How to Handle Criticism as a Speaker

Every time you step onto that stage, every word you utter, every idea you present, someone will have something to say. Some will cheer you on; others will tear you down. But what’s the alternative? To say nothing; do nothing and dim your own light because you fear judgment?

Here’s the truth: If no one is criticizing you, then you’re not doing anything worth noticing or not doing it in public. Criticism will always follow the boldness to be heard, seen and noticed as surely as night follows day. If you aspire to make a mark as a public speaker, you better get comfortable with it.

Why Is Criticism Inevitable

As a public speaker, the moment you open your mouth, you create ripples. And with those ripples come waves—some of praise and some of criticism. The more you stand up and speak, the more people notice you. And the more visible you are, the more feedback—approving and disapproving—you attract.

Think about Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Elon Musk, Michelle Obama. These individuals faced harsh criticism not because they had ideas but because they shared them. Anyone who challenges social norms is criticized. Nevertheless, they kept speaking, kept doing, kept pushing boundaries. In fact, criticism was almost a signal that they were on the right path. When you’re bold enough to share an idea, people are bound to have opinions, and not all of them will be positive.

So, ask yourself: Do you want to stay safe, hidden in the shadows, or do you want to stand in the light and be heard? Because the only surefire way to avoid criticism is to remain invisible, head down and voiceless. And no one ever changed the world by staying invisible.

The Danger of Avoiding Criticism

Avoiding criticism means avoiding action. It’s choosing to remain silent when your voice could make a difference. It’s choosing to hold back your best ideas because you’re afraid someone might disagree.

When you choose silence, you are choosing insignificance. You are opting out of opportunities that could change your career, your audience, and even the world. The tragedy is that this fear-driven approach does more damage to your potential than any criticism ever could.

Embracing Criticism as a Public Speaker

Criticism is not your enemy; it’s really a tool and path for growth. Think of it as a spotlight on areas where you can improve, refine, and strengthen your message.

Let’s face it, no one gives a flawless speech every time. Even the most seasoned speakers get feedback, some of it sharp and uncomfortable. But instead of shrinking from it, the best speakers lean in. They ask themselves: “What can I learn from this?” and “How can I use this to get better?”

Here’s a strategy: after every speech, seek out feedback. Don’t just wait for compliments. Ask people what didn’t resonate, what felt unclear, or where they lost interest.

The harsh truths you receive will help you far more than any polite praise.

Imagine you’ve delivered a talk, and someone criticizes your tone, saying it felt too harsh. Instead of letting that deflate your confidence, think about it. Was there merit in the comment? Could adjusting your tone create a more powerful connection with your audience? Criticism is only valuable when you use it.

Criticism Is Proof of Courage

Criticism is proof that you are doing something courageous. You are standing up, sharing ideas, and making people think. That’s powerful. And yes, it takes guts.

Think about it—when you get criticized, it means you’ve dared to push boundaries. You’ve stepped out of your comfort zone, and that’s exactly where growth happens. You’ve put something out into the world that’s worth talking about, worth debating. And that, in itself, is an achievement.

Public speaking isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about standing for something. If you’re trying to make everyone happy, you’ll end up with watered-down ideas that no one remembers.

Criticism is inevitable. But the alternative—to say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing—is far worse. As a public speaker, embrace criticism, use it to grow, and realize that it’s a sign you’re on the right path. The fear of judgment will never go away, but neither will the potential for you to inspire, provoke thought, and create change.

So, don’t shrink. Don’t hide. Speak with boldness. Because the only way to avoid criticism is to stay silent—and silence has never made a difference in this world.