Overcoming the fear of public speaking, through the power of the inner mind
PRESENTING FOR THE PETRIFIED
What is Presenting for the Petrified?
Overcome public speaking anxiety with 'Presenting for the Petrified' If the thought of speaking in meetings or presenting on stage fills you with dread, you aren't alone—and it isn't your fault. Presenting for the Petrified offers a gentle and unique, inner-mind solution to public speaking phobias. My 1:1 sessions use tailored hypnotherapy and regression techniques to clear the subconscious hurdles that hold you back and to help you reframe any fear into excitement, making the transition to confident speaking feel natural and effortless.
Why we feel this way Science shows that our brains are evolved to fear social exclusion; for many, a podium feels like a threat to that safety. When coupled with the imposter syndrome or fear of failure common in today’s workplace, it is no wonder that many high-achievers remain silenced by anxiety.
Redefining your voice It’s time to stop letting presenting avoidance limit your career and your life. Beyond the initial breakthrough sessions, I also offer optional follow-on Zoom speaking skills workshops, eCourses and personalized coaching to help you enhance your skills and find your authentic voice in any setting.
How will it benefit me?
The benefits: Resolving the root cause of speaking anxiety Unlike traditional public speaking courses that focus only on surface-level delivery, Presenting for the Petrified targets the subconscious root of the issue. By addressing the non-conscious fears that trigger your 'freeze' response, we can rapidly build a foundation of genuine confidence, ensuring you are prepared for your next high-stakes presentation.
Transforming your internal blueprint Speaking fears can stem from varied origins—ranging from a simple lack of early-life exposure to more complex "shush" messages received in childhood. Whether your fear is based on being the center of attention or a deep-seated 'imposter' narrative, these gentle hypnotic techniques allow us to access and 'upgrade' these outdated associations. The aim is to move your subconscious from a state of threat, to a state of curiosity, interest, and even genuine desire to share your ideas.
A catalyst for professional growth Glossophobia (the fear of public speaking) is cited as a primary hurdle for many talented professionals. Releasing this burden—and the secrecy or shame that often accompanies it—is immensely liberating. Once the brain is no longer in a reactive survival mode, you are free to refine your skills through optional follow on workshops, coaching or at Toastmasters (recommended). Mastering your greatest fear doesn't just improve your presentations; it unlocks your full potential in every area of your life.
Why Presenting for the Petrified is different?
Most presentation courses focus exclusively on the mechanics of delivery—posture, projection, and slide design—while neglecting the underlying anxiety that makes those techniques impossible to implement. For someone with a genuine fear of public speaking, a standard two-day workshop can feel like being asked to swim in the deep end before learning to tread water.
The problem with 'trial by fire' Traditional 'in-at-the-deep-end' presentation skills training, followed by immediate peer feedback, often triggers a state of high-arousal stress. For neurodiverse individuals, introverts, or those with past speaking trauma, this 'evaluation stress' is counterproductive. When the brain is in a state of fight-or-flight, it is neurologically unable to absorb new information or refine complex skills. In fact, high-pressure courses can inadvertently create new layers of performance anxiety rather than resolving old ones.
Confidence first, skills second Presenting for the Petrified is unique because it prioritizes psychological regulation. I work to to help you resolve your fear and build a foundation of internal confidence first, before introducing technical speaking skills later (if required). By addressing the root cause first, I ensure that if/when you do begin to learn delivery techniques, your brain is in a receptive, calm, and optimal state for growth and learning.
How does it work?
