Episode One - Mindset and Mic-Drops

Episode 1: Welcome to Speaking Freedom - Finding Your Voice Starts Here

Welcome to Speaking Freedom, the podcast that helps you build real speaking confidence - not by becoming someone else, but by becoming more of who you already are.

In this first episode, I’m inviting you into a space where fear doesn’t get the final say. Whether you're terrified of speaking in meetings, dreading your next presentation, or just sick of feeling like your voice doesn’t land - you're in the right place.

🗣️ What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why speaking confidence isn’t a talent - it’s a skill
• My story: from BBC researcher to TV live news anchor to global speaking coach
• What most people get wrong about public speaking
• The real reason your heart races before you speak (and why that's a good thing)
• How great speakers actually get good - one tweak at a time
• A sneak peek at what’s coming up in the series (quick wins, deeper dives, and real transformation)

You’ll also hear why the most powerful speakers aren’t perfect - they’re human, authentic, and generous.

🎧 Who this podcast is for:
Anyone who’s ready to speak up without spiralling into panic.   Anyone who wants to be a great presenter or keynote speaker.   If you’ve ever said “I’m just not a natural speaker” - this podcast was made for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Speaking is learnable - no one is born with it.
• Confidence = competence + mindset + small, consistent tweaks
• Audiences connect with imperfection, not polish.
• Your voice is worth hearing. Full stop.

🚀 Coming Up Next:

Episode 2 – Glossophobia: Understanding (and Overcoming) the Fear of Public Speaking

We’ll unpack why public speaking can feel so terrifying and start giving you tools to face it head-on - with less dread and more direction.  Even if you're a confident speaker,   that fear can strike when the situation is unfamiliar.

💬 Let's Keep Talking:

Got a question or a speaking challenge you'd love help with? I'd love to hear from you,   just drop me a line at speakingfreedom@maidavies.com

And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s ready to find their voice too.

👉 Remember: speaking with confidence isn’t about being flawless - it’s about being you on purpose.    

👉 And learning to speak with confidence is like learning life's cheat code.

Your voice matters. Speak soon!