On Tuesday 24 March 2026, I had the honour of attending a very special evening at the Houses of Parliament, where Inspiring Indian Women celebrated their 10th anniversary alongside International Women’s Day with the Dharma Dubey Awards.

The event was hosted by Shivani Raja, and brought together an incredible group of individuals, including Virendra Sharma, Navendu Mishra, Suresh Kumar Gupta, Councillor Paul Lorber, and Warrant Officer Ashok Chauhan.

What stood out most was the room itself.

It was filled with women whose journeys speak of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment. Each story was different, yet connected by a shared drive to make a meaningful impact.

From entrepreneurs and professionals to artists and changemakers, every woman present represented strength in action. Their work continues to inspire, uplift, and create opportunities for others.

I feel deeply grateful to have been recognised among them and to have received the Best Professional Award.

The IIW She Inspires – Dharma Dubey Special Award for Best Professional is a prestigious recognition presented by the Inspiring Indian Women (IIW) organisation. It honours remarkable women who have demonstrated exceptional resilience, change-making, and excellence in their professional fields.

Moments like this are a reminder of the power of community and the importance of celebrating one another, not just for achievements, but for the journeys behind them.

My sincere thanks to the Inspiring Indian Women team for creating such a powerful platform to recognise and celebrate women.

Stay connected and follow along for more moments like this on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sonaldave68/

Living with congenital hip dysplasia, hidden disabilities, and chronic pain, she refused to be defined by limitations — instead turning them into fuel for a life of purpose.

From rising through the civil service to becoming a celebrated celebrant, toastmaster, and public speaking expert at 50, Sonal is a trailblazer who uplifts communities, challenges stereotypes, and dares others to dream big.

✨ Highlights from this episode:

• Growing up in Uganda and the UK while navigating hidden disabilities
• Overcoming workplace bullying and thriving in the civil service
• Reinventing herself at 50 and stepping into the events & public speaking world
• Becoming one of the few Asian female celebrants and toastmasters in the UK
• Championing inclusion for multicultural and LGBTQ couples
• Why communication is the ultimate tool for confidence and mental health

Public speaking is consistently among the top fears in the UK. According to YouGov (April 2025), it ranks in the top three phobias nationally. Among students, the issue is even more pronounced: studies from 2021 found that 64% of university students reported fear of speaking in public, with similar findings in previous years indicating high levels of anxiety.

This fear isn’t just an emotional hurdle; it affects academic success, career progression, and overall well-being. Students who lack confidence in communication may struggle to contribute in class, participate in discussions, or present their ideas clearly.

For educators and institutions, this is a societal issue and one that can be mitigated through structured learning opportunities, including public speaking courses online, workbooks, and journals.

Understanding Student Fear of Public Speaking

Several factors contribute to public speaking anxiety among students:

• Misconceptions: Many feel they are alone in their fear, seeing it as a personal flaw rather than a common experience (Fearless Public Speaking).
  
  
• Inadequate Preparation: Practising in low-pressure environments often doesn’t prepare students for real-world speaking situations.
  
  
• Focus on External Factors: The anxiety comes from being the focus of attention and fearing negative judgment from peers.
  
  
• Fear of Failure (Atelophobia): Worries about forgetting words, making mistakes, or embarrassing oneself are common triggers.
  
  

The YouGov survey highlights the scope of the problem among younger populations:

• 63% of Gen Z would avoid public speaking if they weren’t required to do it
  
  
• Forgetting words (36%) is the top anxiety trigger.
  
  
• Job interviews (32%), speeches (25%), and work presentations (22%) are the most intimidating scenarios.
  
  

Despite this, there is a willingness among students to face their fears: 14% find public speaking scary but push themselves to do it, while 20% don’t like it but will participate if necessary.

Why Education Must Prioritise Public Speaking

Confidence in communication is not just a soft skill. It’s a transferable skill that underpins success in academics, employment, home life and personal development. By embedding public speaking and storytelling into curricula, schools and universities can:

• Improve confidence in communication
  
  
• Reduce anxiety and its impact on mental health.
  
