Finding My Voice changed my Path.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote by Maya Angelou captures something essential about communication.

Public speaking is not just about delivering words. It’s about connection, presence, and the impact you leave behind. When you make people feel something, your message stays with them long after you’ve finished speaking.

Public Speaking is one method of communication that can achieve such impact. However, it is often misunderstood. Many people associate it with stages and formal presentations, but it shows up in everyday moments. It might be speaking up in a meeting, saying a few words at a celebration, or responding when you are put on the spot. These situations can feel uncomfortable, even in a room full of familiar faces.

My own journey into public speaking didn’t begin with confidence. I come from a background in sales and business development, working across several media companies. Communication was always part of my role, but speaking in front of an audience felt like a different challenge altogether.

That changed during a work conference in Prague. I remember listening to speakers who completely held the room. It was not just what they said, but how they said it. Their presence, clarity, and conviction left a lasting impression on me. The purpose of their speech was to influence those in the room to think differently.  I walked away inspired, but also challenged. I started to think about what it would take to have that kind of impact.

That moment stayed with me and pushed me to explore something I had previously avoided. I discovered Toastmasters International and decided to visit a local club in 2017. Walking into my first meeting made me feel uncomfortable, but it marked the start of something important.

Over time, discomfort turned into growth. That journey has now led me to serve as District Director for 2025 - 2026 UK South, which is the highest-ranking leadership role in the District, overseeing other District leaders and 170 clubs, something I would never have imagined at the beginning.

Alongside this, I found new ways to use my voice. I went on to start a podcast, which has grown into a global platform, and I am now preparing for its 10^th season. What began as a personal challenge has turned into an opportunity to reach and connect with people far beyond the rooms I once felt nervous to speak in.

Through this experience, I have come to understand how valuable public speaking really is. Being able to express your ideas clearly and with purpose changes how people respond to you. Whether you are presenting at work or contributing to a discussion, strong communication ensures your message is understood.

In many careers, this skill is essential. Leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs are expected to communicate regularly. They need to present ideas, guide teams, and influence decisions. Those who can do this well naturally stand out and are more likely to progress.  There is also a personal shift that happens when you begin to speak more confidently. The more you practise, the more confident you become. This builds credibility and strengthens your presence.

Perhaps the biggest transformation comes from facing the fear itself. Speaking in front of others can feel uncomfortable at first, but each experience builds resilience. Over time, you learn to manage nerves, adapt to your audience, and stay composed under pressure. You also develop your ability to think clearly. Preparing to speak forces you to organise your ideas, anticipate questions, and consider different perspectives. These habits improve decision-making and problem-solving in everyday situations.

The good news is that public speaking is not a talent reserved for a select few. It is a skill that can be developed with practice.  Environments like Toastmasters provide a supportive space to develop these skills.

Here are five tips to help you start your public speaking journey.

1.Start Small: I recommend taking small steps. You don’t need a large audience. Begin by sharing an idea with a friend, contributing more in meetings, or even recording yourself speaking. Focus on progress rather than perfection.

2.Have a simple structure: This can make a big difference. Knowing how to open, develop your key points, and close your message gives you clarity and direction.

3.Practice, practice, practice. Intentional practice helps you improve quickly. You can do this in different ways — speaking out loud, listening back to yourself, and asking for feedback. The more you practise, the more aware you become of how you sound. You may start to notice things like filler words you didn’t realise you use (e.g., so, like, you know) and how your message actually lands.

4.Project Positive Body language: This plays an important role. Standing confidently, making eye contact, and using natural gestures all influence how your message is received.  Additionally, managing nerves is part of the process. Techniques such as steady breathing and visualising a positive outcome can help.

5.Audience Engagement: This is what brings everything together. Asking questions, sharing stories, and making your message relatable help people connect with what you are saying. It turns speaking into a shared experience rather than a performance.

Public speaking is not about being perfect. It is about being clear, being present, and being willing to show up.  Using your voice matters, and it’s those individual voices and stories that can positively change the world. Looking back to that moment in Prague, it’s clear that one speech can do more than inspire. It can change the direction of your life.