Public speaking can be stressful—even terrifying—for both adults and young students. I know this firsthand. For years, I thought the key to speaking with impact was to “look” more charismatic, to focus on how others would perceive me. But the more I tried to appear confident, the more self-conscious and nervous I felt.

Everything changed when I shifted my focus inward—not on how I was seen, but on how I felt.

That’s the essence of my Open & Expand approach.

The power of opening & expanding

According to Dr. Albert Mehrabian’s well-known 7-38-55 rule*, words are just one tiny part of communication—tone and body language matter much more (Silent Messages, 1971). In other words, how we sound and move (38% + 55% = 93%) influences how people understand us far more than what we actually say (7%). With this in mind, I’ve spent years studying inspiring speakers such as Barack Obama, Will Smith, Vanessa Van Edwards, Mel Robbins, and Vinh Giang, while also experimenting with different techniques. Some I learned from watching them, others through my own experience as a theater enthusiast and, if I’m bold enough to say it, as an amateur actor**. After plenty of trial and error, I’ve come to a game-changing realization: speaking starts in the body.

*Dr. Albert Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 rule:  Communication is 7% words (only!), 38% tone of voice, and 55% body language.

Speaking starts in the body. (**I’m proud to have spent years performing on stage as a passionate hobby!)

Before stressing over words, structure, or audience reactions, first you need to feel grounded, present, and at ease. That said, I know it’s easier said than done. Public speaking makes most people nervous.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s completely normal.

But what if you could say goodbye to the stress of public speaking forever?

Your body holds the key

When you start feeling nervous, your brain triggers physical stress responses. Your heart races, your hands sweat or turn cold, and tension builds in your jaw, neck, shoulders, and back. Your posture stiffens, your breathing speeds up, and your mouth dries out, making you feel even more nervous. It’s such a vicious cycle.

But the reverse is also true. If you deliberately relax your body, you can make that nervousness go away. It’s because doing so signals to your brain, especially the amygdala which controls fear responses, that there’s no real danger.

In other words, you have the power to shift your energy through your body.

By opening and expanding—your breath, posture, gestures, and voice—you create space for confidence to emerge naturally. You feel more at ease, focused, and connected to the audience. And when you feel ready, clarity and impact follow effortlessly.

It’s not about trying to be engaging.

It’s about creating the conditions where engagement flows.

This is exactly what I try to teach my 9-year-old daughter every day. This is also what I focus on when I lead public speaking workshops.

When a brand is open, expansive, and built from alignment 

The same principle applies to branding and business, too.

Because people don’t buy from businesses. People buy from people.

I’ve learned this from my own experiences and by observing countless business leaders, companies, and brands. If your offer doesn’t come from a place of sincerity, joy, and profound confidence, people will sense it (mostly unconsciously). And they won’t buy from you.

Even if you manage to sell for a while, if your brand is built purely on transactions, chasing numbers, optimizing without soul, and focusing on looking successful rather than being aligned, the energy won’t stick. Eventually, it will either wear you out or leave you feeling empty and directionless.

(I’ve been learning all this the hard way.)

But when your brand is an extension of something real—when it’s open, expansive, and built from alignment and enthusiasm—it ends up drawing people in. Even if it may take a longer time than you wish. 

I don’t want to name specific brands here because, let’s be honest, everyone has different opinions about what an authentically successful brand is. 

Instead, I invite you to think about leaders, businesses, or brands that you believe come from a place of unshakable confidence grounded in their bodies and sincere openness. The ones that make you feel something real. For example, can you think of a brand that’s known to have an authentic and positive internal culture which truly aligns with its stated beliefs? One that attracts delighted buyers not just because of its products, but because people are eager to be part of its energy?

Being grounded and congruent: The most powerful business strategy 

Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a global company, the principle is the same.

Your ability to connect with people starts with how you show up—grounded, open, and congruent. When you embody that, trust and impact follow naturally. Business will thrive.

Before speaking in front of public or putting your offer out into the world, pause. Breathe. Open. Expand. And trust that the right energy will follow.

Would love to hear your thoughts—have you ever experienced the power of Opening & Expanding in your own work? Get in touch and share your story with us!

PS. Want your team (or your students, if you’re a school director or teacher) to learn our Open & Expand approach for public speaking or branding? Let’s talk about how we can design a workshop tailored to your group. Just fill out the contact form in the footer of this website, and we’ll be in touch.