Delight in the Limelight: Overcome Your Fear of Being Seen and Realize Your Dreams

by Linda Ugelow

It was a great opportunity…

…but stage fright made you pass.

How does one get over their fear of speaking?

Linda Ugelow is a speaking confidence coach , podcast host, and author. With over 160K followers on TikTok , she helps people all over the world. She holds a Master’s degree in Expressive Therapy and Movement Studies. Having performed as a singer, bassist, percussionist, and principal dancer for over three decades, she’s experienced at being in front of people.

Yes, you can eliminate your nerves.

This life-changing book is organized in three parts starting with how to uncover and resolve the root cause of your fear.

This is not the usual “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway” philosophy. Her methods are practical, sometimes funny, and healing.

You’ll learn how
Reveal and Heal the Root Cause of Your Anxiety
Transform the Inner Critic
Heal Your Self-Image
Reset Your Mindset
Enjoy the Sound of Your Voice
Relax into Your Confident Presence
And much more

When you’re done, public speaking, whether it’s in an online meeting with co-workers or on a stage in front of thousands, will become as natural as talking with friends.

Are you ready to conquer your fear?

You’ll love this transformative book because, on the other side of fear, you'll find the freedom to be and expand what's naturally you.

Get it now.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

216 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2021

About the author

Linda Ugelow (YOU-guh-lo) is a speaking confidence and vocal coach. Formerly stricken with public speaking fear herself, she now helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and corporate leaders transform their experience of speaking from dread to delight whether online or on stage, in the media or the meeting room. She has cultivated a dedicated TikTok following of 150K through engaging and relatable content and is the host of the podcast and live show Delight in the Limelight where she continues to inspire and empower individuals on their journey to confident self-expression.

Reviews

[Katerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed this one!! The author is genuinely speaking of a topic that's close to her heart and, it shows. It is with detail and enthusiasm she leads the reader through the steps and strategies with fun and enjoyment.

This can definitely be a book to go back to, re-read for anyone.

Love it!!

[Dorothy Strauss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to win this book through a Goodreads giveaway. As someone who dreads public speaking, I was curious to see if there were any tips that would legitimately help me feel more at ease . . . or if it would be more of the typical "don't think of it as anxiety, think of it as energy!" advice. Ms. Ugelow gives you a *lot* to consider. The first part of the book is basically on-page therapy. Figure out why being seen is so uncomfortable for you and address it. That's probably 90% of why speaking is so painful, but the author offers many ways for processing those feelings. The book also covers more nuts-and-bolts type things, like where to look if you're speaking on camera during a Zoom call, speaking and articulation (actually making the sounds of your words), breathing, useful ways to memorize your script, and things you can do immediately before speaking to calm down. The author does rely heavily on her dance/movement therapy experience, which isn't something I can relate to as a human plywood plank, but it's food for thought. She suggests that being comfortable in your body and how you move can translate to comfort in the limelight. Probably the most immediately useful thing for me is to consider what your audience is getting from you. I'm usually so focused on just getting through the experience that I rarely consider what I want for the folks listening. Next time I have to speak (see? Have to, not "get to" - that's why I needed this book!), I'll certainly refer back to Delight in the Limelight to shift my focus to my message and its delivery, and not shrinking back as the messenger. If you're serious about wanting to become a better speaker and connecting with your audience, this book will give you a lot to work with.

[Zycuh Mii · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was good, if you are good at looking inward and examining yourself for faults or problems the EFTs (Emotional Freedom Techniques) introduced in the book will help you a lot to root out your fears. Even though it is a book based on speaking confidently it uses different ways to relax and be at peace so it has more than one application. Basically one method is you target parts of your memory that has impacted you in the past, and memories like those will crop up at times and effect you at your moments. So unlike other methods to suppress fear, this one you remove it at the root.

[Laura F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is true thought leadership. I've read dozens, maybe hundreds of books on public speaking; taken courses, classes, rehearsals; and given dozens of talks. I have never read anything like this. Linda Ugelow's framework is groundbreaking.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delight in the Limelight is a nonfiction book about becoming more comfortable with public speaking. Since this is an issue that plagues much of the general population, it’s nice to have a guide to getting past this common dilemma.

