Even the most accomplished leaders can struggle with anxiety when speaking in front of groups. Many brilliant professionals excel in their fields but find themselves nervous, shaky, or unable to fully express themselves when presenting to audiences.
But with the right techniques and mindset, you can learn to manage this anxiety and communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and presence.
Gayle Lantz speaks with Jimmy Cannon, a voice and public speaking coach based in the UK. Jimmy helps business leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams communicate with confidence, clarity, and presence through his signature Cannon Method, which is built on three core pillars: voice, confidence, and presence.
With a background as a singer and saxophonist who has performed alongside icons like Sir Tom Jones and Roger Taylor, Jimmy brings performance techniques into the corporate world, helping professionals optimize their voice for high-stakes meetings, presentations, and leadership moments.
Jimmy shares practical vocal techniques, mindfulness strategies, and preparation tips that anyone can use to reduce anxiety and speak more effectively. He emphasizes the importance of staying committed to your values and purpose as a force to help work through nervousness.
This episode covers:
- Understanding the physiological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of public speaking anxiety
- Practical breathing techniques to reduce anxiety and improve vocal quality in the moment
- Voice warm-up exercises that help prepare speakers physically and mentally
- The importance of familiarizing yourself with the speaking environment before presenting
- Using mindfulness and present-moment awareness to manage anxious thoughts
- How connecting to your values and purpose can help override speaking anxiety
- Gayle’s own experience overcoming fear of public speaking
Most people only use 20% of their vocal range. There’s a lot of untapped potential in our voices.
It’s time to tap it!
This episode challenges listeners to expand their comfort zones, practice regularly, and approach public speaking as a skill that can be developed rather than an innate talent.
LINKS:
Previous CEO on the Go Episodes:
From Relentless Striving to Radical Self-Acceptance with Dr. Laura Gallaher (#256)
How Adaptable Are You? Mastering Adaptability Intelligence with Ross Thornley (#255)