S2 Ep #68 Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking: Confidence, Presence, and Impact with Esther Stanhope

I’m so excited and honored to share this episode with an amazing guest, Esther Stanhope, whose incredible background includes a career as a BBC producer before becoming an international speaker, author, and confidence coach. Esther and I talk about her journey overcoming glossophobia, and she shares honest stories of freezing on stage along with the practical strategies that helped her banish fear, including breathing techniques, using notes, and regular low‑pressure practice.We explore why speaking little and often is key to building real confidence, comparing it to learning to drive or a new language. Esther and I reflect on why public speaking matters for leaders, the importance of authenticity, and how focusing on serving the audience helps build confidence, presence, and impact. We also explore self-acceptance, visibility, and embracing individual strengths, with practical advice for becoming more confident, present, and visibly brilliant as a speaker.