Lessons from a Genius: Transforming Your Public Speaking and Confidence

Albert Einstein, one of the most brilliant minds in history, was not only a ground-breaking physicist but also a philosopher whose insights transcended science. Known for his wild hair and playful demeanour, Einstein was a master at distilling complex concepts into simple truths. His wisdom can guide us not just in understanding the universe but also in mastering the art of public speaking and building confidence.

Here are a few of Einstein's quotes that I use regularly with my clients (and myself!).

“Failure is success in progress”

As a public speaker and confidence coach, I’ve found this principle invaluable. Every mistake in a presentation or meeting is an opportunity to refine your approach and grow.

We can learn a lot from a failure - see it as a learning opportunity.

If you're not trying new things, then how are you developing new skills? And with any new thing, you'll inevitably make mistakes and stumble as you build up your technique or knowledge. This is all part of the learning process.

How will you know what to work on if everything is perfect? Your "failures" provide valuable information on what to work on:

• If you speak too fast, then you know you need to work on slowing down your pace and adding more pauses.
• If you often freeze when asked a question, then you need to find better preparation techniques and practice more impromptu speaking.

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it enough”

This is particularly relevant in public speaking, especially for those in a technical or academic field. The key to connecting with your audience lies in simplicity and clarity.

I regularly work with grant candidates interviewing for enormous grants. Although they are top of their class when it comes to their field, they tend to overwhelm their audience with jargon and too much (unnecessary) detail. By focusing on distilling their projects into clear, simple terms, they are better able to convince the grant jury of their brilliance and ability to make an impact in their field of study.

Another great technique is to find a relatable metaphor or analogy which makes the concept more accessible to those outside of your field.

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”

If your current approach isn’t yielding the desired outcomes, it’s time to reassess and innovate. If people regularly misunderstand you or you find yourself shying away from opportunities, maybe you need some help to try a different way!

You can't just hope to become a better communicator or speaker by doing things the way you've always done them. You need to try a different way.

If you always get stressed and tied up in knots when you're trying to memorise a 10 minute speech, you could instead create a great, solid structure and rehearse speaking to your notes (instead of memorising a word-for-word script).

Find out what works for you!

“We cannot get to where we dream of being tomorrow unless we change our thinking today”

Wishing for better communication skills won’t make them magically appear. There’s no fairy godmother or genie to transform you overnight. However, your mindset is the cornerstone of your success. To become a confident and compelling speaker, you must believe in your potential to improve and captivate.

Many of my clients initially come to me with negative self-talk:

• I'm too shy to speak in public.
• I'm just not good at getting my ideas across.
• Getting on stage is not for me.
• I suffer from stage fright (and I believe there's nothing I can do about it!)

The first step is to change that negative soundtrack to something more positive. Speak kindly to yourself and redefine what it means to be a "good speaker" or "confident communicator."

Consider these questions:

• How do you want people to react to you?
• What do you want them to think, feel, or do?
• What lasting impression do you want to leave?

In my one-on-one coaching, we work together to define and achieve a brighter, more confident version of you. First, we identify what your dream looks like, then we break it down and work towards it step by step.

Einstein also said, “What you can’t imagine, you can’t discover.” Visualization is a powerful tool in public speaking. Envision yourself delivering a flawless presentation, engaging your audience, and handling questions with ease. This mental rehearsal primes your mind for success and builds the confidence needed to make it a reality. I personally use visualization techniques before every speaking engagement, imagining positive outcomes to boost my confidence and ensure a smooth delivery.

“A ship is always safe at the shore—but that is NOT what it is built for”

Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for growth. Yes, public speaking is daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

If we don't dare try, we'll never really set sail and see where we can go.

Many of my clients are shy, crippled by stage fright. There's no magic wand to turn the confidence on. It's like exposure therapy - you need to try, just do it, do it again, reflect on your successes, brush off your failures and do it again. The more we stand up and speak up the easier it becomes. Over time, BY DOING and some internal work, my clients become not only comfortable but enthusiastic about presenting, which often leads to better opportunities and a more satisfying career.

To get my clients used to getting out there and doing it, I send them a daily "impromptu prompt" which they reply back to me with a 1-2 minute response. This habit builds their confidence, helps them get their ideas together and transmitted in a coherent, structured way. It's by doing that we improve (aka Nike's "Just Do It").

By applying Einstein's wisdom to your journey in public speaking, you can unlock your full potential and transform your confidence.

• Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
• Embrace failure as a stepping stone, strive for clarity and simplicity, and always be open to change and innovation.
• Visualize your success and dare to step out of your comfort zone.

This journey isn’t just about becoming a better speaker—it’s about discovering a more confident, authentic you.

If you’re ready to elevate your public speaking and boost your confidence, let’s connect.

Schedule a free discovery call to discuss your challenges and goals.

Together, we’ll transform your potential into performance, making your public speaking journey both successful and enjoyable.

Helen von Dadelszen is on a mission to help professionals speak with more confidence. As the founder of the Present Potential Academy , she provides practical coaching and training on a range of speaking and presentation skills.

Her superpower is unlocking professionals' potential when they speak - whether it's in front on their industry, their board, their staff or a potential funder or client. She believes that finding the right words and matching that with a confident and professional delivery leads to success. She specialises in using the voice and body effectively and teaching pesky butterflies to fly in formation. Helen works mostly with non-native English speakers and those from academia, NGOs and the healthcare field.