  
• Equip students with essential skills for job interviews, presentations, personal and professional life.
  
  
• Enhance critical thinking and clarity of thought.
  
  
• Encourage creativity and self-expression through storytelling.
  
  

Providing structured opportunities to practise these skills ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also socially, personally and professionally equipped.

Practical Tools: Courses, Workbooks, and Journals

Integrating tools such as online courses, workbooks, and journals supports student learning by creating a safe environment to practise and reflect:

• Online courses: Flexible modules allow students to build skills at their own pace, practising public speaking in a structured way. Explore courses
  
  
• Workbooks: Step-by-step exercises guide students through techniques for overcoming fear and improving delivery. Add a workbook to your learning library
  
  
• Journals: Reflection journals support confidence, mental health, and ongoing development, helping students track progress and celebrate achievements. Start your confidence journal today
  
  

These resources complement classroom learning, enabling students to practise, review, and internalise skills independently.

Storytelling: Building Engagement and Influence

Storytelling is not just a creative exercise; it’s a critical life skill. Students who learn the importance of storytelling can:

• Engage audiences with clarity and purpose
  
  
• Persuade and inform effectively.
  
  
• Build confidence in sharing ideas in both academic, personal and social contexts.
  
  

By practising storytelling in educational establishments including school, college, and university, students develop communication skills that will serve them throughout their careers and personal lives.

Embedding Public Speaking in Education

Educational Institutions can embed public speaking through:

• Classroom presentations and debates.
• Dedicated communication or confidence modules.
• Integration into induction programmes and extracurricular activities.
• Access to online courses, workbooks, and journals.
• Bringing in experts to deliver workshops and webinars.
  
  

This holistic approach ensures that students regularly practise and develop skills, reducing anxiety and enhancing confidence in communication.

FAQs

1. How common is fear of public speaking among students?
 Studies from 2021 found that 64% of university students reported fear of public speaking, with ongoing research showing that this fear continues to affect mental health, academic success, and career progression.

2. What tools help students overcome this fear?
 Courses, workbooks, and reflection journals provide structured practice, guidance, and self-assessment, helping students build confidence and reduce anxiety.

3. Why is storytelling important in education?
 Storytelling helps students engage others, present ideas clearly, and communicate persuasively — skills that are valuable academically, socially, and professionally.

Public speaking and storytelling are essential life skills, yet fear of speaking remains a significant barrier for students. By integrating public speaking courses online, workbooks, and journals into school and university programmes, educators can help students overcome anxiety, build confidence, and prepare for success beyond the classroom.

Take the next step: Explore my public speaking courses, workbooks, and journals today

Public speaking is one of the UK’s most common fears, affecting employees’ confidence, mental health, and career progression. Corporate induction and L&D programmes that include public speaking courses online, supported by workbooks and journals, reduce fear, build confidence in communication, and equip staff with essential storytelling and presentation skills.

In the UK, public speaking is consistently ranked as one of the top three phobias. According to a YouGov study in April 2025, 15% of individuals report a fear of speaking in public, with over one in five (21%) actively avoiding opportunities to speak. This widespread anxiety is not limited to adults; studies in 2021 found that 64% of university students reported fear of public speaking, highlighting a societal challenge that spans generations.

For organisations, this fear has tangible implications: it affects productivity, collaboration, and employees’ ability to engage and lead effectively. By incorporating public speaking courses online into induction and L&D programmes, companies can help staff overcome these fears, develop confidence in communication, and improve overall performance.

Understanding the Fear

Glossophobia, the clinical term for fear of public speaking, persists due to several factors:

• Misconceptions: Many individuals feel they are alone in their fear, viewing it as a personal failing rather than a common human experience (Fear-less Public Speaking).
• Inadequate Preparation: Practising in a controlled environment often doesn’t replicate the pressure of actual public speaking, making live events feel daunting.
• Focus on External Factors: Anxiety often stems from being the centre of attention and fearing negative judgment from others.
• Fear of Failure (Atelophobia): Some individuals fear making mistakes or appearing incompetent, creating heightened stress during presentations.

