Connection Happens Before Conversation: Body Language, Trust & Storytelling (ft. Shil Shanghavi)

In this episode of The Growth Concept, I sat down with Shil Shanghavi — a public speaking and storytelling specialist, and former Head of Speaker Coaching for TEDxPerth.We got into what really creates presence when you speak: authenticity, building trust before you even say a word, and how to start reading body language so you can tailor the way you communicate — whether you’re in a casual conversation with friends, a professional setting, a sales environment, or delivering a speech to a room full of people.Shil’s story adds real depth to everything he teaches. He grew up with a severe stutter, and still went on to become a global speaker and coach — which makes this conversation even more powerful if you’ve ever struggled with confidence, fear of judgement, or feeling like you’re not “naturally” good at speaking.If you want to speak with more clarity, show up with stronger energy, and learn the non-verbal cues that change everything — this one’s for you.Connect with Shil:Website: https://shilshanghavi.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakershil/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/shilshanghaviFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chatterboxps/Keywords:public speaking, communication, storytelling, authenticity, body language, stuttering, personal growth, audience engagement, emotional connection, self-improvementChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Conversation03:12 Who is Shil Shanghavi?05:49 Childhood Challenges and Stuttering09:04 The Journey to Public Speaking11:59 Understanding Communication and Body Language15:12 The Power of Authenticity in Speaking18:11 Techniques for Engaging an Audience21:04 The Importance of Connection in Communication24:04 Navigating Professional vs. Casual Interactions26:57 The Role of Silence and Non-Verbal Cues29:47 Lessons from Public Speaking Experiences32:59 Final Thoughts and Advice36:13 Perth Unfiltered and Community StorytellingIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to the show and share this episode with someone you care about most to elevate them in their public speaking journey.And in return, I will do my best. I’ll keep improving this show every single day — and I will not stop. I’ll continue bringing the guests you want on and having these real conversations to elevate your growth, my growth, and yours.Thanks for tuning in. This is The Growth Concept.