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

Jensen Huang, CEO and co-founder of Nvidia, is one of the most influential leaders in the tech industry. Known for his signature black leather jacket and his company’s groundbreaking advancements in AI and computing, Huang exudes confidence. However, in a recent interview on 60 Minutes, he revealed a personal struggle that many wouldn’t expect—his fear of public speaking.

A CEO Who Prefers Engineering Over the Stage

Despite leading a company valued at over $3 trillion, Huang admitted that standing in front of large audiences is anxiety-inducing for him.

“I’m an engineer, not a performer. When I step out, people go crazy—it takes my breath away,” he shared during the interview.

His fear of public speaking was especially evident at Nvidia’s AI GTC Conference, where he had to address thousands of attendees. Now, he is preparing for another high-profile appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas on January 6—an event where all eyes will be on him once again.

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.