The YouGov survey also revealed the specific triggers for public speaking anxiety among UK adults:
● Forgetting words (36%)

● Freezing up (33%)

● Looking foolish (33%)

High-stakes scenarios such as job interviews (32%), public presentations (25%), and work presentations (22%) were the most anxiety-inducing. Among Gen Z, 63% would avoid speaking opportunities if they weren’t required, illustrating the persistent nature of this fear across age groups.

The Case for Corporate Public Speaking Training

Despite these fears, public speaking is a core workplace skill. From presentations to team meetings, employees need confidence, clarity, and the ability to engage an audience. Structured training helps employees:
● Develop confidence in communication

● Reduce fear associated with speaking in public

● Learn to structure and deliver messages effectively

● Engage audiences through storytelling and persuasion

Embedding public speaking in induction ensures that new starters begin their journey confidently, while offering courses, workbooks, and journals through L&D libraries provides ongoing skill development for all employees.

Overcoming Fear with Practical Tools

Providing staff with courses, workbooks, and journals enables them to gradually overcome fear in a safe, structured way. Confidence journals allow reflection, goal-setting, and tracking progress, while workbooks and online courses give practical exercises and frameworks to improve skills.
● Online courses: Flexible and self-paced, ideal for diverse learning styles. Explore courses Add link

● Workbooks: Step-by-step exercises to build skills progressively. Add a workbook to your library Add link

● Journals: Reflection tools that support mental health and track confidence growth. Start your confidence journal today Add link

Storytelling: The Art Every Professional Needs

Storytelling is a powerful tool in business. It allows employees to:
● Engage audiences effectively

● Convey ideas persuasively

● Build connection and influence

By embedding storytelling exercises within corporate L&D programmes, organisations ensure that employees don’t just communicate, they inspire and lead.

Embedding Public Speaking into Corporate Culture

A successful corporate L&D programme integrates public speaking across induction and ongoing development. Organisations that do so:
● Cultivate a culture of confident communication

● Reduce public speaking fear across all levels

● Enhance leadership pipelines

● Improve collaboration and creativity

Supporting employees to face and overcome their fears has measurable benefits, including increased productivity, engagement, and career progression.

FAQs

1. How common is the fear of public speaking in the UK?
   According to YouGov (April 2025), glossophobia is the third most common phobia in the UK, with 15% of people reporting significant fear and 21% actively avoiding public speaking opportunities.
2. What practical tools can organisations use to support staff?
   Courses, workbooks, and journals allow employees to practise, reflect, and develop confidence in communication over time, complementing live training.
3. Why include storytelling in corporate training?
   Storytelling engages audiences, conveys messages clearly, and strengthens leadership and presentation skills — essential in meetings, presentations, and client interactions.

Public speaking may be one of the UK’s most common fears, but it is also a skill that can be developed with the right support.

By integrating public speaking courses online, workbooks, and confidence journals into induction and L&D programmes, organisations help employees overcome fear, build confidence in communication, and thrive professionally.

Take the next step: Explore my public speaking courses, workbooks, and journals today

Strong communication underpins vibrant, connected communities. From local council meetings to volunteer-led events, the ability to speak clearly, engage audiences, and convey ideas confidently is essential. Yet fear of public speaking remains a barrier for many. A challenge that affects participation, leadership, and civic engagement.

According to a YouGov survey in April 2025, public speaking is among the UK’s top three phobias. Among residents of all ages, 21% actively avoid opportunities to speak in public, and for Gen Z, 63% would avoid speaking opportunities if not required. This fear isn’t trivial. it impacts confidence, engagement, and the effectiveness of community initiatives.

Local councils and community organisations have a unique opportunity to address this challenge by providing structured public speaking training and resources.

Why Public Speaking Training Matters for Communities

Public speaking skills enable individuals to:

• Present ideas clearly in meetings or forums
• Lead volunteer groups effectively
• Run workshops and community events with confidence
• Advocate for causes and connect with residents

When council employees and community members gain confidence in communication, participation in decision-making increases, meetings become more productive, and local initiatives thrive. Storytelling also plays a crucial role: sharing personal experiences or community stories engages audiences emotionally and strengthens civic bonds.

