Welcome to Command Your Podcast Episode 16!

If saying "um" and "ah" were a competitive sport, most of us would already have Olympic gold medals. But don't worry, in this episode, we're breaking the habit and learning how to sound more confident, polished, and professional without those pesky fillers sneaking in.

In this solo session, we explore why filler words creep into our speech, what they signal about confidence, and how you can replace them with one of the most powerful tools in communication: the pause. You'll hear simple, practical techniques you can practice right away, from recording yourself to slowing down, and even trying a fun "pause drill" with a friend.

Whether you're a podcaster, presenter, teacher, or just tired of cringing at your own ums, this episode is your step-by-step guide to sounding clear, confident, and in control.

Episode Highlights:

00:40 – Why filler words like "um" and "ah" sneak into your speech 01:36 – How fillers connect to confidence (and what they signal to others) 02:00 – The surprising power of silence: why pausing is better than filling 03:12 – Technique 1: Record yourself and tally the fillers 04:09 – Technique 2: Slow down and let your brain catch up with your mouth 05:00 – The Pause Drill: practice answering questions with no fillers 06:00 – Why consistency (not perfection) is the key to improvement

Find out more & connect:

Instagram: @commandyourpresence.

Follow me for more communication and presentation tips!

If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe so you don't miss the next one! Share it with a friend who's guilty of a few too many "ums" and "ahs", and don't forget to try the pause drill this week. Tag me on Instagram and let's celebrate your progress together!

Welcome to Command Your Presence Episode 15!

What happens when you realize the career you've built no longer lights you up? And you take a leap into an entirely new path? In this episode, Jacinda is joined by Sophie Horne, a former physio who boldly transitioned into women's health coaching and cycle education.

Sophie shares her journey of following curiosity, stepping away from the traditional healthcare system, and finding her voice in the women's health space. From the awkward realities of learning about periods in school to the freedom she discovered living in London, Sophie reflects on the moments that shaped her confidence, authenticity, and ability to command presence.

Their conversation explores the challenges of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and losing yourself in the expectations of others, and how Sophie reclaimed her sense of self through reinvention and motherhood. You'll hear how she's helping women better understand their cycles, embrace authenticity, and shift from simply surviving to thriving.

Episode Highlights: 03:15 – Sophie's pivot from physio to women's health coaching 07:42 – Why cycle syncing is more than just a TikTok trend 11:36 – The contraceptive pill and creativity: Sophie's personal story 14:25 – Early lessons on presence from a standout teacher 18:00 – The struggles of adolescence, perfectionism, and fitting in 20:12 – Reinvention in London: starting fresh and making mistakes 24:15 – Meeting her husband and choosing a new life in Sydney 26:30 – Advocating as a new mom: Sophie's journey with her daughter's tongue tie and trusting her gut over professional advice 32:00 – How commanding presence shows up in motherhood, business, and beyond 36:00 – Quick-fire questions: advice on storytelling, client connection, daily rituals, and the one piece of wisdom Sophie wants every listener to take away

If you've ever felt stuck in your career or unsure how to step into your own presence, this conversation will spark your curiosity and inspire you to take bold chances.

✨ Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe to Command Your Presence on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help us reach more listeners ready to step into their power.

📲 Follow us on Instagram @commandyourpresence for behind-the-scenes, clips, and updates!

Welcome to Command Your Presence Podcast Episode 14!

What do burgers and stage presence have in common? For me, everything. Before stepping into the spotlight for my very first one-woman show, I found myself across the street from a KFC. Hungry and anxious, I grabbed a chicken burger, fries, and a Coke before curtain call. That small ritual quickly became more than just a snack. It was the anchor I needed to calm my nerves, focus my mind, and step into my power on stage.

In this episode, I share how quirky rituals like mine, whether it's smashing a burger, listening to Britney Spears, or even carrying a bizarre lucky charm, can actually ground us in high-pressure situations. Rituals give us a sense of control, reduce anxiety, and help us show up as our most confident selves. Whether you're facing a performance, a presentation, or a big life moment, the right ritual can help you command your presence and own the room.

