Radiant Voices

What does it take to find your voice when fear takes over?In this episode of Radiant Voices, Jeremy de Tolly is joined by Toastmaster and speaker Mathew Makoni, who shares his journey from freezing on stage to becoming a grounded, confident communicator.Together, they explore the relationship between anxiety and excitement, the power of preparation, and how to speak with presence rather than perfection. Matthew offers practical insights on building a strong foundation in public speaking, while also reflecting on the deeper, more personal process of learning to trust your voice.This is a gentle, honest conversation for anyone who has ever felt nervous, stuck, or unsure when speaking and is ready to begin again.Visit Mat’s website for more information about his work, key note and bookings: https://mathewmakoni.co.za/You will learn:What to do when you freeze while speakingAnxiety vs. excitement: understanding your body’s responseWhy preparation creates confidence (and how to do it well)The role of practice, repetition, and structureHow to use technology for growth without losing confidenceSpeaking with intention: body language, presence, and awarenessThe balance between spontaneity and preparationIf you’d like to explore this work further:→ Free resources and guideshttps://www.jeremydetolly.com/resources→ Private coaching with JeremyPersonalized support to help you move through vocal anxiety and speak with clarity and confidence.https://www.jeremydetolly.com/coachingStay connected→ Subscribe on YouTube to watch future video episodes https://www.youtube.com/@JeremydeTolly→ Join the newsletter for reflections, tools, and updateshttps://www.jeremydetolly.com/newsletter-subscribeFollow Jeremy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremydetolly/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydetolly/Chapters:00:00 Welcome and introduction02:20 A Toastmaster’s journey03:00 Understanding nervousness in public speaking04:57 The difference between anxiety and excitement07:24 A journey from living in Zimbabwe to thriving in South Africa09:26 Family influence on communication11:18 The moment Mat froze on stage14:25 Overcoming public speaking anxiety16:03 The importance of a strong foundation22:10 The story about the rich salesman and the 10 scrolls22:27 The journey of public speaking - Adding value to your voice26:00 Public speaking preparation - Follow these steps of success!31:25 The importance of body language34:14 Embracing your public speaking journey38:32 The power of speech writing and structure42:10 Spontaneous vs prepared speaking44:00 A technique for over-speakers and ramblers45:27 Engaging with your audience46:32 Embracing visibility in the digital age51:15 Final thoughts

In this powerful conversation, Jeremy sits down with Richmond Heath, a global leader in Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®), to explore how stress, trauma, and emotional tension are stored in the body and how natural tremors can help release them.Since introducing TRE® to Australia in 2010, Richmond has taught more than 5000 people to use this profound self-care technique. He has also had more than 10,000 people enroll in his world-first free online TRE® course.Find out more about Richmond and TRE courses here: http://www.trecourse.com/http://www.trecourse.com/advancedhttp://www.treaustralia.com/https://www.facebook.com/richmond.heathTRE® follow along session with Dr BerceliYou will learn:What TRE® really isFlow states and embodimentPublic speaking and performance anxietyFight-or-flight and nervous system regulationTop-down vs bottom-up healingSpontaneous body movement and releaseSafety, expression, and authentic communicationIf you’d like to explore this work further:→ Free resources and guideshttps://www.jeremydetolly.com/resources→ Private coaching with JeremyPersonalized support to help you move through vocal anxiety and speak with clarity and confidence.https://www.jeremydetolly.com/coachingStay connected→ Subscribe on YouTube to watch future video episodes / @jeremydetolly → Join the newsletter for reflections, tools, and updateshttps://www.jeremydetolly.com/newslet...Follow Jeremy:Instagram: @jeremydetollyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydetolly/00:00 Introduction to TRE and Richmond Heath03:56 Understanding TRE: The Basics08:09 The Experience of TRE: Body and Mind Connection18:56 Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Healing30:32 Embodiment and Flow States40:08 Navigating Anxiety and Performance44:02 Finding Authenticity Through Safety47:03 Mobilization and Emotional States57:03 Bringing TRE into Daily Life01:04:17 Conclusion and Future DirectionsSupport the Radiant FoundationProviding free trauma tools and support to underprivileged communities in South Africahttps://www.radiantfoundation.org.za/

In this episode, Jeremy explores what happens inside us when we speak, and how to work with the patterns that shape our voice, confidence, and presence.If you’ve ever experienced your mind going blank, your body tightening, or a sense of anxiety when speaking, this episode will help you understand why, and what you can begin to do about it.You will learn:Why speaking anxiety is not a confidence problemHow the nervous system shapes communicationSimple ways to regulate yourself in real timeHow to change fear-based speaking patterns permanentlyPractical tools or insights you can apply right awayIf you’d like to explore this work further:→ Free resources and guideshttps://www.jeremydetolly.com/resources→ Private coaching with JeremyPersonalized support to help you move through vocal anxiety and speak with clarity and confidence.https://www.jeremydetolly.com/coachingStay connected→ Subscribe on YouTube to watch future video episodes https://www.youtube.com/@JeremydeTolly→ Join the newsletter for reflections, tools, and updateshttps://www.jeremydetolly.com/newsletter-subscribeFollow Jeremy:Instagram: @jeremydetollyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydetolly/00:00 - Introduction 00:31 - Jeremy’s personal singing story and stage fear05:58 - Long-term patterns of social freeze and shame07:18 - Root causes: childhood conditioning and core beliefs08:56 - The journey to feeling socially likable and confident10:24 - Trusting your voice in flow state12:23 - Who this work is for14:23 - Communication patterns in high-stakes environments18:42 - The power of deep root work and childhood trauma20:46 - Components of the Radiant Voices Process22:13 - Grounding through body awareness26:49 - Breathing techniques28:18 - Bilateral stimulation for processing feelings30:26 - Replacing anxiety with positive multitasking31:24 - Polyvagal theory in action33:20 - The vagus nerve’s role in voice and emotional regulation36:39 - Creating performance flow37:09 - Addressing pre- and post-speaking anxiety with EFT39:05 - Understanding and healing the shame hangover41:56 - Exploring the roots of voice blocks in childhood trauma44:18 - Transforming freeze responses with compassionate inner work47:06 - The joy of trusting your imperfect, authentic voice48:06 - Practical tools: speech training, situational practice, and habits49:01 - Achieving flow and ease in speaking50:00 - Final encouragementSupport the Radiant FoundationProviding free trauma tools and support to underprivileged communities in South Africahttps://www.radiantfoundation.org.za/

Welcome to Radiant Voices, a podcast about finding your voice when anxiety, overthinking, or self-doubt get in the way.Here, we explore how to move from tight, stuck, or second-guessing… to speaking with ease, warmth, and real authenticity.Through practical tools and honest conversations, you’ll learn how to steady your body, clear your mind, and express yourself with clarity and confidence.