Addressing Public Speaking Fear in Local Populations

Fear of speaking publicly persists for several reasons:

• Perceived Isolation: Many feel they are the only ones anxious, rather than part of a common experience.
  
• High-Stakes Scenarios: Speaking at council meetings, public consultations, or community events can be intimidating
  
• Fear of Judgment or Failure: Worrying about forgetting words or appearing unprepared contributes to anxiety.
  

Structured public speaking training helps overcome these barriers. By combining online courses, practical exercises in workbooks, and reflective journals, councils can equip community members and their own employees with tools to practice, reflect, and grow.

Practical Tools for Local Councils and Communities

1. Online Courses: Accessible and flexible, ideal for volunteers or residents who cannot attend in-person workshops.
   
2. Workbooks: Step-by-step exercises to improve public speaking skills and confidence.
   
3. Journals: Reflection tools that support confidence and mental well-being.
   

These resources allow councils to create inclusive learning opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds, helping them overcome fear and develop essential communication skills.

Council and Community Benefits

Investing in public speaking and storytelling skills strengthens communities by:

• Encouraging active participation in council meetings and local decisions
  
• Supporting volunteer leaders to communicate effectively and inspire action
  
• Enhancing public engagement in events and initiatives
  
• Building confidence and resilience in residents, reducing social anxiety and promoting well-being
  

FAQs

1. How can local councils support residents in overcoming public speaking fear?
 Offering access to structured courses, workbooks, and confidence journals provides residents with practical tools to practise and develop skills safely.

2. Why is storytelling important for community engagement?
 Storytelling helps residents and volunteers connect emotionally with audiences, share experiences, and inspire action, creating stronger civic bonds.

3. Can online courses be used for volunteers or residents of all ages?
 Yes, online courses are flexible and self-paced, making them ideal for school students, young adults, working professionals, and senior residents alike.

Public speaking and storytelling are not just professional skills. They are essential for thriving, engaged communities. By investing in public speaking courses online, workbooks, and journals, local councils can empower their employees, residents, volunteers, and community leaders to communicate confidently, participate fully, and drive positive change.

Take the next step: Explore my public speaking courses, workbooks, and journals today.

After 20+ years in the Civil Service, I launched my business as a Celebrant, Toastmaster and Public Speaking Expert. It gave me the flexibility to follow my passion and manage long-term health conditions. But when I recently needed surgery and had to take 3–4 months off, I realised how vulnerable my business really was.

The biggest gap? I hadn’t properly planned for what would happen if I had to step away — or how to keep things running behind the scenes. That experience led me to put a contingency plan in place, and I want to share what I learned with you — plus a free resource to help you futureproof your business, starting with the one thing no one else can do for you: your pitch.

Why You Need a Contingency Plan

Life will throw things at you — illness, financial shocks, family emergencies, even tech outages or natural disasters. A contingency plan doesn’t solve everything, but it gives you options and confidence when you most need it.

Here are a few areas to think about:

1. Illness or Injury

Whether it’s you, a freelancer, or a key team member, plan for what happens if someone can’t work.

• Delegate responsibilities
• Document processes
• Ensure someone trusted can step in quickly

2. Financial Trouble

Have a cushion. That might mean insurance, an emergency fund, or the flexibility to pause services without burning bridges.

• Negotiate payment terms
• Explore other income streams
• Keep a lean, clear view of your numbers

3. Family Emergencies

Sometimes you just need to drop everything.

• Communicate clearly with clients and collaborators
• Use automation tools where you can
• Designate a temporary point of contact if needed

4. Unexpected Events

Tech issues, power cuts, floods, supply chain chaos… it’s worth having basics in place.

• Back up important files
• Know your insurance coverage
• Think through temporary alternatives for your workspace or suppliers

4 Essentials to Keep Your Business Going When Life Happens

1. Make Your Message Clear and Repeatable

If you had to step away, would someone else know how to speak about your business clearly? Having a well-defined pitch makes it easier for someone to step in, for others to recommend you, or even just to confidently pause and resume your work later.

