How to WIN at Public Speaking | UK & Ireland Toastmasters Champion Aaron Day. What does it take to win a national public speaking competition, and then prepare for the world stage?In this episode, Chris sits down with Aaron Day, UK & Ireland Toastmasters International Public Speaking Champion, to unpack the mindset, discipline, and audience-first philosophy that took him from being heckled by a teenager in a school assembly to delivering one of the most emotionally powerful speeches on the national circuit.Aaron shares the deeply personal story behind his winning speech The Cushion. Thus was written to honour his mum Brenda's breast cancer diagnosis and the remarkable community that rallied around her. It's a masterclass in why the best speeches don't come from ego, they come from service.In this conversation you'll discover:• Why words are fragile but intentions are solid and how to use that when nerves strike• The "know your audience" lesson Aaron learned the hard way in front of 250 teenagers• How to find stories worth telling (even if your life feels ordinary)• What imposter syndrome really sounds like, and how to silence it• Why public speaking is a gift economy, not a performanceWhether you're preparing for your first talk or your hundredth, this episode will shift how you think about the moment before you open your mouth.🔗 Find Aaron at aaronday.co.uk🔗 Toastmasters International: toastmasters.org🔗 Jess Ekstrom's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/MT2q1YKZQPE?si=dB9PWzlkt8G84jFE________________________________________#PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #Toastmasters #SpeakAndServe #Storytelling #OvercomingFear #AuthenticSpeaking #LeadershipCommunication

✅How to Reduce Anxiety Fast: 5 Science-Backed Methods🙏🙏 Watch The Video & Don’t Forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, & Share 🧡🔷5 Proven ways to Reduce Anxiety. This episode explores five effective tactics to reduce anxiety, emphasizing practical, free methods like social connection, sleep, meditation, exercise, and therapy. You will get actionable tips and personal insights to help manage anxiety and improve mental well-being.🔷These are practical tactics pulled from psychology research, neuroscience conversations, therapy principles, and real-world experience coaching people in communication and confidence.🔷Inside the video:🔷 Why social connection matters more than most people realise🔷 The hidden relationship between sleep and anxiety🔷 A simple approach to meditation that actually feels achievable🔷 Why exercise changes your mental state faster than motivation🔷When therapy becomes the right next step🔷 The uncomfortable truth about alcohol and anxiety🔷How your internal language shapes confidence and emotional response🔷If you want to communicate more confidently, think more clearly under pressure, and stop feeling controlled by anxious thinking, this video will help.🔷Subscribe for weekly content on:Communication skillsPublic speakingConfidenceMindsetLeadershipInfluencePersonal growth🔷Chapters00:00: Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact02:22: Top Strategies for Reducing Anxiety04:46: The Role of Sleep in Anxiety Management07:00: Meditation and Mindfulness Techniques08:18: The Importance of Exercise🔷Links:• Zoe Podcast on Sleep 👉https://open.spotify.com/episode/5V3t23sxtcZFDtbYPUAsBP?si=dc070603f3a343b0• Toastmasters International 👉https://toastmasters.org/find-a-club

How to make Stage Fright your Superpower. In this engaging interview with Suzi Payton, she shares her journey as a neurodiversity advocate, her techniques for confident speaking, and how improv can enhance communication skills.

Suzi Payton is a speaker, author, comedian, and confidence coach on a mission to improve the world for neurodivergent folks.

She uses her passion, comedy skills, and lived experience as an AuDHDer to challenge outdated perceptions of neurodivergence and spark real change.

Suzi also lives with Tourette’s and OCD, and brings all of that into her work with honesty, humour, and heart.Discover practical tips for inclusive leadership, managing stage fright, and embracing neurodivergent strengths.

Sound Bites

"Be mindful of idioms and language.""

Small steps lead to big change."

"Joy is the purpose of life."

Chapters

02:45: Embracing Neurodiversity: Suzi's Mission

05:38: The Impact of Diagnosis on Self-Understanding

08:16: Transforming Challenges into Strengths

10:52: The Art of Speaking: Techniques and Tips

16:08: Finding Humour in Everyday Life

33:23: Improv Techniques for Presence and Engagement

45:23: The Three Golden Rules of Improv

48:52: Common Speaking Pitfalls to Avoid

52:53: Habits for a Healthy and Joyful Life

Her approach is playful, empowering, and rooted in the belief that confidence isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about trusting who you are.

Suzi has created and regularly hosts an inclusive event called ADHD The Experience, which is by and for neurodivergent folks. This event seamlessly blends comedy with educational talks, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that has been well-received by the neurodivergent community.

Suzi has recently co-authored a book: Lost & Now Found: A guide to understanding and accepting yourself for late-discovered autistic adults with Kate Laine-Toner, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishing.

Links:

www.suzipayton.comhttps://

www.linkedin.com/in/suzi-payton-a9b68b25/https://

www.youtube.com/@suzipaytonhttps://

www.instagram.com/suzipayton_audhdspeaker.comedy/

🙏🙏 Watch The Video & Don’t Forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, & Share 🧡🔷This session dives into the world of improv comedy, where handling pressure is key to a successful improv show. We explore how quick decision making and adaptability contribute to personal development, much like in a motivational video. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing spontaneity, whether on stage or in life. What are your thoughts on navigating pressure?