Many believe that entrepreneurship favors the young. But for those who start their business journey after age 35, one skill consistently sets the most successful apart: public speaking.

As someone who became an entrepreneur in my 40s, I learned firsthand that the ability to communicate with clarity and confidence is a true game-changer. While technical expertise, innovation, and hustle matter, the skill that multiplies your impact—especially in 2025—is public speaking.

Public Speaking: Beyond the Stage

Public speaking is often associated with TED Talks and keynote speeches. But in reality, it’s much more. It’s about expressing your vision, values, and ideas—whether you’re pitching investors, motivating your team, winning over clients, or building your personal brand in the community.

According to a study by the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota, strong public speaking skills are directly tied to perceived leadership ability and influence in professional settings. Audiences consistently rate confident speakers as more competent, persuasive, and trustworthy—even if the content is identical to that delivered by a less dynamic speaker. In other words, how you say something can matter as much as what you say.

The Benefits: Why Mastering Public Speaking Pays Off

After age 35, most entrepreneurs bring experience, insight, and unique perspectives to the table. But unless you can articulate your story in a way that inspires trust and drives action, your potential may be overlooked. Public speaking empowers you to:

Build trust with your audience
People are more likely to believe in your ideas—and invest in your business—when you communicate with confidence.

Establish authority and credibility
Exceptional speakers are seen as experts and natural leaders.

Clarify your message
A well-delivered pitch or presentation cuts through noise and confusion, making your offer or proposal easy to understand.

Drive people to act
Whether you want customers to buy, investors to fund, or partners to collaborate, public speaking can move people from interest to action.

In a world dominated by virtual meetings and AI-generated content, the ability to connect with others through speech remains an irreplaceable human skill.

Public Speaking as a Gateway Skill

Why does public speaking rank as the #1 skill for entrepreneurs over 35? Because it opens doors to every other business advantage—especially networking and fundraising.

Networking: Make Every Connection Count

Confident speakers naturally attract others. Instead of handing out business cards, you share your value publicly—at events, in meetings, or even on video calls. This broadcasts your expertise to many, building a network of contacts who trust you and want to engage with you.

Raising Capital: Inspire Trust and Buy-In

Investors often say they invest in people, not just ideas. I’ve raised millions in funding, and every successful deal started with a clear, passionate pitch. If you can explain your opportunity, your plan, and your track record in a way that inspires confidence, you dramatically increase your chances of getting funded.

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

If you feel nervous about public speaking, you’re not alone. About 75% of people share this anxiety—sometimes called glossophobia. It’s rooted in our fear of being judged or making mistakes. In fact, surveys have shown that people fear public speaking even more than death!

But here’s the truth: public speaking is a skill, not a talent. Anyone can improve with practice, feedback, and the right mindset. Here are a few tips to start:

Practice regularly. Record yourself or speak in front of friends to build comfort.

Join groups. Organizations like Toastmasters offer a supportive space to develop your skills.

Focus on the message, not yourself. Remember, your goal is to serve your audience, not impress them.

Embrace imperfection. Mistakes happen; what matters is your authenticity and willingness to connect.

The Takeaway

If you want to grow as an entrepreneur—especially after age 35—commit to mastering public speaking. Whether you’re just starting out or already leading a team, your ability to inspire, persuade, and mobilize others will define your success more than any other skill. In a world full of noise, your clear and confident voice is your greatest asset.