How to Build Confidence in Your Public Writing

Does the thought of posting online on social media for your job fill you with dread? You are not alone. Whether you manage a company’s social media or feel pressure to be a brand ambassador on your personal profile, the anxiety is real. This article is for you. It is a welcoming space to help you find your footing.

I post content online nearly every day. My words have the potential to reach millions of people. Over more than two decades, I built the confidence to do this without seeking approval for everything I write. This isn’t to brag, but to offer a perspective. I’ve noticed that many people in digital communication roles haven’t had the chance to become comfortable addressing large, unseen audiences.

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Many are used to sharing personal updates with friends on private profiles. Moving to a public-facing role can be a jarring shift. I can only imagine the dread some people feel. The constant checking and rechecking, the fear of making a mistake, and the paralysis that follows can be overwhelming. You might find yourself seeking approval from superiors for every post, even when they expect you to be more autonomous.

It is important to remember that everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. For instance, I feel quite challenged in many social situations, particularly when speaking with people face-to-face. It just so happens that I discovered writing was my strength. I focused on it, practiced it, and eventually came to accept that many people would read my work. You can do the same.

Why public communication feels so hard

The pressure to communicate publicly, whether for a brand or for yourself, can feel immense. It is not just about writing a few words; it is about representing a company or building a professional persona under the public eye. What makes this so difficult for so many talented professionals?

The shift from private to public

For many of us, social media started as a personal space. We shared vacation photos, life updates, and inside jokes with a curated group of friends and family. The stakes were low. A typo was funny, not a brand crisis.

When your job requires you to post on a corporate account or use your personal profile for professional networking, the rules change completely. Suddenly, your audience is not just your friends, but customers, competitors, potential employers, and the entire internet. This shift from a private, forgiving environment to a public, critical one is a major source of anxiety. Every post can feel like a performance with a spotlight on it.

The fear of judgment and mistakes

The internet can be an unforgiving place. The fear of saying the wrong thing, making a typo, or facing negative comments is a powerful deterrent. This fear can lead to a cycle of overthinking where you analyze every word to the point of paralysis.

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This is especially true for those who are new to a role or feel like they are still learning the ropes. The thought of a mistake going viral or reflecting poorly on your company can be enough to make you want to avoid posting altogether. This is a normal feeling, and acknowledging it is the first step toward overcoming it.

Strategies to build your confidence gradually

You don’t need to become a social media superstar overnight. Building confidence is a gradual process. The key is to find strategies that work within your comfort zone and allow you to grow at your own pace.

Start within your comfort zone

Who says you have to leap into the deep end? You can start by taking on tasks that feel manageable. Focus on building a foundation of confidence with low-stakes activities.

Here are a few ideas:

• Engage with others’ content: Before creating your own posts, try commenting on or sharing content from others in your industry. Add a thoughtful sentence or two sharing your perspective. This helps you get used to having your name and thoughts in a public space without the pressure of creating something original.
• Write for internal channels: Does your company have an internal blog, newsletter, or chat platform? Offer to write a short piece for your colleagues. It is a great way to practice your writing for a friendly and supportive audience.
• Focus on topics you know well: Stick to subjects where you are a subject matter expert. Writing about what you know best reduces the fear of being wrong and boosts your sense of authority.

Create your own approval process

If you constantly seek approval from your manager, it may be because you lack a structured process for yourself. Creating your own pre-publication checklist can give you the confidence to hit “publish” on your own.

Your checklist could include:

• Checking for spelling and grammar errors
• Verifying any facts, figures, or names
• Reading the post aloud to check its flow and tone
• Asking yourself: Does this align with our brand’s voice? Does it provide value to our audience?

Over time, as you use your own process, you will build trust in your own judgment. You can even share this checklist with your manager to demonstrate your proactive approach and build their trust in you.

Acknowledging your path: It’s okay to change course

Building confidence is a worthy goal, but it is also important to be honest with yourself. Not every role is the right fit for every person, and that is perfectly okay. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint, and there is room for adjustment along the way.

Reassessing your role

If, after trying different strategies, you find that the dread of public communication consistently outweighs any sense of accomplishment, it might be time to reassess your role. This is not a failure. It is a strategic decision about your own well-being and professional satisfaction.

Perhaps your talents are better suited for a different aspect of marketing or communications, such as strategy, data analysis, or internal communications. Have an open conversation with your manager about your strengths and where you feel you can provide the most value. A good leader will want to place you in a position where you can succeed and thrive.

Taking a break is an option

Sometimes, the timing is just not right. It is also valid to decide that public-facing communication is not for you at this point in your life. You can always step back and return to it later when you feel more prepared or interested. Focusing on roles that align with your current strengths can lead to greater happiness and success in the long run.

Your career path is your own. The goal is to find work that feels fulfilling, not draining. Whether that involves building your public writing confidence or shifting your focus to other areas, the most important thing is to make choices that are right for you. You have more control than you think.

YouTube: The Professional and Public Writing Major @ Michigan State

Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Andrea Piacquadio.