Transformative Public Speaking Tips from Money Talk With Tiff | Ep. 386

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We’ve all been there: sweaty palms, a racing heart, and that voice inside whispering, “What if I mess up?” If the thought of public speaking makes you anxious, you’re not alone. But here's the real talk from Tiffany Grant, financial educator and host of Money Talk With Tiff: every great speaker started from scratch. That means you—yes, you—can become a compelling communicator and turn nerves into your greatest asset. In this blog post, we’ll break down Tiffany’s transformative public speaking strategies—along with insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable steps you can use for your next big talk, team meeting, or casual chat with stakeholders.

Whether you dream of holding people rapt on stage or just want to get your point across with your boss, these research-backed tips will help you shine.

The Power of Pre-Stage Rituals

Ever walked onto a stage and wished you could just blend into the crowd? Tiffany gets it. As someone who once described herself as “very, very, very, very shy,” she’s lived the journey from shy observer to dynamic speaker. Her first suggestion? Start before you even open your mouth.

Strike A Power Pose

Research out of Harvard suggests that standing in “power poses”—think Wonder Woman with hands on hips or a starfish stance—can boost your confidence and reduce stress. Tiffany recommends spending a minute or two before your presentation posing in ways that make you feel big and assertive. You’re not just warming up your body—you’re telling your brain, “I’ve got this.”

Try this:

• Stand tall, feet apart, hands on hips or stretched overhead.
• Hold for 2 minutes in a private space.
• Breathe deeply and visualize your success.

These simple acts can shift your mindset from nervous to empowered. Imagine electricity flowing through you, filling every corner with energy. Ready to take the stage? Absolutely.

Opening With Connection

We all know the feeling of sitting in the audience, drifting as a speaker drones on. What gets us leaning forward is engagement. Tiffany’s golden rule: open with an interactive question or relatable anecdote—something that brings your audience into the conversation instantly.

Examples:

• “Raise your hand if you know what a widget is.”
• “Who here has ever felt nervous about money?”

It doesn’t have to be profound. In fact, the simpler, the better! Engagement builds rapport, creates instant connection, and signals to your brain that people are on your side. Remember, public speaking isn’t a monologue—it’s a dialogue, no matter how many people are in the room.

Embrace Your Expertise

One of the biggest hurdles is feeling like an imposter. Tiffany’s advice: remind yourself why you’re there. You have knowledge and experience people want to hear. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have the opportunity in the first place.

Research shows that audience members view speakers as experts just by virtue of them standing up and speaking. You might feel like everyone can see your nerves or mistakes—but here’s the secret: they don’t know your script. If you flub a line, keep rolling. If you need to clarify, a simple “I misspoke, what I meant was…” works wonders. Your confidence in these moments reassures your audience.

Find Your Anchor in the Crowd

Staring out at a sea of faces can be overwhelming. Tiffany recommends picking one or two friendly faces—nodding, smiling, paying attention—and anchoring your eye contact with them. Suddenly, you’re not facing a crowd; you’re having a conversation.

This trick not only calms nerves, but it personalizes your delivery. Audience members who feel “seen” will respond, which in turn boosts your confidence. Just remember not to overdo it — don’t make anyone uncomfortable by staring! Bounce your gaze gently between your “anchors.”

Pro Tip

In large rooms with bright stage lights, you may not see faces clearly. If so, imagine a friend sitting front and center. Speak to that imaginary friend.

Structure for Impact: Simplicity Wins

Ever sat through a presentation jam-packed with text? Your focus shifts to reading the slides—not listening to the speaker. Tiffany cautions against overloading your visuals. Instead, use:

• Short prompts or keywords as memory aids
• Striking images, relevant videos, or audio clips
• Clear, simple messages

This isn’t just about your slides. Your message should follow a logical flow: beginning, middle, end. Consider storytelling—a research-backed way to make your message more memorable and relatable. But keep stories concise and relevant; your breakfast narrative is best saved for another time!

Read and Respond to Your Audience

A dynamic presentation isn’t about talking at people—it’s about talking with them. Tiffany advises frequent questions, polls, jokes, and stories to maintain energy. Pay attention to your audience’s body language. Are heads nodding? Eyes lighting up? Lean into the topics that energize them.

If you notice the crowd’s enthusiasm waning, don’t be afraid to pivot. This flexibility is key to great speaking. Sometimes the best part of your presentation might surprise you!

Practice for Preparedness, Not Perfection

Here’s a liberating thought: you don’t need to be word-perfect. In fact, sounding overly rehearsed can make you seem robotic or detached.

Tiffany’s rehearsal tips:

• Know your structure and flow.
• Familiarize yourself with your slides or prompts.
• Practice transitions between topics.
• If it feels right, record yourself or rehearse with a trusted friend.

But save yourself from memorizing a script word-for-word. You want to sound like you. Plus, this leaves room to adjust to your audience’s needs in real time.

From Shy Beginner to Seasoned Speaker

Tiffany’s own path started working a cash register—a job that forced her to talk to strangers every day. Those small steps built the foundation for her global speaking success.

Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not a TED speaker overnight! Even seasoned pros get butterflies. The key is action—apply even one new strategy next time you speak, and watch your confidence grow.

Action Checklist: Tiffany’s Public Speaking Tips at a Glance

Here’s your six-step starter kit:

1. Power Poses: Set the mental stage.
2. Engaging Open: Begin with a question or relatable story.
3. Expert Mindset: Own your subject—mistakes are invisible to the audience.
4. Audience Anchors: Focus on a few engaged listeners for a conversation feel.
5. Simple Structure: Use minimal text, visuals, and tight stories.
6. Practice Flexibly: Prepare and adjust in the moment.

Remember: progress beats perfection. Each attempt builds your skill, no matter how small.

Step Onto Every Stage With Confidence

Every great public speaker had their first shaky speech, just like Tiffany at the CVS register. With each step, you’ll find public speaking not only gets easier—but can actually become something you enjoy and thrive at.

So, next time you have a meeting, presentation, or pitch—try one (or all!) of these tips. Share your wins and lessons learned with community (tag @moneytalkwitht), and be proud of your progress. Remember Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words: “All the great speakers were bad speakers at first.”

Your voice matters. Go share it with confidence!

For more resources on public speaking, personal finance, and career growth, visit moneytalkwitht.com and explore the show notes for deeper dives and actionable articles.

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