Some people, when polled, claim to literally fear public speaking more than death. That’s astonishing, but the reality is that many individuals don’t like the idea of getting up in front of others and delivering an address of any length. The thought of all of those eyes on them, measuring and judging them, is what gives them pause.

This book approaches this situation with humor and offers a lot of useful, practical advice. It goes far beyond that old chestnut of picturing the audience naked. Author Linda Ugelow is understanding of the plight of anyone who needs to speak in public but who isn’t used to it. Let her guide you through these situations with charm, wit, and candor.

[Eliza Bergeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A book that really gets to the heart of speaking with confidence.

For years, I was plagued by debilitating speaking and performance anxiety that inhibited my full expression at the podium and on stage. I worked my way through it and began coaching others to do the same. Despite my many successes with clients and students, lingering, low-level anxiety has kept me from being 100% comfortable and present with my audiences.

Delight in the Limelight gave me a real aha moment. Why take the “feel the fear and do it anyway” approach to speaking and teaching? When with a little bit of internal housecleaning, I can actually start looking forward to speaking opportunities?

Fortunately for me, Linda’s engaging invitation to delight in my own visibility offers me a sensible, step-by step guide to move beyond this residual fear. To move toward openhearted, freedom of expression. It’s time. And I’m ready! Thank you, Linda, for leading the way.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book weaves a mesmerizing narrative with first-hand techniques to overcome our fears and start shining again.
Linda Ugelow is a speaking confidence coach with a lot of presence on social media and, as such, she is an authorized voice to help up walk this path toward revealing and healing that fear of speaking in public we may have.
She arranged the book in three parts, what I believe makes the information more organized and structured for us to follow. Besides, she speaks with tenderness and shows her sensitivity since she truly seems to put herself in our shoes. This makes her words feel more genuine.
The fact that the author realized she could help others by candidly teaching us through her own experiences allows us to start following her pieces of advice immediately; we trust her.

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Delight in the Limelight" is a transformative guide for conquering the universal fear of public speaking. With humor and practicality, the author, a speaking confidence coach with extensive performance experience, provides a comprehensive toolkit to uncover and resolve the root causes of anxiety. The book goes beyond conventional advice, focusing on healing and transforming the inner critic, self-image, and mindset. Through relatable anecdotes and insightful exercises, the writer empowers readers to relax into their confident presence and enjoy public speaking. This book is a valuable resource that transcends fear, offering freedom and empowerment on the other side of anxiety. It's going to be a good part of my library because my objective this year is to do better in my public presentation, so I very much recommend this book.

[Daiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I'd glance through this book, maybe I will find a few steps on how to find the right words when speaking or when forgetting all together what I was about to say (to which my answer most likely would be "yeah, right") since I'm not planning to become a social media star. Boy, I was wrong...
This book teaches way more than that and I swallowed it whole in one day! The writing style is beautiful. The book is informative and easy to read, with added examples from real life events. The author doesn't repeat herself or bore the reader (there's reminders of exercises here and there). The book mostly teaches how to like yourself, get rid of fear and negativity that caused it and confidence. If public speaking is not something you consider in the future, read it to lift yourself up and feel better. You will feel the warmth and love the author put in it.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

“transform that inner critic into a helpful ally.”


Finding a way to embrace the limelight is something I have been struggling to do. It is a scary world out there especially with all the Negative-Nancys that would bring you down any chance they get. This is a great book in converting introverts into effective and successful introverts. Sometimes we are too scared to try because of failing but just like what I learned from chapter 6 of this book, once we have converted our inner critic to an ally, we would be unstable. This book will help you appreciate what you have and be your own cheerleader. I love the cover as it is so inviting. We have to learn how to improve from the inside so that we can show it in the outside versions of ourselves.

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Delight in the Limelight," Linda Ugelow, renowned public speaking coach, presents a captivating work dedicated to all those who have missed important opportunities because of fear. With a background as a singer, bassist, percussionist and principal dancer, she shares her vast knowledge and techniques for overcoming the fear of public speaking.
The structure of the book is divided into three main parts. Unlike traditional "Feel the fear and do it anyway" philosophies, this author offers practical, sometimes funny and always healing methods for coping with anxiety.
I have learned so much from this reading that I have been able to totally change the way I deal with new life situations. It really is a very valuable read that I recommend without hesitation.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

So motivating and encouraging!

