person in your field before a journalist will care.

False.

Journalists don’t just look for "big names." They want fresh insights, unique stories and expert opinions that provide value to their audience.

If you’ve solved a problem for your clients, have a unique perspective or see something happening in your industry that others should know about - you have something valuable to say.

✅ Actionable Step: Instead of focusing on whether you’re "expert enough," ask:

✔ What do I know that my clients don’t?
✔ What insights can I share that would be valuable to a wider audience?
✔ What’s a common industry misconception that I can challenge?

Turn these answers into a media pitch - and own your expertise.

2. "What If I Get Rejected?"

Rejection in PR is inevitable - but it’s not personal.

Journalists get hundreds of pitches every single day. If they don’t respond, it’s usually because:

• The timing isn’t right.

• They recently covered a similar topic.

• They’re overwhelmed with requests.

What it doesn’t mean: They think you’re not good enough.

✅ Actionable Step: Instead of fearing rejection, reframe it:

✔ A “no” today doesn’t mean “no forever.” Follow up in a few weeks with a fresh angle.
✔ If you get feedback, use it to refine your pitch.
✔ Keep a "PR wins" folder - every feature, every positive response - to remind yourself of your progress.

Remember, the business owners who succeed in PR aren’t the ones who never get rejected. They’re the ones who keep going despite it.

3. "I Hate Talking About Myself"

A lot of people avoid PR because they feel like they're bragging.

But great PR isn’t about you - it’s about your audience.

Journalists don’t care about your life story. They care about how your insights help their readers.

✅ Actionable Step: Shift your mindset from self-promotion to service:

✔ Instead of “I want to be featured,” think: How can I provide value?
✔ Instead of “I don’t want to sound salesy,” ask: What problem can I help solve?
✔ Instead of “I don’t like attention,” remember: Your audience needs to hear this.

When you focus on serving, not selling, PR becomes easier - and more effective.

4. "I’m Terrified of Speaking at Events"

Being seen as the go-to expert often means being invited to speak on stage, join panels or give keynote talks.

For many, the thought of standing in front of an audience triggers imposter syndrome, self-doubt and fear of failure.

Here’s what you need to know:

Newsflash - Even experienced speakers still get nervous.

I’ve spent decades as a journalist, conducted hundreds of live TV interviews and compèred countless award ceremonies and events - and I still get butterflies before I step onto a stage.

My secret? Preparation. I always arrive early, get comfortable with the space and remind myself why I’m there - to serve, not to perform.

✅ Actionable Step: If public speaking makes you anxious, start small:

✔ Say yes to lower-pressure speaking opportunities (e.g. webinars, panel discussions).
✔ Take a speaking workshop or coaching session to refine your skills.
✔ Rehearse with a trusted friend before an event to get comfortable.

✔ Know your stuff. Talking about what you know keeps you comfortable with the topic.

The more you practice, the less intimidating it becomes - and the more powerful your voice will be.

5. "I’m Afraid of Media Interviews"

TV, radio and podcast interviews are huge credibility boosters - but the fear of saying the wrong thing holds many people back.

“What if I freeze?”
“What if I say something stupid?”
“What if I don’t know the answer?”

The thing to remember is that journalists aren’t out to ‘catch you out.’ They just want a great conversation.

✅ Actionable Step: Prepare, but don’t overthink it:

✔ Know your 3 key points before an interview - so if you get nervous, you always have something to come back to.
✔ Practice out loud. Even if it feels awkward, saying your points aloud makes them stick.
✔ Pause before answering. It's perfectly OK to do this. It can also help you sound more confident and composed rather than rushing to fill a silence.

You don’t need to be perfect - you just need to show up, share your expertise and sound authentic.

Final Thoughts: PR Confidence Comes From Action

If you’re waiting for the day you’ll suddenly feel 100% ready, fearless and fully confident before putting yourself out there…

That day will never come.

Confidence isn’t something you wait for - it’s something you build by taking action, one small step at a time.

So, here’s my challenge for you:

What’s ONE step you can take this week to start getting visible?

You don’t need more confidence to get PR. You just need to start. 

If you want to know how to become the go-to expert and authority in your sector, get in touch to book a free 45-minute PR Game Plan call.

Good luck!