Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Admits He’s ‘Scared’ of Public Speaking

Jensen Huang, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Nvidia, has become a towering figure in the tech world. With his signature black leather jacket and cool demeanor, Huang epitomizes confidence. Under his leadership, Nvidia has transformed from a graphics card manufacturer into a leader in artificial intelligence, gaming, and high-performance computing. However, despite his success and public persona, Huang recently opened up about a deeply personal struggle—his fear of public speaking.

In a candid interview on 60 Minutes, Huang shared how the anxiety of standing in front of an audience has haunted him throughout his career. “I get nervous every time,” he admitted. “Whether it’s a keynote speech, a board meeting, or even a small team presentation, the butterflies are always there.” His revelation surprised many, as his keynote speeches at major tech events like CES and GTC have often been celebrated for their clarity and impact.

Huang explained that his fear stems from his early days as an immigrant in the United States. Born in Taiwan and raised in Oregon, he often struggled with English and felt out of place. “I always worried that I would say something wrong or that people wouldn’t understand me,” he said. “That fear never fully goes away.”

To manage his anxiety, Huang practices his speeches extensively, sometimes rehearsing for weeks to ensure he feels prepared. He also visualizes the entire presentation, from stepping onto the stage to delivering the closing remarks. “Preparation gives me confidence,” he noted. “If I know my material inside and out, I can focus on connecting with the audience instead of worrying about mistakes.”

His openness about this struggle has resonated with many in the tech community, where public speaking is often seen as a critical skill for leadership. Huang hopes his story will inspire others who struggle with similar fears. “It’s okay to be afraid,” he said. “What matters is how you face that fear and push through it.”

In an industry filled with bold visions and big personalities, Jensen Huang’s honesty offers a refreshing reminder that even the most successful leaders have insecurities. By confronting his fear head-on, he not only sets an example for his team at Nvidia but also for aspiring leaders everywhere.

A CEO Who Prefers Engineering Over the Stage

Despite being at the helm of Nvidia, a tech giant with a market valuation exceeding $3 trillion, Jensen Huang openly admitted that public speaking continues to be a daunting experience for him. His candidness during a recent 60 Minutes interview offered a rare glimpse into the personal challenges he faces, despite his professional success.

“I’m an engineer, not a performer,” Huang confessed. “When I step out, people go crazy—it takes my breath away.” His words struck a chord, highlighting how even influential figures in the tech industry are not immune to anxiety.

Huang’s apprehension was particularly evident during Nvidia’s AI GTC Conference, where he addressed thousands of attendees. Although he delivered a compelling presentation, those close to him noted the intense preparation and mental fortitude required for the performance. “The stage lights, the massive screens, the energy of the crowd—it can be overwhelming,” he explained.

Now, with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas on the horizon, Huang is gearing up for yet another high-profile appearance. Scheduled for January 6, his keynote address will once again put him under the industry’s spotlight. While many anticipate groundbreaking announcements from Nvidia, Huang is focusing not only on delivering the latest tech innovations but also on managing his nerves.

“I have to remind myself that it’s okay to be nervous,” he said. “The key is to channel that energy into delivering the message and connecting with the audience.”

As he prepares for CES, Huang’s story serves as an inspiration to those who struggle with public speaking, proving that vulnerability and success can go hand in hand.

Tech Giants and Their Public Speaking Struggles

Huang isn’t alone in his discomfort with public speaking. Several of the biggest names in tech have faced similar fears, proving that even the most brilliant minds can struggle with stage presence.

Steve Jobs: The Master of Preparation

Steve Jobs was known for his charismatic and inspiring presentations, but his effortless stage presence was the result of months of intense preparation.

In the 2015 book Becoming Steve Jobs, authors Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli revealed that Jobs practiced extensively before every keynote speech. His ability to deliver a seamless performance wasn’t natural talent alone—it was hard work.

Bill Gates: Always in Steve Jobs’ Shadow

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates admired Jobs’ public speaking skills, but admitted he could never match his rival’s ability to captivate an audience.

“I never got there,” Gates confessed during an episode of the Armchair Expert podcast.

While Gates excelled in business and philanthropy, he lacked the polished delivery that made Jobs’ presentations so legendary.

Mark Zuckerberg: Learning Over Time

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, also struggled with public speaking early in his career.

“I knew nothing about running a company, public speaking, or anything else when I started Facebook,” he shared on Threads last year.

Over time, age and experience helped Zuckerberg become more comfortable on stage, but his early speeches were often described as awkward and robotic.

Elon Musk: The Social Media Star Who Dislikes Public Speaking

Despite being highly active on social media, Elon Musk admitted in 2019 that he wasn’t naturally good at public speaking.

Musk often appears confident, but he has been known to pause awkwardly or stumble over words during live events. Still, he continues to improve and engage audiences with his unfiltered personality.

Warren Buffett: Overcoming Fear With Training

Even legendary investor Warren Buffett once struggled with public speaking anxiety.

“I was so afraid of public speaking. I couldn’t do it,” he revealed in the 2017 documentary Becoming Warren Buffett.

Rather than letting fear hold him back, Buffett took a public speaking course after finishing business school in 1951. Today, he credits that decision as one of the most important investments of his life.

Why Public Speaking Matters for Tech Leaders

While technical expertise and vision are crucial for CEOs, effective communication is just as important. Many tech leaders initially struggle with public speaking but recognize that it is essential for inspiring employees, attracting investors, and engaging customers.

For Huang, his nervousness doesn’t overshadow his leadership skills or engineering brilliance. His honesty about his fear of public speaking makes him more relatable, proving that even the most powerful CEOs have personal challenges.

As he takes the stage at CES 2025, all eyes will be on Jensen Huang—not just to hear about Nvidia’s latest innovations, but to see how he handles the spotlight once again.