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Episode Summary
Ever start talking in a meeting and your voice cracks, your hands get sweaty, and your mind goes blank? You’re not alone.
Today Dr. G sits down with Salvatore Manzi, a communication coach with 20+ years of experience who’s helped people speak at Y Combinator and the United Nations. He explains why your body does this under pressure—and shares simple moves you can use today so you feel calm, clear, and in control at work, on stage, or on Zoom.
If you avoid speaking up or leave meetings thinking, “I wish I said that,” this episode is for you. You’ll hear how to breathe the easy way before you talk, a quick 10-second move to release nerves, a small hand cue that helps you feel grounded, and a three-word line that stops the mental spiral when someone in the audience looks unhappy or skeptical.
What You’ll Learn• A 3-word reset that stops the spiral: “Not about me.”
• Box breathing made easy—and how many rounds you actually need.
• A 10-second shake-out to dump nervous energy fast (backstage or before a meeting).
• How to flip fear into excitement in seconds (same body feelings, better result).
• A quick body anchor (thumb to finger) to feel grounded on command.
• If you ramble or over-prepare, the fast fix for each.
• What to do when someone looks skeptical without losing your flow.
• The simple rule “one idea → one gesture” so your hands don’t steal the show.
• Why pauses, voice changes, and simple metaphors make people remember you.
• A kinder way to handle imposter thoughts: name the inner critic, then tame it.
• On Zoom: show your hands, use clear small gestures, and add short beats to hold attention.
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Hosted by Doctor Christian Gonzalez N.D.
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About Our Guest:
Salvatore Manzi is a voice and confidence coach helping shy, introverted people find their power. A former terrified speaker turned transformational coach, he specializes in helping introverts stop being invisible and start being heard. With 20+ years of experience and wisdom from living in 17 cities across 8 countries, he transforms people who hate speaking into confident communicators.
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi
• Website:https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/salvatoremanzi/?hl=en
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:44 - Box Breathing Technique
6:04 - Why Public Speaking is the #1 Human Fear
10:17 - Data Overload vs. Connection
19:56 - The "Not About Me" Technique
31:20 - Taming Your Gremlins: Meet Perry the Perfectionist
38:43 - Handling the Sour Face in the Audience
45:22 - Vocal Variety and the Power of Metaphors