19:08 Nia: We've covered so much ground today, but I'm curious about the bigger picture. How do I build lasting confidence as a speaker, not just survive my next presentation?
19:18 Miles: That's such an important question because real speaking confidence isn't built overnight—it's developed through consistent practice and gradual challenge escalation. Think of it like physical fitness. You wouldn't expect to run a marathon after one week of training.
19:32 Nia: So what does that training look like for public speaking?
19:34 Miles: Start by seeking out low-stakes speaking opportunities. Volunteer to give updates in team meetings, offer to introduce speakers at events, join organizations like Toastmasters where practice is the whole point.
19:45 Nia: Toastmasters keeps coming up in conversations about public speaking. What makes it so effective?
19:51 Miles: It's the combination of regular practice, constructive feedback, and a supportive environment. You're not just speaking once in a while when you have to—you're building speaking into your routine. Plus, everyone there is working on the same skills, so there's no judgment.
20:05 Nia: What if I don't have access to something like Toastmasters?
20:08 Miles: Create your own practice opportunities! Record yourself giving presentations, ask friends or family to be your audience, or even practice in front of a mirror. The key is making it regular, not just cramming before big events.
20:21 Nia: I like the idea of recording myself, even though it sounds mortifying.
20:26 Miles: It is uncomfortable at first, but it's incredibly valuable feedback. You'll notice things about your voice, posture, and gestures that you never realized. Plus, watching yourself succeed on video builds confidence for future presentations.
20:39 Nia: What about dealing with criticism or negative feedback?
20:42 Miles: That's where developing a growth mindset becomes crucial. Instead of seeing criticism as a personal attack, try to view it as data for improvement. Ask yourself: "What can I learn from this? How can I use this feedback to get better?"
20:55 Nia: Easier said than done when someone's just told you that your presentation was boring!
0:10 Miles: Absolutely! It stings. But here's a reframe that helps—even harsh feedback means someone was paying attention and cared enough to respond. That's actually better than indifference.
21:10 Nia: I never thought about it that way. What about building on successes? How do I recognize and celebrate progress?
21:17 Miles: Keep a speaking journal! After every presentation, write down three things that went well and one thing you want to improve next time. Over time, you'll see patterns of growth that might not be obvious in the moment.
21:28 Nia: That's such a simple but powerful idea. What about setting goals for speaking improvement?
21:34 Miles: Make them specific and measurable. Instead of "I want to be more confident," try "I want to speak for five minutes without looking at my notes" or "I want to ask the audience three questions during my next presentation."
21:47 Nia: Those feel much more achievable. Any final thoughts on building long-term confidence?
21:52 Miles: Remember that every expert was once a beginner. The speakers you admire most have all had moments of terror, forgotten their words, and dealt with technical disasters. The difference is they kept going. Confidence isn't the absence of fear—it's feeling the fear and speaking anyway.
22:08 Nia: So as we wrap up today's conversation, I'm thinking about all our listeners who might be facing their own speaking challenges. Miles, what would you say is the one thing they could do today to start building their confidence?
22:21 Miles: Start small and start now. Don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect preparation. Find one person today and practice explaining something you're passionate about for just two minutes. It could be your favorite recipe, a book you love, or a problem you solved at work. The act of organizing your thoughts and communicating them clearly—that's the foundation of all great speaking.
22:44 Nia: I love that advice. And you know what? I think I'm actually excited about my next presentation opportunity instead of dreading it. That feels like a pretty big shift!
22:53 Miles: That excitement is exactly the energy that makes speakers memorable and impactful. When you're genuinely enthusiastic about sharing your message, your audience feels that energy and gets caught up in it.
23:04 Nia: Before we sign off, let's give our listeners some concrete next steps. If someone has a presentation coming up, what's their immediate action plan?
23:11 Miles: First, define your three key messages and practice explaining each one in a single sentence. Second, find one story or example that brings each message to life. Third, practice your opening and closing until they feel natural. And finally, do those power poses and breathing exercises we talked about—your body and mind are partners in this process.
23:31 Nia: Perfect! And remember, everyone listening, we want to hear about your speaking victories and challenges. Send us your questions, share your stories, and let us know what topics you'd like us to explore in future episodes.
0:10 Miles: Absolutely! Your experiences and insights make these conversations richer for everyone. Until next time, remember that your voice matters and your message deserves to be heard.
23:51 Nia: Thanks for joining us today, and here's to turning that fear into fuel for amazing presentations. We'll catch you next time!