Scared of Speaking without a Script? Try This Jazz Method episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 18, 2025 · 24 MIN

Scared of Speaking without a Script? Try This Jazz Method

from Keep the Flow

I can improvise jazz without fear, so why does unscripted speaking terrify me?📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter—I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletter I've been making this podcast with fully scripted episodes for a year and a half because I was terrified of not knowing what comes next. But here's the paradox: I'm a jazz drummer. I improvise music all the time without fear. So why is speaking so different? In this episode, I'm finally going off script (well, mostly - I have notes) to show you how the same principles that let jazz musicians improvise freely can help anyone become a better, more confident communicator. I share three practical exercises based on improv comedy, working memory research, and my own experience performing.Fair warning: this took me four attempts to record, my phone died halfway through, and I'm still uncomfortable doing this. But that vulnerability? That's where real connection happens. If you struggle with public speaking, lose your train of thought in meetings, or just want to think more clearly on your feet, this one's for you.🎧 Check out my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/🤟 Join the Patreon community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreBTW, the background music in this episode is stuff I wrote and recorded in my home studio. I'm thinking about making an actual album out of it. Let me know if you'd be interested in that. https://ktfpod.comDr. Charles Limb - Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BomNG5N_E_0Alan Alda - 3 Things: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrOnk0JnXW4#unscripted #workingmemory #creativecareer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I can improvise jazz without fear, so why does unscripted speaking terrify me?📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter—I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletter I've been making this podcast with fully scripted episodes for a year and a half because I was terrified of not knowing what comes next. But here's the paradox: I'm a jazz drummer. I improvise music all the time without fear. So why is speaking so different? In this episode, I'm finally going off script (well, mostly - I have notes) to show you how the same principles that let jazz musicians improvise freely can help anyone become a better, more confident communicator. I share three practical exercises based on improv comedy, working memory research, and my own experience performing.Fair warning: this took me four attempts to record, my phone died halfway through, and I'm still uncomfortable doing this. But that vulnerability? That's where real connection happens. If you struggle with public speaking, lose your train of thought in meetings, or just want to think more clearly on your feet, this one's for you.🎧 Check out my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/🤟 Join the Patreon community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreBTW, the background music in this episode is stuff I wrote and recorded in my home studio. I'm thinking about making an actual album out of it. Let me know if you'd be interested in that. https://ktfpod.comDr. Charles Limb - Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BomNG5N_E_0Alan Alda - 3 Things: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrOnk0JnXW4#unscripted #workingmemory #creativecareer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Scared of Speaking without a Script? Try This Jazz Method

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This episode was published on December 18, 2025.

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I can improvise jazz without fear, so why does unscripted speaking terrify me?📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter—I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletter I've been making this podcast with...

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