Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Idol Reg Park Helped Him Escape His Fears of Public Speaking During Bodybuilding Career: “There Was No One Out There Trying to Kill Me Because I’m Speaking”

In the world of bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger has become synonymous with the sport. Moreover, he is a prominent celebrity most famously associated with the Terminator franchise.

We also know Schwarzenegger for his outspoken demeanor, especially while serving as the governor of California. Furthermore, the former Mr. Olympia is fluent in the art of public speaking.

However, in an old video, he revealed that it was not always the case for the bodybuilding legend. In the interview, Schwarzenegger talks about the time when he was still a teenager.

Reg Park helped Arnold Schwarzenegger overcome his fear of public speaking

Back then, he was doing various shows across the United Kingdom with his idol and inspiration, Reg Park. Park had already established himself as a professional bodybuilder and actor by then.

And at just 19, Arnie lacked the experience or the skill at public speaking that Park possessed. However, Reg Park was always an inspiration for the Austrian Oak.

However, the bodybuilder-turned-actor lacked the confidence to speak publicly during shows. Speaking about this challenge, Schwarzenegger said, “I would have been scared to do what Reg Park did.”

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However, the next day would turn out different for the future bodybuilding legend. As the duo was concluding the events of a posing exhibition in New Castle, Park had Schwarzenegger called out on stage. Reg Park introduced the budding bodybuilder to the crowd, who greeted him with massive applause as he stepped onto the stage.

Looking back on the event, he said, “They were all applauding, so I had no choice.”

Then his hero, in all his glory, began to narrate the sentences that Schwarzenegger must speak out in order to keep the crowd engaged. As Arnie followed his instruction, he received more cheer and applause from the audience.

Slowly but surely, the incident began to impact Arnold positively. It helped him build confidence to speak publicly. A skill that would prove helpful for him throughout his life. It also enabled him to land various roles, including that of a governor.

“And as I was out there and he was feeding me lines, I started feeling more confident, and all of a sudden I realized that there was no one out there trying to kill me because I’m speaking,” Schwarzenegger said, reminiscing this episode.

What change did he experience after this event?

In the interview, Schwarzenegger recalled becoming more comfortable talking to a crowd after this event. Improvement in overall confidence and in public speaking was evident for him.

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Thus, it was only a matter of getting the right advice and instruction from his idol that helped him overcome his fear of public speaking.