Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran shares her strategy for overcoming stage fright

The straightforward Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran is well-known for her self-assurance, witty humor, and skill at negotiating high-stakes agreements. Few people know, however, that she used to be afraid of public speaking. Corcoran discusses how she changed from someone who "opened my mouth, and nothing came out" to a powerful presence on stage in a lengthy interview with Inc.com.

Her experience serves as a reminder that anxiety is something that even people who appear to be naturally eloquent have had to overcome. She now believes that communication is essential to her success, saying, "90% of my success is due to communication."

Instead of being dramatic or glitzy, Corcoran's techniques were methodical, incremental, and based on taking baby steps to face discomfort. She gained confidence over time by teaching university students about real estate and by redefining failure as a teaching opportunity.

Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran’s blueprint: From stage fright to stage command

The goal of conquering stage fright is to manage the fear, one tiny step at a time, rather than completely eradicate it. Consistent practice, smart reframing, and progressive exposure were all part of Barbara Corcoran's strategy. She developed muscle memory for confidence by micro-actions rather than waiting for a miraculous discovery. Her experiences demonstrate that you may turn speech fear into a strong professional advantage by consciously addressing discomfort.

Facing fear through micro-actions

Corcoran attributes a significant portion of her metamorphosis to "small steps [that] turn into small wins." The Shark Tank expert offered to teach a real estate course at a nearby university after having a terrible first speaking experience in which she hesitated at the microphone. Twice a week, speaking in front of small groups served as her growth lab. She progressively stepped beyond her comfort zone by beginning with audiences that were manageable.

This idea mirrors what many communication coaches call “micro-actions,” tiny, deliberate exposures to the thing you fear. Over time, the brain adapts, anxiety diminishes, and confidence compounds. Corcoran also reframes initial failures as inevitable steps, teaching that the first attempts may “flop,” but each attempt is a building block toward skill mastery.

Mindset shifts & communication as leverage

Changing her perspective on public speaking from one of risk to leverage was another important factor in Corcoran's success.

"I used to be terribly afraid to get up on stage and talk," she says candidly, but she now views communication as one of the "most powerful tools in life and business."

Speech is now viewed as a differentiator rather than only a performance. The Shark Tank investor also talks about overcoming the inner "dragon" of fear, which makes you feel taller and more capable in every aspect of life. Furthermore, Corcoran admits that self-doubt played a part in her path. She had previously been candid about how her desire was fueled by insecurity, stating famously that "my success is entirely due to my insecurity."

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