2. Document the Basics

Have your passwords, process notes, and critical contacts stored somewhere safe and accessible. It takes 30 minutes to set up and could save you weeks of stress down the line.

3. Build a Buddy System

Whether it’s a freelancer friend or someone you hire, having a person who knows your work and can jump in short-term is invaluable.

4. Know Your Backup Options

A remote setup, emergency fund, or even a simple email auto-responder with clear contact info — these little things make a big difference in how professional (and calm) you seem in a crisis.

But None of That Matters If People Don’t Know What You Do

When I first started out, I focused on making things run — but didn’t give much time to how I talked about my business. And when life got messy, that lack of clarity made it harder for others to step in or refer work.

That’s why I created a free email series to help small business owners and freelancers like you craft a clear, confident pitch that actually reflects what you do — and why it matters.

• It’s practical
• Takes less than 10 minutes a day
• Helps you build the foundation for better messaging, referrals, and long-term resilience

Get Your Free Pitch Email Series

This is the first step to building a more resilient business — and it’s completely free.

Because when things go sideways, you need to know what you stand for — and be able to say it, simply and clearly.

Transforming Retail Staff Performance Through Public Speaking Skills

Effective communication is a cornerstone of exceptional customer service, and public speaking skills are at the heart of this. In the retail industry, where customer interactions are frequent and varied, employees must be able to articulate product benefits clearly, handle enquiries with confidence, and respond to complaints with tact and professionalism. Public speaking training equips retail staff with the tools they need to engage customers effectively, creating a positive and memorable shopping experience.

One of the primary benefits of public speaking training is that it helps staff develop a clear and persuasive communication style. This is particularly important when explaining complex product features or addressing customer concerns. By practising techniques such as voice modulation, body language, and structured speech, retail employees can present information in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand. This not only enhances the customer experience but also increases the likelihood of successful sales interactions.

Public speaking training also prepares employees to handle challenging situations, such as managing customer dissatisfaction or resolving conflicts. For instance, if a customer is unhappy with a product or service, a well-trained employee can de-escalate the situation by communicating empathetically and providing clear solutions. This ability to navigate difficult conversations confidently and effectively can turn potential negative experiences into opportunities for customer retention and loyalty.

Boosting Employee Morale and Engagement Through Public Speaking Training in Retail

Public speaking training does more than improve verbal communication, it significantly boosts employee morale and engagement. When employees feel confident in their ability to express themselves, they are more likely to engage actively in team meetings, share innovative ideas, and participate in decision-making processes. This sense of involvement and contribution is key to building a positive and motivated workforce.

For many retail employees, the fear of speaking in front of others can be a significant barrier to effective communication. Public speaking training helps to overcome this fear, providing a safe and supportive environment where employees can practise and refine their skills. As they become more comfortable with public speaking, their confidence grows, which can have a profound impact on their overall job satisfaction and performance.

The Role of Public Speaking in Leadership Development

Leadership in the retail sector requires more than just managerial skills, it demands the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, from team members to senior management. Public speaking is a critical component of leadership development, enabling retail managers to articulate their vision, inspire their teams, and navigate complex situations with confidence and authority.

For example, a retail manager who can clearly communicate new store policies or sales targets is more likely to secure buy-in from their team. Similarly, a manager who can motivate staff during challenging periods, such as peak shopping seasons or unexpected disruptions, plays a crucial role in maintaining morale and productivity. Public speaking training helps managers develop these skills, ensuring they can lead their teams effectively through both routine operations and unexpected challenges.

The Impact of Public Speaking on Problem Solving and Decision Making

In the retail environment, effective problem solving and decision making are essential skills. Whether it’s addressing a sudden stock shortage, resolving a customer complaint, or managing team conflicts, the ability to communicate solutions clearly and confidently is critical. Public speaking training enhances these skills by teaching retail staff how to think on their feet, structure their thoughts logically, and present their ideas persuasively.

For instance, when dealing with a stock issue, a well-structured presentation on inventory management can help team members understand the problem and work together to find a solution. Similarly, during team meetings, staff trained in public speaking can articulate their viewpoints more effectively, leading to more productive discussions and better decision-making outcomes.

