Alright, let’s cut the fluff.You know that moment. You’re in a meeting. You've got something valuable to say—an idea, a suggestion, a challenge. But before the words even reach your mouth, something happens…Your heart starts racing. Your throat tightens. Your thoughts scatter like marbles on the floor.You know what you want to say. But somehow, it doesn’t come out the way you pictured it in your head.And just like that, another opportunity passes you by.You tell yourself, “I’ll speak up next time.”But here’s the thing—how many next times will there be?You’re not alone in this. I’ve worked with business leaders, rising entrepreneurs, and talented professionals who all share the same frustration:“Why can’t I just speak with confidence?”Let’s get real about the actual reason.<h1 id="cf688761-8b63-4191-9ff2-134899f6d4b1" data-toc-id="cf688761-8b63-4191-9ff2-134899f6d4b1">It's Not About Technique (Even Though Everyone Says It Is)</h1>We’ve all heard the advice:<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">“Stand tall.”</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">“Use strong body language.”</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">“Pause for effect.”</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">“Slow your pace.”</li></ul>Now, don’t get me wrong—those things do help. But they only scratch the surface.Because here’s what I’ve learned after 15+ years as a speaker, coach, and performer who’s studied human behaviour and communication inside out:Confidence doesn’t come from tactics. It comes from truth.And often, we’re too busy trying to fix the output that we never address the real input — the stories we carry about ourselves.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="false" origin="" playlist="" progressbarcolor="white" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5-fAPa-n7Hc" start="0"></iframe></div><h1 id="61fa97f5-fa6f-4164-be66-090731edd490" data-toc-id="61fa97f5-fa6f-4164-be66-090731edd490">What a Stammering King Can Teach Us About Speaking Powerfully</h1>Have you seen The King's Speech? It’s one of those films that stays with you.King George VI has to lead Britain through war… but he has a stammer that cripples him every time he speaks. So he seeks out a speech therapist, Lionel Logue.Now here’s where it gets interesting.The King just wants quick fixes. “Give me the tricks. Tell me how to say the words.” But Lionel pushes deeper. He knows the problem isn’t the stammer. It’s what’s sitting underneath it—the fear, the pressure, the shame.This is what I see with so many people.Driven, capable, intelligent individuals who are trying to quick fix, when really, they need to look inward.They’re not just nervous. They’re carrying beliefs.<h1 id="e2d0a97b-11a6-468c-9230-613c7bafcbe8" data-toc-id="e2d0a97b-11a6-468c-9230-613c7bafcbe8">The Voice in Your Head is Louder Than You Think</h1>Let me tell you a quick story.Growing up, I had a loud voice. Some would say it projects, others said something slightly different. In one Christmas play rehearsal, my teacher asked me to mime my words. Literally.“Just mouth the words, don’t sing – you’re too loud. All we can hear is you.”Now, you might hear that and laugh. But for me, as a kid, the message landed hard:“Your voice is too much.” “You don’t belong in the spotlight.” “Tone it down.”That belief stuck.Even years later, on stage, in meetings, or during tough conversations—I’d hesitate. Not because I lacked words, but because part of me still carried that whisper:“Be quiet. Don’t be too much.”And I’m not the only one.Maybe someone once told you that you talk too much. Maybe you were called “shy” or “awkward” growing up. Maybe you were laughed at when reading out loud.Whatever it was, it planted a seed. And that seed grew into a belief.<h1 id="eb5ec1e3-7564-4115-9bed-3d18f8efa0f6" data-toc-id="eb5ec1e3-7564-4115-9bed-3d18f8efa0f6">Belief is the Root. Everything Else is the Branch.</h1>When people come to me asking, “How do I speak with more confidence?” they usually want tips. Tools. Quick fixes.But here’s the thing:You don’t need to learn how to speak better.You need to remember who you are when no one made you doubt your voice.That’s the deeper work we do inside MIND Academy—my signature group coaching program designed for professionals and entrepreneurs who want more than surface-level advice.We go back to the root:<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">What do you believe about your voice?</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">What stories have you been carrying since childhood?</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">And most importantly—are those stories still serving you?