Public speaking terrified me. The thought of speaking in front of an audience made my palms sweat. But instead of signing up for expensive courses, I decided to take the DIY approach. I started small—talking to friends, family, and eventually coworkers. I practiced in front of a mirror, recorded myself, and critiqued every little detail. The real turning point? Joining Toastmasters, a local group that offered affordable practice and feedback. The more I spoke, the more confident I became. I also watched TED Talks to pick up tips from the best and even used my social media to live-stream casual talks to break my nerves. Over time, public speaking became second nature, and the skills I gained turned into career opportunities. I didn’t need pricey courses to succeed. I just needed consistency, feedback, and the courage to start. Now, I speak at events regularly—what once felt impossible is now a powerful tool in my career.