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”
Follow Us
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
Trending
“I Will Miss Him”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Mourns the Devastating Demise of His Dear Friend
March 24, 2024 10:33 AM EDT
“Runs in the Family”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Bodybuilder Son Makes Honest Confession About Schwarzenegger Family’s Genetics
March 26, 2024 05:09 AM EDT
How Jake Gyllenhaal Transformed Himself Into a 184 Lb Fighter With 5% Body Fat to Go Up Against Conor McGregor in ‘Road House’
March 21, 2024 12:30 PM EDT
“Steroids Did a Number on His Face”: Zac Efron Faces Fierce Scrutiny From Fitness World Over His Insanely Jacked Wrestler Avatar
November 21, 2023 06:01 AM EST
“Have Some Self Respect”: Bodybuilder Reprimands OnlyFans Model’s Act Making Everyone Uncomfortable in the Gym
March 28, 2024 08:06 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Bodybuilding stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
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.”
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY- Arnold Schwarzenegger Teaches Alphabet With Hilarious Fan-Made Compilation of His Dialogues
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.
Edited by:
Simar Singh Wadhwa