How to Speak with Impact...Even When You're Nervous

Welcome to Speak With Impact! Each week, I share strategies to help you communicate with purpose, build trust, and create mentally healthy workplaces.

This week, we’re talking about something that holds us back more than we realize: the clutter in our minds, aka perfection.

Doubt. Overthinking. The pressure to say everything "perfectly".

Letting go of what no longer serves us (self-criticism, fear of judgment) creates space for what truly matters: clarity, confidence, and impact.

You’re about to speak… and your heart is racing.

Maybe it’s a keynote. A team presentation. A tough conversation with a colleague.

Maybe you’re like one of my Speak with Impact Lab participants, who told me:

"I know what I want to say, but when I get in the room, I freeze up. My voice starts to shake. I start overthinking every single word I say. How do I stop this?"

I hear this all the time.

So today, I’ll share the mindset shift that changes EVERYTHING.

The mistake we make BEFORE we even speak

When we feel nervous, we focus on ourselves: What if I mess up? What if I forget my point? What if they think I don’t know what I’m talking about?

But here’s the secret: Speaking isn’t about you. It’s about THEM.

When you shift your focus from yourself to your audience, you instantly reduce anxiety and increase confidence.

Because now, you’re not performing. You’re serving a purpose.

Try this before your next big conversation

Before you speak, ask yourself:

1. What does my audience need? Are they looking for inspiration? Clarity? A solution to a problem?
2. How can I make this easier for them? Can I tell a story? Use simple language? Show empathy?
3. What’s our shared goal? Instead of thinking I need to impress them, reframe it as "we’re working toward something together".

How this works in real life

I recently worked with a CEO who struggled with presenting to his board. Every time he spoke, he felt like he was being judged.

We flipped the script. Instead of seeing himself as the performer and the board as the audience, we reframed it:

"You’re all here for the same reason; to make the company better. You’re not presenting TO them. You’re partnering WITH them."

The result?

He walked into the next meeting with clarity and purpose. And instead of feeling like he was being evaluated, he felt like he was collaborating.

How you can apply this today

• On a sales call? Think: How can I help this person solve a problem?
• Giving a workplace presentation? Think: What does my audience need to walk away with?
• Talking to your boss? Think: How can we work together to achieve a shared goal?

When you stop worrying about what people THINK of you, and start focusing on what they NEED from you, you unlock powerful, confident communication.

That’s how you speak with impact.

P.S. Want to master your speaking and communication skills?

That’s exactly what we do in Speak with Impact Lab; help leaders, teams, and professionals go from nervous to naturally confident speakers.

?? Let’s chat about bringing this training to your organization. Schedule a quick call here.

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Let’s make an impact together!