The "I'm Nervous" Act Is Killing Your Authority As A Speaker

If you want to master public speaking, become a more authentic speaker, and use storytelling to grow your impact as a coach, leader or corporate executive, this episode is for you.

In this conversation, Lisa Hugo & Eric Edmeades break down what it really takes to overcome stage fright, stop saying “I’m so nervous”, and start speaking with real confidence, authority and presence. Whether you’re an aspiring speaker, a coach building your business, or an executive tired of boring corporate presentations, you’ll learn practical tools to communicate powerfully, tell unforgettable stories, and become a truly impactful speaker.

You were born a great speaker. Somewhere along the way – school, work, “be sensible”, “use your indoor voice” – you were taught to shrink.

Eric Edmeades (Mindvalley’s top‑rated speaker, who’s shared stages with Tony Robbins, Richard Branson and Bill Clinton) will completely rewire how you think about public speaking, storytelling, and authenticity.

If you’re an aspiring speaker, coach, or corporate executive who wants to communicate with real authority, this conversation will challenge a lot of what you’ve been told – in the best way.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why “I’m so nervous” is a sympathy trap that quietly kills your credibility on stage
How school, parenting and corporate culture train you to play small and conform
The difference between fact-telling and storytelling – and why 65% remember your stories and only 5% remember your data
How to be the same person on stage as you are at dinner (true authenticity vs. performance)
The “2 glasses of wine” insight: proof that great speaking is already inside you
A simple technique to use when you blank out and forget what you were going to say
How to find and catalogue your best life stories – Eric’s “Rembrandts in the Attic” method
Why public speaking is the #1 career superpower for executives and leaders
How to stop delivering boring, conformist corporate presentations and start actually influencing people

🌟 About Eric Edmeades
Eric is one of the most authentic and engaging speakers I’ve ever experienced. He’s shared stages with Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, Bill Clinton, and is one of Mindvalley’s most highly‑rated trainers. He teaches entrepreneurs, leaders and aspiring speakers how to communicate with impact, authenticity and unforgettable presence.

🎁 Free Gift from Eric – Discover Your Impact Profile
Eric refers to the idea that we all have different impact profiles – distinct ways we create influence as speakers, leaders and entrepreneurs.

You can take his free impact profile assessment here:
👉 Impact Dynamics – Impact Profile Test: https://impactdynamics.scoreapp.com/

You’ll learn:

Your natural impact style
Your core strengths and shadow behaviours
How to build the right business and team around your speaking and communication style

🔊 Listen to the Impact Through Voice Podcast

If you’re ready to find your voice, be seen as an authority, and grow your business and career by sharing your expertise, you’re in the right place.

🎙 Subscribe to Impact Through Voice with Lisa Hugo:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts (search: Impact Through Voice)

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro – You were born a great speaker
01:45 – What actually makes a great speaker? (It’s not what you think)
02:41 – How school and family teach us to shrink our voice
11:23 – The “I’m so nervous” sympathy trap and why it’s NOT authentic
21:10 – Fear, excitement and what your body is really doing on stage
26:52 – What to do when you forget what you were going to say
31:38 – Corporate speaking: why conformity is killing your influence
34:10 – Public speaking as the ultimate career accelerant for executives
39:20 – Stories vs facts: why audiences remember stories
34:31 – The oxygen mask story and how to use stories in corporate talks
45:04 – “Rembrandts in the Attic”: how to find your most powerful stories
49:23 – Using AI and a story journal to build your speaking library
57:43 – How to make your audience feel (and why that changes everything)
58:39 – Eric’s impact profile test and final words on using your voice

📌 Connect with ‪@EricEdmeades‬

💬 Connect with Me (Lisa Hugo)
I’m Lisa Hugo, performer‑turned‑coach, obsessed with helping you find your voice, own your expertise, and build a life and business on your terms by speaking up and being heard.

Instagram: LisaHugoOfficial
Facebook: LisaHugoOfficial
Website: https://lisahugo.com

✅ If you enjoyed this episode:
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Comment below:
What’s ONE belief about public speaking you’re ready to let go of after hearing Eric?