Public speaking training also helps retail employees manage stress and remain calm under pressure, a key attribute when dealing with high-stakes situations. This composure enables them to handle customer complaints or conflicts with colleagues in a professional and effective manner, ensuring that issues are resolved quickly and satisfactorily.

Public speaking skills can also enhance the ability to communicate with senior management and other stakeholders. By presenting issues and solutions clearly and confidently, staff can influence decision-making processes and contribute to the strategic direction of the business. This proactive approach to problem solving not only improves operational efficiency but also empowers employees to take ownership of their roles and contribute more meaningfully to the organisation.

Why Public Speaking Should Be Part of Your Retail Training Programme

Integrating public speaking training into your retail training programme is a strategic move that can transform both individual and organisational performance. Effective communication is a fundamental skill that underpins all aspects of retail operations, from customer service and sales to team collaboration and leadership. By equipping your staff with strong public speaking skills, you create a workforce that is confident, engaged, and capable of representing your brand with professionalism and integrity.

Public speaking training provides employees with the tools they need to communicate effectively in a variety of situations. This includes not only customer interactions but also internal communications, such as team meetings and performance reviews. When employees are trained to speak clearly and confidently, they are better able to articulate their thoughts and ideas, leading to more productive and collaborative working relationships.

For retail managers, public speaking training is particularly valuable. It enhances their ability to lead and motivate their teams, ensuring that organisational goals are communicated effectively, and that staff feel supported and engaged. Managers who are skilled communicators are also better equipped to handle difficult conversations, such as addressing performance issues or managing conflicts, in a way that is both empathetic and constructive.

Investing in public speaking training demonstrates a commitment to employee development, which can improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover. Employees who feel that their organisation is invested in their personal and professional growth are more likely to remain loyal and committed to their roles. This focus on continuous learning and development not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to the overall success of the business.

Conclusion

Public speaking is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance the performance and effectiveness of your retail team. By incorporating public speaking training into your retail training programme, you equip your staff with the confidence and communication skills needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the overall success of your business.

For those looking to take their team’s communication skills to the next level, explore our CPD accredited online public speaking courses. You can also download our ‘Building Confidence‘ brochure for more information on how we can support your training needs.

For many people, speaking up feels like a risk. Will I be judged? Will I say the wrong thing? Will I be misunderstood? These thoughts are more common than we admit, and they affect both adults and children., From professionals preparing for a presentation to young people trying to express their emotions or opinions at home or school.

Having worked with people from all walks of life, entrepreneurs, parents, corporate teams, grieving families, and children with big ideas but quiet voices, I’ve seen firsthand how communication is tied to confidence. And when that confidence is missing, it affects how we show up, connect, and feel about ourselves.

This isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about being heard, respected, and comfortable in your skin. Whether raising a toast, raising a child, or raising your hand to speak…finding your voice and facing the fear matters.

The Power of Speaking Up: Why Your Voice Matters at Work, at Home and in Life

There’s a common misconception that being quiet means that you are weak. Some of the most thoughtful, intelligent people I’ve met have simply struggled to speak up. Staying silent is the easy option, whether it’s nerves, their fear of judgement, past experiences, or not knowing how to find the right words. But over time, silence chips away at an individual’s confidence.

Speaking up matters. In the workplace, it helps you share ideas, ask for what you need and grow as a leader. For business owners, it’s the key to building trust and standing out in your industry. At home, open communication builds better relationships with partners, children, and family. And for children, being encouraged to speak helps build self-esteem, assertiveness and emotional awareness.

Finding the confidence to speak isn’t just a skill; it’s a form of self-respect. When you use your voice, you remind yourself and others that your thoughts are valid and that your presence matters. This applies whether you’re delivering a pitch, raising a concern at school, asking a question at work or simply telling someone how you feel.

Learning to speak up does not mean changing who you are. It means learning how to express your ideas and emotions clearly in a way that feels like you.

Whether you are a parent guiding a child, a professional building influence, or someone tired of holding back, remember this. Confidence starts with a decision to speak. And that one decision can change everything.

Sign up to our public speaking courses HERE.

