You’re about to step on stage…
The audience is waiting, their eyes locked on the empty podium.
Your palms are sweaty, your heart is racing, and you suddenly forget how words work.
Does this sound familiar?
Well, public speaking is often ranked as one of the most common fears—some even say they’d rather face a room full of snakes than deliver a speech!
… but what if the key to speaking with confidence wasn’t about perfecting every word or memorizing every line?
What if it was something so natural, so simple?
What if you’ve been doing it all along—just not in the right way?
Enter Caroline Goyder, a voice coach extraordinaire who’s spent over 20 years transforming anxious speakers into captivating communicators.
Her secret?
It all starts with BREATHING.
Breathing Your Way to Confidence
Goyder wasn’t always the powerhouse of public speaking she is today. She started her journey at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where she learned that the difference between an actor who commands the stage and one who fades into the background often comes down to how they use their breath.
That revelation led her to develop the Gravitas Method, a structured approach to teaching business leaders, fundraisers, and even actors how to harness the power of their voice.
Her TEDxTalk, “The Surprising Secret to Speaking with Confidence,” has captivated millions because it reveals a truth few people talk about:
The most powerful person in the room has the most relaxed breathing pattern.
Think about this: Have you ever watched a singer hold a high note effortlessly or an actor deliver a monologue with a voice that fills the entire theater?
That’s the magic of diaphragmatic breathing.
According to Goyder, most of us, especially when nervous, take shallow breaths from our chest, which leads to a tight voice, a shaky delivery, and an overall lack of authority.
… but trained speakers?
They breathe deeply from their diaphragm, allowing them to control their nervous system, project their voice, and exude calm confidence even if deep inside, their heart is doing backflips.
The philosophy behind this is simple:
When you control your breath, you control your nerves… and when you control your nerves, you control the room.
Here’s good news: You don’t have to be a Broadway star to master this technique!
Below are a few game-changing tips from Goyder’s playbook:
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Ground Yourself Before You Speak
Before stepping into the spotlight (or even just a Zoom call), take three deep breaths from your diaphragm. Feel your stomach expand as you inhale and contract as you exhale.
This instantly calms your nervous system and prevents that dreaded shaky voice.
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Find Your “Speaker Stance”
Your posture affects your breath control. So stand tall, feet hip-width apart, and keep your shoulders relaxed.
This stance not only helps with breathing but also makes you look confident even if your inner monologue is screaming.
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Pause… and Let It Land
Nervous speakers tend to rush. Confident speakers take their time. Use strategic pauses to emphasize key points and give your audience time to absorb what you’re saying.
After all, silence isn’t awkward; it’s powerful.
-
Warm Up Like a Pro
Just like how athletes stretch before a game, speakers should warm up their voice. Try humming, lip trills, or even reading out loud in an exaggerated way before speaking.
It might feel silly, but your voice will thank you later on.
You see, Goyder’s insights go beyond just nailing a speech or presentation.
Speaking with confidence affects your job interviews, negotiations, networking events, and even casual conversations.
Think about how some people effortlessly command attention in a meeting while others struggle to be heard…
It’s not always about what they say but HOW they say it.
By applying the Gravitas Method, you can:
- Sound more authoritative in meetings
- Keep people engaged in conversations
- Feel more at ease when sharing your ideas
- Leave a lasting impression on your audience
So, the next time you feel your nerves creeping in before a BIG moment, remember: Your breath is your secret weapon. Take control of it, and you take control of the room.
Breathe deep, stand tall, and speak like you own the stage. With the right technique, you will do just well.
About The Dynamic Marketing Communiqué’s
“Thursdays: Speak on the Shoulders of Giants”
In a meeting with one person…
… a boardroom with five people…
… or a huge venue with hundreds of people…
—whatever the situation or setting, it’s very important to learn and eventually master the art of public speaking.
No matter what, you always need to effectively get your message across.
What good is a presentation with awesome content if you don’t deliver it properly?
Every Thursday, we publish different tips, insights, and secrets on how you can improve your presentation skills to captivate your audience and lead interesting discussions.
The need for great presentation skills applies EVERYWHERE.
(Small meetings with your team, big meetings with your boss, an important marketing pitch, speaking engagements for events with a big audience, etc.)
Learning these skills is not just for the corporate world. Being in other industries such as the Arts, Information Technology, Medicine, and Education while knowing how to communicate and present well will definitely give you an edge.
Have that advantage.
Hope you find this week’s public speaking tip interesting and helpful.
Stay tuned for next Thursday’s “Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!”
Cheers,
Henry Desai
Managing Director
Valens Dynamic Marketing Capabilities
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