Recommended initial 1:1 session
Visualization & desensitization (to minimise fear) This gentle, relaxing session helps to remove the social anxiety around being the center of attention or in the spotlight. Within a state of calm relaxation, desensitization techniques combined with mental rehearsal and positive suggestions effortlessly replace the thought and feelings of fearful presenting with positive associations, relaxation and even excitement. All you need do is shut your eyes and visualize along with the session - it couldn't be any easier. This is also a perfect emergency session for any upcoming presentation that you are dreading, or if you only want one session. Expect the dread of presenting to be replaced afterwards with a sense of neutrality or indifference. Listen below to hear an edited sample of this type of session. For some clients, this one visualization session is sufficient. For others with a more overwhelming fear, some combination of the additional sessions described below has proved effective:
Follow up additional sessions
Parts therapy Is a great therapy to overcome the inner conflict around presenting, i.e. wanting to progress in your career but also wanting to hide and avoid attention or rejection. In this fascinating session, we will 'chat' with those parts/inner drivers holding you back through thought and reaction. Once you have a clearer understanding of why, we can create a more aligned and effective way for your inner mind to support you, helping you to more easily attain your public speaking and life goals. This is usually an interesting and thought-provoking session and just requires an open mind and curiosity.
Current life regression/inner child Some early life experiences can leave lasting mental scars, even if relatively minor, i.e. being laughed at in class. This session works great as an optional follow on session, by replacing and reframing (the 'ouch' and negative associations of) painful childhood or early career experiences around speaking up or presenting. Expect to feel more at peace with yourself afterwards.
Agnostic therapeutic past life regression This might sound like an unusual option but it has proved effective when other options haven't fully hit the mark. It’s agnostic so it can still work even if you believe it is simply fantasy, metaphor or imagination. In the session your inner mind will take you back to a past life 'experience' that is the source of your fear, in an immersive, but safe way. Think VR but just with your eyes shut. We will transform and reframe any negative element of it, at the same time effectively upgrading your own negative associations into something more positive. If you approch it with an open mind and curiosity, you may discover a meaningful and profound experience, possibly with a far-reaching impact.
Coaching prep & additional visualization If after doing the initial visualization, you have an upcoming career defining presentation and you’re freaking out somewhat, a quick run through and practice of your planned presentation can work wonders at improving your presentation and building your confidence. Receive targetted tips and tricks, ideas for improvement and feedback that you can apply straight away. Combine this with some guided visualization specific to that presentation and you will experience a much-improved delivery, replacing weeks of sleepless nights and dread, for some minor manageable nerves immediately beforehand. When your presentation really matters, then this preparation session is a must. The session is tailored to your exact needs, but can cover topics such as: structure, openings, closing & calls to action, slide decks, notes, your voice, your body, your hands, your face, your eye contact, using props, handling questions & objections, managing the audience, managing nerves, ad-libbing, thinking on your feet, overcoming the fear of failure and preparing yourself to deliver etc. Concluding with a short guided visualization of what a great presentation feels like and you and your mind are set up for presentation success!
For any of these 1:1 sessions Simply book the standard 2-hr Zoom Appointment. Your session can be just one of the above options or a mix of them, according to your needs. A package of 2-3 sessions is recommended, but even a single session will be helpful.
eCourse: Book a package of 2+ sessions, to receive free copies of Presenting for the Petrified and Presenting Virtually 101 eLearning courses. These on-line courses will give you all the basics to swiftly improve your presentation skills. To continue to build your presentation skills you may book on one of the Zoom workshops (below) or consider visiting your local Toastmasters club (recommended).
Improve your presenting skills and confidence with these 2-hr skill building sessions
Available on demand, for individuals or small groups (max'm 8).
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No Sweat Presenting: Structure It (Making your point): Learn how to create a simple structure that makes it easier to engage your audience and encourage them to follow your call to action. Useful for when put on the spot too
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No Sweat Presenting: Say It (Finding your voice): Explore simple ways to enhance the listenability of your voice and to minimise any vocal distractions. No weird vocal exercises required, just common sense feedback and easy activities
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No Sweat Presenting: Express It (Managing your body language & props): Learn how to deliver in a more relaxed and polished way, communicating confidence to your audience, rather than distracting then with unconscious physical movements!
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No Sweat Presenting: Answer It (Dealing with the audience): Learn how to confidently handle questions or objections from your audience. Never fear an audience question again!