What a wonderful book! It's directed at people who have a fear of public speaking or otherwise being the center of attention, but it's really about so much more. It goes deeper than just how to train your stage fright and your butterflies to get through your performance. The author talks about mental clutter, inner deeper fears, and much more, really exploring where this fear originated. I love how it's written, in a very approachable, encouraging, positive way, full of anecdotes and life lessons and (seemingly) random thoughts. Maybe she is, but if not, the author should be a life coach, because reading this book felt like having a life coach guiding you. I highly recommend this book! 

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this is a must read. I think that a book about the fear of visibility made by a speaking confidence coach and performer is refreshing and more sincere. Delight in the Limelight is a approach that transcends conventional self-help philosophies. Divided into three parts, the book stands out for its practical and healing methods, providing a nuanced exploration of fear's root causes.
What I loved the most was the way he reveals its strategies, with warmth and humor which made it more relatable and enjoyable to read, and made me recognize my uncovered and resolving anxieties. From transforming the inner critic to healing self-image, resetting mindset, and finding joy in one's voice, the book is a holistic journey toward confident self-expression.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A healing book
Sometimes, fear impedes us to move forward in our lives so we need someone or something that helps us to move. I came across “Delight in the Limelight” and I believe that is a good option to overcome fear. Thanks to Linda Ugelow's vast experience as a coach, we can read her knowledge and philosophy of life to help people.
The book is divided into three interrelated parts that guide readers to overcome fear. Every part deal with aspects that we should consider to make some changes in our lives, such as resetting our mindset, trying to relax, talking to ourselves kindly, among others.
It’s a practical, well-explained and healing book that anyone should read and apply in life. I highly recommend it.

[Bastien Roudaut · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I would like to thank Linda for writing this life-changing book. As you go through this book, you can clearly see how knowledgeable and cultured Linda is, which reflects on the quality of her writing.

I have always been petrified to be on stage or even speak in front of a small or large audience. This book helped me understand where this fear comes from, rather than just think "Well, it is what it is; some people are good at public speaking and some aren't". 

I am now becoming more confident day by day, and I can't wait to fully get rid of my fear of public speaking.

Linda, you have no idea how grateful I am, you are changing people's lives.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Ugelow’s informative and inspiring guide book is for speakers from all walks of life. As the title of the volume suggests, she teaches her readers not only how to feel more comfortable when speaking publicly, but how to actually delight in being in the limelight.

I really like the fact that the author does not override her readers’ emotions that are linked to fear of ridicule, judgment or embarrassment. She honors those feelings and works with them. It is not a “fake it till you make it” approach. Having experienced feelings of anxiety when speaking, first-hand, Linda has a deep understanding of what is required for overcoming it. A solid five out of five stars from me.

[Santiago Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

A transformative guide

Linda Ugelow, speaking confidence coach, brings expertise and empathy to unraveling the root causes of anxiety. Her approach, far from clichés, offers practical and healing methods. Divided into three sections, the book delves deep, aiding readers in overcoming their inner critic, reshaping self-image, and fostering a confident mindset. Ugelow's techniques, peppered with humor, offer a refreshing take on conquering fear, making public speaking feel as natural as chatting with friends. This life-changing read unlocks the freedom beyond fear, making it an invaluable resource.

[Mia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I appreciated most was that it wasn’t some dry, textbook-like read. The author's approach is refreshing, sometimes even funny, and definitely healing. By the time I finished, I felt like I had a personal coach by my side, guiding me through the shadows of my fears.
After going through the book, those heart-pounding moments of speaking in front of others transformed into an opportunity to shine, to be authentically myself without the crippling anxiety. Whether it’s a meeting at work or addressing a crowd, it all feels like a casual chat with friends now. "Delight in the Limelight" is more than just a self-help book and this is why I recommend reading it.

[Carlos Armando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that Delight in the Limelight by Linda Ugelow is an empowering work that addresses the fear of being seen and guides readers toward realizing their dreams. With wisdom and empathy, the author offers practical strategies to overcome stage fright and shine in any situation. She shares personal anecdotes that make the book warm and accessible. I loved how it provides effective tools to boost confidence and self-expression. I certainly recommend this book to those looking to free themselves from social anxiety and embrace their true potential. I'm sure that it's a valuable guide for those who wish to shine in their own light.

