Public speaking is one of the most common fears in the world but it doesn’t have to control you. Michael McQueen, one of the world’s top speakers and author of Mindstuck, shows how to face that fear head-on, turn nerves into confidence, and persuade even the most stubborn minds.
What really drives our fear of speaking? How can you train it out? Why is preparation, flow, and attention to detail more important? From mastering the stage, handling mistakes, and crafting presentations that stick, to routines that get you into the right mental state—this is your masterclass in confidence, communication, and performance you can use in any part of your life.
If you’ve ever frozen in front of a crowd, stumbled through a presentation, or wanted to influence people without fear holding you back—this episode is for you.
0:55 Reflections on the podcast and audience feedback
21:45 Public speaking fears, TikTok tips, and the 3 levels of speaking
30:20 Training fear out—coaching vs. speaking vs. stand-up comedy
35:35 Crafting keynotes, transitions, and diverse presentations
45:30 Short showcases, nerves, and practicing alone
52:00 Pre-performance routines, flow state, and vocal warmups
1:03:30 Behind the scenes: props, slides, and audience targeting
1:10:25 Handling technical issues and large slide decks
1:25:35 Starting small, learning from mistakes, and AV team tips
1:34:10 Following up with clients and creating new content
1:44:45 Podcasting, persuasion, and reflections from other experts
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What is Performance Intelligence?
There's IQ. There's EQ. Introducing PQ. All things human performance with PQ founder, Andrew May, exploring the latest in human performance with an all-star cast of subject matter experts covering physical and psychological wellbeing, performance psychology, sport, business, entertainment, the performing arts, leadership, and science.
Learn valuable lessons that can be applied to optimising performance in your personal and professional life. Performance Intelligence applies to the way we turn up in relationships and the way we turn up at work, it applies to the way we perform in front of 10,000 people and the way we perform in front of one.