Ep 126 Public Speaking for Introverts (and Anyone Who’s Scared of Being Seen) with Stephanie Thoma

In this episode, Anna sits down with Stephanie Thoma, speaker coach, author of Confident Introvert and Not That Sweet, and founder of Connect With Confidence. Stephanie helps introverts and rising leaders craft keynote talks, strengthen their messaging, build speaking schedules, and — most importantly — connect with people in a way that feels meaningful rather than performative.Stephanie is not in the business of polishing people into “perfect” speakers. She helps them root into who they already are, speak from truth, and create connection instead of performance.In this episode, we talk about:• Why the idea that “public speaking is for extroverts” is completely false• What makes introverts powerful, resonant speakers — often more compelling than extroverts• Why Stephanie cares so deeply about helping quieter voices step forward and be heard• The fears clients come in with:o fear of judgmento fear of blanking outo fear of “taking up space”o fear of being boring or “too much”o fear of being seen as an authority• The nervous-system dynamics behind speaking anxiety• How Stephanie helps people regulate, reframe, and root into safety before they ever get on stage• The tools she uses with clients — including confidence mapping, energy calibration, embodied presence, intention-setting, and speaking from connection instead of perfection• Why being a great speaker is about meaning not performance• Stories of clients who went from terrified to empowered — including introverts who now lead teams, deliver keynotes, and speak with grounded confidence• Why visibility is not a personality trait — it’s a practiced skill anyone can growThis episode is an invitation to unmute yourself, meet your fear with compassion, and step into the kind of speaking that feels like you. Connect with Stephanie• Website: https://stephaniethoma.com/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemthoma/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemthoma/• Join her UnMute Yourself community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14699045/ Connect with Anna• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_holtzman/• Website: https://www.annaholtzman.com/• Free workshop — Let Yourself Be Seen: https://www.annaholtzman.com/beseen