Flapping and Yapping

Imposter syndrome expert and speaker Maureen Zappala is the latest guest on the podcast!

Come listen to how she went from engineer to speaker and how she built her speaking business.

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You know a great way to practice public speaking?

Being a guest on podcasts.

What a low-pressure and useful way to talk about what you know.

I do it often, and I absolutely get better at speaking off the cuff as result.

You can go to podcast aggregators like ListenNotes to find suitable podcasts.

You can reach out to podcast hosts and tell them why what you know fits within the scope of their podcast.

You can get on podcasts and now be seen as a thought leader within your space.

All for free!

Give it a shot. It'll do wonders for you.

By the way, I was a guest on the The Fabulous Learning Nerds podcast, talking about developing speaker training programs for technical staff within organizations. Check it out!

PUBLIC SPEAKING TIP

Flapping your arms is a simple yet effective technique for calming pre-presentation nerves. Before your presentation, find a private space where you feel comfortable. Stand tall and vigorously move your arms as though you were a bird flapping its wings. This physical action helps release pent-up nervous energy and reduces muscle tension, particularly in the shoulders and arms, areas where stress often accumulates. The motion also increases blood circulation, helping you feel more alert and grounded.

By engaging in this movement, you not only relieve stress but also prepare your body to use natural gestures during your talk, which enhances your overall delivery. This technique can be paired with deep breathing or other tension-release exercises to amplify the calming effect.

Think of it as a mini warm-up for both your body and mind, allowing you to step onto the stage feeling relaxed, energized, and ready to connect with your audience.

I think I mentioned toe wiggling in a previous email. Add some arm flapping to it. No one will think you're weird. I promise!

Have a great week!

-Neil