Public speaking is one of the most common fears—yet, as entrepreneurs and business owners, it’s often unavoidable. Whether you’re presenting on a podcast, pitching an idea, or simply showing up on social media, the way you communicate can make or break your message.
In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with Chris Nielson, a speaker coach who specializes in helping heart-centered entrepreneurs turn their nerves into confidence. Chris combines peak performance psychology, sports mindset training, and improv techniques to help people unlock their voice and speak with clarity and impact.
If you struggle with self-doubt, overthinking, or feeling awkward when speaking, this post will break down some of the key takeaways from our conversation—so you can start showing up with confidence today.
How to Reframe Nervousness as a Strength
One of the most common challenges with public speaking is managing nerves. Chris shared an important mindset shift: fear and excitement are two sides of the same coin. Physiologically, both emotions cause similar reactions—an increased heart rate, adrenaline rush, and heightened alertness. The key difference lies in how we interpret those sensations.
Instead of seeing nerves as a problem, reframe them as energy that fuels your performance. Chris recommends using self-talk to shift your mindset. Instead of thinking:
- “I’m so nervous, I hope I don’t mess up.”
Try saying:
- “I’m excited to share this message. My energy means I care.”
This subtle shift in perception can turn anxiety into enthusiasm, allowing you to show up more confidently rather than trying to suppress the nervous energy.
Additionally, Chris suggests embracing pre-speaking rituals to regulate your nervous system. Deep breathing exercises, power poses, and short walks can help ground your body before stepping into a speaking opportunity.
The Role of Improv in Public Speaking
Many people assume that great speakers are naturally gifted, but in reality, speaking is a skill that can be developed. One of the best ways to improve is through improvisation exercises, which help speakers become more adaptable, confident, and engaging.
Chris emphasized that improv isn’t just for comedians—it’s a tool that can help anyone improve their ability to think on their feet, handle unexpected situations, and trust their instincts.
Some simple improv exercises to try include:
- “Yes, And” Exercise – This activity helps train your brain to stay open and build on ideas rather than shutting them down. Practice with a friend by responding to statements with “Yes, and…” to continue the conversation fluidly.
- Speed Storytelling – Give yourself one minute to tell a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This helps with structuring thoughts quickly and engaging listeners.
- Random Word Challenge – Pick a random word and deliver a short impromptu speech about it. This helps train your brain to think quickly and speak without overanalyzing.
Regularly practicing these exercises will improve your confidence, spontaneity, and ability to connect with an audience in real time.
Why Storytelling is the Key to Speaking with Impact
While facts and information are valuable, what truly resonates with an audience is how they feel when they hear your message. Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for creating emotional connections, making your message more memorable, engaging, and persuasive.
Chris shared a simple framework for telling compelling stories that keep listeners engaged:
- Set the Scene – Provide context. Where were you? What was happening?
- The Challenge – Highlight a problem, conflict, or turning point.
- The Shift – Explain what changed or what realization you had.
- The Takeaway – Connect it back to your audience and their experiences.
For example, instead of simply stating a business lesson, you can share a personal experience that illustrates the point. Instead of just providing a tip, you can tell a story that makes the lesson come alive.
Chris emphasized that even small, everyday stories can be impactful. You don’t need dramatic, life-changing moments to engage an audience—sometimes, a relatable experience from daily life can be just as powerful.
How to Practice and Improve Speaking Confidence
If you want to speak with more confidence, consistent practice is key. Here are some practical steps Chris recommends:
- Speak out loud regularly – Even if it’s just talking through your ideas while driving or doing chores, getting comfortable speaking out loud helps reduce hesitation.
- Record yourself – Listening back allows you to refine your pacing, tone, and clarity. It also helps you identify any nervous habits you may want to work on.
- Use video practice – Speaking on video can feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Try recording short clips of yourself speaking and reviewing them with a constructive mindset.
- Adopt confident body language – Standing or sitting tall, using open gestures, and maintaining strong eye contact (even on video) can make a significant difference in how confident you appear—and how confident you feel.
- Rehearse with a live audience – Whether it’s a small group, a coach, or even just a friend, practicing in front of others helps you get used to speaking under real conditions.
Chris also noted the importance of focusing on service rather than self-judgment. Instead of worrying about how you sound or whether you’ll say the right thing, shift your focus to the impact of your message. How can your words help, inspire, or guide someone? When you approach speaking from a place of service, it becomes easier to let go of self-consciousness.
Final Thoughts
Confidence in speaking doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from preparation, practice, and a willingness to grow. By reframing nerves into excitement, incorporating improv techniques, and mastering storytelling, you can start showing up with more clarity and impact.
If you want to dive deeper into these insights, listen to my full conversation with Chris Nielson, where we break down more strategies for becoming a confident speaker. Click below to listen on your favorite platform:
We hope you find this episode as enlightening and inspiring as we did. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Brain Soul Success Show for more insightful conversations and tips on personal growth.