[Ivan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delight in the Limelight is a book for people ready to overcome their fears. Over the pages, Linda Ugelow shares her years of study and experience to help the reader conquer stage fright, reset their mindset, and fix that damaged self-image many people have about themselves.

Personally, this book gave me a hand with my own fear. Mine is not public speaking, but I tend to get very nervous when competing in sports. I notice I perform a lot better when no one is watching the match, and that's something I want to change about myself, to be able to improve my game. This book definitely inspired me to make those adjustments.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ability to speak in public is not something that is inherited, it is a skill that is learned throughout life and that improves with practice. However, many people have not been able to develop this skill and have difficulties when giving a talk, taking an oral exam, doing a job interview or simply when they need to express their disagreement in front of a group in which they do not feel comfortable. That is why author Linda Ugelow teaches us how to lose the fear of speaking in front of other people. I recommend this book, since it has many easy-to-apply techniques for all those who need to have more confidence in themselves.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone like me, a naturally shy person who has always struggled with public speaking, Delight in the Limelight has been an eye-opening and tremendously useful read. Author Linda Ugelow offers practical, sometimes even fun and healing, methods for addressing fears at their source.

This book has honestly made a significant difference in my life. It's a valuable companion for anyone looking not only to comprehend the core of their fears but also to conquer them and thrive to their utmost potential. Additionally, this reading inspired me and helped me empower myself to overcome my fears in the future. I have no doubt that this book will mark the before and after of their lives.

[Dalyn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delight in the Limelight is an insightful, empowering, and deeply supportive guide for anyone struggling with fear, self doubt, or stage anxiety. Linda Ugelow blends expertise, compassion, and lived experience to create a transformative roadmap for becoming confidently visible. Her warm, practical approach centered on uncovering the emotional root of fear, healing the inner critic, and embracing one’s authentic voice makes the book both relatable and profoundly impactful. With humor, clarity, and genuine care, Ugelow shows readers that confidence is not only achievable but natural once internal barriers are gently resolved.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as a very transformative guide for looking for tips and tricks to get rid of the fear and anxiety that comes when doing public speaking. The author, Linda Ugelow, divided the book to educate on how to develop skills to reach success. One of my favorite parts has to be the one she talks about repatterning and how important it is to change certain things to not let fear pull back the energy and tighten the body.
To sum up, I think Delight in the Limelight is a very complete guide and some of the advice she gives can be used in many aspects of life.

[Abby Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! This book takes a deep-dive, holistic approach on your fear of public speaking. I love Ugelow’s writing style. These pages are full of compassion and insight, wisdom and practicality. Whether you speak in front of large audiences or just want to better articulate your thoughts to your boss, the practices and mindset shifts that Ugelow outlines in this book will certainly help you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Susan Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delight in the Limelight is the book I wish I would have had when I struggled to speak in public! The stories that she shares are so impactful and helped me look at things with a new perspective. Love the exercises she encouraged and the use of movement she suggests which helped me try new things with higher energy. Strongly recommend if you are looking to improve your visibility on stage or online!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conquer public speaking

For those of us who have problems speaking in public in front of small or large groups, this book is a godsend. It allows us to figure out the source of our anxiety and fear and gives us solutions to them that we can use to become better and more comfortable. I think this is very important in today's online social world as speaking in person can be very intimidating. I liked the book and think it is very helpful.

[Hannah Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Delight in the Limelight" was an absolutely wonderful read—I couldn’t put it down and finished it in just three days! The book offers practical, actionable advice for overcoming the fear of being seen and stepping confidently into visibility. I especially appreciated how approachable and empowering the strategies were. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to build confidence and show up more fully in their personal or professional life.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide focuses on lessening the fear of speaking in any situation. It stresses the inner work - pinpointing why we're fearful of speaking and working on releasing that fear. As a result, our confidence builds and we're more confident speaking in different situations and even on camera. This book has a lot of exercises to apply the tips and concepts presented in the book.

[AnonymousBubble101 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greak book. It encouraged me to be better, it teaches how to improve our speaking skills in ways you wouldn't have thought of. It has particularly helped me with my harsh inner critic. I really think it can be transformative if you follow all the exercises. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)