In this episode, I speak with Nick Field, an investment manager based in Sydney, Australia, who began with a fear of public speaking. We chart his journey from awkward school debates and scripted speeches to founding speaking clubs to help others speak with confidence.
Nick shares his top takeaways: how layering technical expertise with simple metaphors wins over any audience; the balance between obsessive preparation and playful improv; using stories to create empathy; and negotiating from genuine curiosity, not force. By the end, you’ll have concrete tools to find your own voice—introverts, this one’s for you.
Thank you for listening.
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OUTLINE:
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Nick’s Background & Passion for Public Speaking
04:52 Early Struggles with Communication
07:32 Turning Points & Realizations
08:37 Childhood Experiences & Public Speaking Anxiety
15:19 Learning to Speak Confidently
23:17 The Power of Playful Communication
24:34 Why Facts Alone Don’t Engage Audience
28:02 Preparation vs. Improvisation
39:18 Dealing with Mistakes & Speech Anxiety
44:29 Practical Tips for High-Pressure Speaking
47:19 Audience Engagement Strategies
52:50 Simplifying Complex Ideas for Diverse Audiences
59:08 Personal Approaches to Public Speaking
01:03:26 Understanding the Audience & Telling Effective Stories
01:10:15 Handling a Hostile Audience
01:21:05 Navigating Personal Criticism & Resistance
01:26:48 Emotional Management & Deflection
01:39:57 Closing Thoughts
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Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.
This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.
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