</li></ul>Because confidence doesn’t start with a pose or a pitch. It starts with permission.Permission to own your voice. Permission to speak before you're “perfectly ready.” Permission to stop filtering your truth through the fear of being judged.<h1 id="16c52695-6173-4389-8b5c-67197eb62c4e" data-toc-id="16c52695-6173-4389-8b5c-67197eb62c4e">Struggling to Start Conversations? Let’s Fix That First.</h1>One of the most common things I hear from clients is:“I just freeze up in conversations… especially with new people.”Sound familiar?If you’re tired of the awkwardness, the overthinking, the missed opportunities to connect—I've got something for you:🎁<a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/4dTZZaz"> Download my FREE 15-minute training</a> and discover the Break The Ice 3-step formula that helps you start conversations effortlessly in any setting.This is the same strategy I’ve taught to corporate teams and coaching clients across the world. Whether it’s networking, social events, or everyday small talk—it works.You’ll learn:<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">The hidden reason you freeze up</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">How to make an instant connection without sounding scripted</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">The 3-step formula that works in both business and life</li></ul>👉<a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/4dTZZaz"> Click here to access it instantly</a>Because confidence doesn’t start when you’re “on stage.” It starts in the small moments.<h1 id="8d7d0c56-02c8-424a-8fec-d050a3e71bbe" data-toc-id="8d7d0c56-02c8-424a-8fec-d050a3e71bbe">Your Voice Isn’t Too Much. It’s the Message Someone Else Needs.</h1>Let’s end with a moment of honesty.Take a breath. Ask yourself:<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Who told me I couldn’t speak up?</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Where did I learn that my voice doesn’t belong?</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">And why am I still believing it?</li></ul>You don’t need to become confident. You need to unlearn what made you think you weren’t.Because your voice—honest, grounded, real—is the one the world needs.So speak. Not louder. Just truer.<h1 id="79d7ceec-b96a-43fa-8aef-849745cb311b" data-toc-id="79d7ceec-b96a-43fa-8aef-849745cb311b">Want More Like This?</h1>If you found this article helpful and want more insights on communication, confidence, mindset, and influence:Connect with me on social:<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Instagram:<a target="_blank" href="https://instagram.com/anthonylayespeaks"> @anthonylayespeaks</a></li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">YouTube:<a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/@anthonylaye"> @anthonylaye</a></li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Website:<a target="_blank" href="https://anthonylaye.com"> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://anthonylaye.com">anthonylaye.com</a></li></ul>🎤 Looking for a powerful speaker or team workshop? If you're organising an event or you’re part of a business looking to improve your team’s communication and confidence, I’d love to chat.With over 15 years of experience speaking on the world’s biggest stages—and a background in mentalism, communication psychology, and behaviour—I make learning engaging, insightful, and unforgettable.💼 I also run a high-level mastermind program for entrepreneurs and professionals ready to upgrade their mindset, confidence, and communication so they can live a life less ordinary.📩 Ready to take the next step? Head <a target="_blank" href="http://toanthonylaye.com">toanthonylaye.com</a> and get in touch.

You know what you want to say. But somehow, it doesn’t come out the way you pictured it in your head.

The Real Reason You’re Struggling to Speak with Confidence

It's Not About Technique (Even Though Everyone Says It Is)

What a Stammering King Can Teach Us About Speaking Powerfully

The Voice in Your Head is Louder Than You Think

Belief is the Root. Everything Else is the Branch.

Struggling to Start Conversations? Let’s Fix That First.

Your Voice Isn’t Too Much. It’s the Message Someone Else Needs.

Learn how to grow and scale your online course business using our online course platform. EzyCourse blog is designed to teach you how to create and sell online courses.

The Real Reason You’re Struggling to Speak with Confidence

The Real Reason You’re Struggling to Speak with Confidence

Related Posts

How To Set Goals In Life (Without Burning Out Your Coaching Business)

Body Language for Coaches & Professionals: How to Command a Room Without Saying a Word

Too Busy to Breathe: How to Stay Calm & Clear When Life Gets Overwhelming

How to Stop Being Angry (Even When People Push Your Buttons)

Fear of Failure: The Silent Trap Holding High Achievers Back