The message arrived in my WhatsApp, electrifying my day: “I TOTALLY SMASHED IT!” As a speaker coach, these are the words I live for. They’re a testament to the transformative power of targeted public speaking coaching and a reminder that every speaker, even those facing high-stakes stages, can achieve true public speaking confidence.
This message came from Elsje Borms, who was preparing for her TEDxSurreyUniversity talk. While she had the brilliant ideas, and a solid structure, she needed that final push – for both content preparation and managing presentation nerves. Her journey from anxiety to exhilaration is a perfect example of how focused executive presentation coaching can make all the difference.
The “Panic to Power” Journey: Elsje’s TEDx Success Story
Late last autumn, Elsje reached out to me for support in the crucial final stretch of her TEDx speaker preparation. Like many high-stakes speakers, she sought that refined edge in her message and the unwavering stage presence that captivates an audience.
Last Saturday, at the Global Woman Club in Brussels, she shared her TEDx experience with an eager audience, radiating the confidence we’d built together. This success reinforces a core belief in my speaker coaching methodology: the right guidance at the right time truly helps you transition from panic to power.
Here are the specific public speaking tips and content strategies I shared with Elsje, which helped her refine her message, manage her nerves, and truly stand in her full power:
1. Embrace Imperfection: Focus on Your Core Message
One of the biggest sources of presentation anxiety is the fear of forgetting a line or a detail. We work so hard on memorization that any slip feels catastrophic. One of the biggest sources of presentation anxiety is the fear of forgetting a line or a detail. We work so hard on memorization that any slip feels catastrophic.
Tip: It’s okay if you forget something! Nobody in the audience will know the script. Instead of fearing a memory lapse, focus intensely on the overall message and the core energy you want to convey. Relate everything back to that central theme. This approach liberates you from perfectionism, allowing for more authentic delivery and a stronger executive presence
2. “Kill Your Darlings”: Precision in Content Preparation
As leaders, we often pour immense effort into our work. This applies to crafting a speech, where every anecdote or turn of phrase can feel precious. However, for maximum impact, some elements, no matter how brilliant, need to go.
Tip: Be ruthless in your content preparation. Sometimes, to achieve message clarity and impact, you must prune unnecessary storylines, characters, or even entire sentences. For Elsje, we strategically dropped a great anecdote that, while entertaining, distracted from her core TEDx message. This ensures your keynote address is lean, potent, and unforgettable.
3. The Three Speeches: Mastering the Present Moment
Speakers often get caught up in worrying about what they should have said or what they might say. This robs them of their most valuable asset: the present moment.
Remember that for every speech you give, there are actually three: the one you prepared, the one you gave, and the one you wish you had given. Recognizing this helps you to remain fully present during your talk. This simple mental shift allowed Elsje to be completely engaged, adapting and connecting with her audience in real-time, rather than being distracted by internal critique. It’s vital for engaging in public speaking.
Trusted Speaker Coaching for High-Profile Leaders
My expertise isn’t just theory; it’s forged in real-world success. I’ve had the privilege of helping around 20 TEDx speakers deliver their talks with confidence and impact. My clients include distinguished figures such as Nelson Mandela’s right-hand, Zelda La Grange, and Belgian tennis star Dominique Monami.
When Elsje sent me that “I totally smashed it” message, it reinforced my purpose as a speaker coach . It’s about more than just tips; it’s about empowering leaders to own their voice, command their stage, and leave an indelible mark.
Trusted Speaker Coaching for High-Profile Leaders
My expertise isn’t just theory; it’s forged in real-world success. I’ve had the privilege of helping around 20 TEDx speakers deliver their talks with confidence and impact. My clients include distinguished figures such as Nelson Mandela’s right-hand, Zelda La Grange, and Belgian tennis star Dominique Monami. This experience underpins my commitment to delivering high-impact speaker coaching that transforms.
When Elsje sent me that “I totally smashed it” message, it reinforced my purpose as a speaker coach Elizabeth Van Den Bergh. It’s about more than just words; it’s about empowering leaders to own their voice, command their stage, and leave an indelible mark.