Confidence Isn’t Just for the Stage – It Starts in Everyday Conversations

When people think of public speaking, they often imagine standing on a stage, microphone in hand, addressing a large crowd. But the truth is, confident communication starts long before that. It begins with the small, everyday moments, from conversations at home, introducing yourself at a meeting, asking a question, expressing a need, or sharing an idea with a colleague or loved one.

For many children, professionals and neurodivergent individuals, these everyday conversations can feel far more daunting than a presentation. There’s pressure to get the words right, be understood, and feel heard. And when there have been difficulties or ridicule in the past, it’s easy to hold back.

But confidence doesn’t appear overnight. It builds gradually through consistent practice and self-awareness. Speaking clearly, asking for clarification, and making gentle eye contact are small but powerful steps. They show others you have something to contribute and, more importantly, will remind you of that.

For those who feel overwhelmed, structured tools like journaling can help process emotions and prepare for conversations in advance. Writing down thoughts or rehearsing what to say can ease the anxiety surrounding communication. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about feeling prepared and permitting yourself to speak in your own way.

Please feel free to check out our journals HERE.

Whether in a team meeting, chatting with a neighbour, or advocating for yourself in a healthcare appointment, every interaction is a chance to grow. Confidence doesn’t start on the stage. It begins with you in the everyday moments that shape your life.

From Silence to Strength: Helping Children and Adults Build Inner Confidence

Silence is often misunderstood. For some, it’s a survival strategy. For others, it results from being dismissed or misunderstood too many times. Over time, silence can become a habit that’s hard to break. But things begin to shift when people start to feel seen, supported and safe to express themselves.

Building inner confidence is about creating that shift from silence to strength.

Children who have been told to “be quiet” or “stop making a fuss” or even hearing words like “what do you know” may grow up believing their voice doesn’t matter. Adults who have been talked over or ignored at work or home may find it easier to say nothing. This isn’t just about personality or preference. It’s about experiences that shape how safe someone feels to speak.

Support, encouragement, and the right tools make a difference. Some children need space to process their thoughts before they speak. Some adults find their voice through writing or in smaller, supportive environments. Confidence looks different for everyone,  and that’s ok.

Please do check out our children’s workbooks and public speaking courses HERE.

It doesn’t matter if someone starts by sharing ideas with a trusted friend, asking a question in class, or writing about their day in a journal. Whenever someone chooses to express themselves, even in a small way, they build strength from the inside out.

Helping others find their voice starts with listening. And when people feel heard, they’re far more likely to speak. That’s where confidence begins.

Marking Life’s Milestones with Meaningful Words and Unshakable Presence

Regarding life’s most significant moments, the words we choose and how we deliver them matter more than we realise. Whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, a naming ceremony, an award ceremony or a corporate event, how these events are managed can leave a lasting impact on everyone present.

As a celebrant and toastmaster, I’ve seen how powerful the right words can be. They don’t need to be fancy or dramatic. They need to feel honest, heartfelt and grounded in the moment. It’s about creating space where people feel seen, supported and connected, even during the most emotional or nerve-wracking occasions.

But it’s not just about the script. It’s also about presence. Standing calmly in front of a room. Holding space when someone stumbles. Offering reassurance with a steady voice. These quiet strengths turn a good event into a memorable one.

For families marking joyful milestones or saying goodbye to loved ones, having someone who can guide the moment with empathy and confidence is comforting. Having someone who can lead with clarity, timing and professionalism for businesses and formal events is essential.

People remember how they felt, whether it’s a tearful tribute or a joyful celebration. Often, those feelings are shaped by how the event is led and the words that are said. Words matter, and presence brings them to life.

The Ripple Effect of Using Your Voice

Whether guiding a room through a celebration, encouraging a child to speak confidently, or helping a professional find their footing during a presentation, finding your voice creates ripples that extend far beyond the moment. It’s not just about speaking louder. It’s about feeling grounded, communicating clearly, and knowing that your words matter.

I’m excited to share with you all that by following what I say and teach, I am honoured to be featured in Global Woman Magazine’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs’ latest article, “Empowering Voices.” It explores the importance of helping others feel heard and shares more about my journey working across different spaces to support adults, children, families, and professionals in finding the confidence to speak up.

If anything in this piece has resonated with you, whether as a parent, a business owner, a teacher, or someone still building confidence, please take a moment to read the article. It’s a reminder that the ability to communicate with clarity and compassion can change everything.

And if you’re not already, you can follow along for more tips, stories and updates over on Instagram or LinkedIn:

📸 Instagram – @sonaldave68
💼 LinkedIn – Sonal Dave

Every voice matters. Including yours.

What I learned through this journey deepened my understanding of what it really means to hold space for ourselves and others. It reminded me that communicating with confidence isn’t just about projection and poise—it’s about honesty, healing, and resilience.

What Is Holistic Trauma?

“Holistic” means considering the whole person—not just their physical state, but emotional, mental, spiritual, and social well-being too.

Holistic trauma, then, is the total impact of a life event—like surgery, illness, or grief—on someone’s entire self. It’s something I’ve experienced more than once, from being born with congenital hip dysplasia to road traffic accidents, grief, and chronic illness. Most recently, it was six and a half hours of surgery, ten days in hospital, and months of learning how to walk again—with crutches, then a frame, and eventually on my own.

But the biggest lessons weren’t just physical. They were about strength, vulnerability, and rediscovering my voice in all areas of life.

1. Physical Trauma and the Body’s Voice

Before the surgery, pain made even simple movement feel impossible. Afterward, every step was a battle. Nerve damage, scarring, and extreme fatigue became daily challenges.

It made me reflect on the connection between our bodies and our ability to speak with confidence. You can’t speak powerfully when you’re disconnected from your body. Healing reminded me to listen—to pain, to energy levels, to the pace I needed.

In public speaking, this applies too: we must listen to what our body is telling us. Our breath, our posture, our presence—it all speaks before we do.

2. Emotional Trauma and the Need to Be Heard

Surgery brought anxiety, fear, and vulnerability. Well-meaning people told me “you’ll be fine,” but what I really needed was someone to ask, “How are you really feeling?”

This taught me the power of holding space. In both recovery and communication, people don’t need perfect words—they need presence. Sometimes the most supportive thing we can do is simply listen without fixing.

Whether it’s a team meeting or a hospital room, creating space for honesty is a powerful tool for connection.

3. Mental Trauma and the Confidence to Speak Up

When support systems falter—when processes break down, or help doesn’t arrive—it creates a deep mental strain. PTSD is real. Feeling unsupported can shake your trust and confidence.

In those moments, I had to find the courage to speak up: to ask questions, to advocate for myself, to say, “This isn’t working.”

And that’s true in life and leadership. Confidence isn’t just about speaking on stage—it’s about speaking up when it matters, even if your voice shakes.

4. Spiritual Trauma and the Search for Meaning

Long recovery brings reflection. You begin to question everything: your identity, your future, your purpose.

I had days where it was hard to find the will to get out of bed. But in that space, I also reconnected with small joys: music, my mischievous dogs Neo and Ri, and even a good Netflix binge.

This taught me that resilience isn’t constant positivity—it’s a quiet commitment to keep going. It’s the same resilience we need when nerves take over before a presentation or when we feel like we don’t belong in a room.

5. Social Trauma and the Shift in Roles

Illness isolates. People get busy. Expectations go unmet. Relationships get strained.

I found that I had to redefine how I connect—not just with others, but with myself. I learned that it’s okay to say no, to rest, to protect your energy.

For communicators and leaders, this is a crucial lesson: our ability to connect with others starts with how we care for ourselves. Boundaries, rest, and self-awareness are part of the toolkit for confident communication.

Final Thoughts: From Holistic Trauma to Holistic Healing

Healing after surgery has shown me how many layers make up our experience—and how our voice weaves through all of them. Physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social health all impact how we show up, speak out, and share ourselves with the world.

If you’re rebuilding your voice—after trauma, burnout, or change—know that you’re not alone. Confidence isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being real.

And sometimes, it starts with a whisper:
“I’m still here. I still matter. I still have something to say.”