Episode Highlights: 01:10 – The origin of the "burger ritual" 02:45 – Why rituals help calm nerves and boost focus 04:30 – The psychology of comfort food and presence 06:15 – Quirky rituals of celebrities (from Christian Bale to Heidi Klum) 09:20 – How to create your own grounding ritual 10:45 – Tying rituals back to confidence and presence

So, what's your ritual? Maybe it's food, a song, or even a lucky pair of socks. Whatever grounds you, embrace it. And if you don't have one yet, this episode might inspire you to create your own.

👉 I'd love to hear about your quirky rituals! Share them with me on Instagram @commandyourpresence and join the conversation about how we can all show up more confident, calm, and powerful in life's big moments.

Welcome to Command Your Presence Podcast Episode 13!

Did you know that studies show over 60% of communication is nonverbal—and eye contact alone accounts for a huge part of how people perceive your confidence, trustworthiness, and authority? Yet, many of us either avoid it, overdo it, or simply don't know how to use it intentionally.

In this episode, we're diving into the subtle but powerful art of eye contact. You'll learn how to use your gaze to build trust, create meaningful connections, and command presence—whether you're on a dance floor, across a boardroom table, or leading a team meeting.

I'll share personal stories, practical techniques like the three-second rule, and ways to balance warmth with authority so you can project confidence without coming across as intimidating. Plus, we'll talk about common mistakes to avoid, cultural nuances to keep in mind, and exercises you can start practicing right away.

Episode Highlights: 01:10 – Why eye contact is one of your most powerful tools 03:00 – The science behind eye contact and human connection 04:20 – The three-second rule for balanced presence 05:40 – Soft vs. intentional focus (and when to use each) 06:50 – Common mistakes: staring, avoiding eye contact, cultural awareness 08:30 – Practical exercises to build your confidence with eye contact 10:45 – Recap: how to dial up or down intensity to fit the moment

Eye contact isn't just about looking—it's about leading with presence. By the end of this episode, you'll know how to harness this skill to elevate your communication in both personal and professional settings.

✨ I'd love to hear how these tips work for you! Share your takeaways or questions with me on Instagram @commandyourpresence. Don't forget to follow the podcast so you don't miss the next episode, where we'll explore how to master presence in virtual meetings.

Confidence isn't optional—it's the foundation of leadership.

Welcome to Command Your Presence Podcast Episode 12!

Jacinda sits down with Liz and Michelle, co-founders of Emspire Advisory, who share how commanding presence has shaped their careers, their business, and their personal lives. From overcoming language barriers and self-doubt to stepping into leadership roles and running their own firm, Liz and Michelle open up about the strategies and struggles behind building true confidence.

They reveal how boxing, travel, fitness, and even photography shaped their resilience, and why commanding your presence is more than just speaking up, it's about preparation, mindset, and learning to own the room. This is a conversation packed with real stories, practical tips, and the reminder that presence creates a ripple effect far beyond yourself.

Episode Highlights: 01:40 – Michelle's journey: from film photography to accounting 03:00 – Liz's background and solo travel safety lessons 07:00 – Why presence matters in client meetings 09:00 – Early struggles with confidence and communication 13:00 – How mentorship shaped their partnership 15:00 – Overcoming fear of public speaking and self-doubt 18:00 – The power of pausing and preparation 21:00 – Why presence creates a ripple effect in business and life 24:00 – Using personas to step into confidence 28:00 – Liz's high-pressure webinar story Connect with Liz and Michelle: Instagram - @emspire.accounting Website - www.emspire.com.au

Follow me on Instagram: @commandyourpresence

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the podcast, share it with a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps us bring you more conversations that inspire growth and confidence.

What do you do when life throws you a curveball you never saw coming?

Welcome to Command Your Presence Podcast Episode 11! In this solo episode, I share one of the most unexpected—and hilarious—moments of my career: getting literally knocked over by a dinosaur (yes, you read that right) during a live kids' show. But this isn't just a funny backstage story. It's a powerful metaphor for how to handle those "dinosaur moments" in real life—the times when you're blindsided in a meeting, hit with unexpected criticism, or forced to adapt on the spot.

You'll learn three simple yet powerful strategies for staying calm, pivoting with confidence, and owning your presence, even when you feel completely thrown off your game.

Episode Highlights: 01:12 – The day a dinosaur took me down on stage 03:40 – Recognizing your own "dinosaur moments" in life and work 05:00 – Step 1: Pause and assess before reacting 05:42 – Step 2: Adapt and improvise under pressure 07:10 – Step 3: Command your presence and regain control 08:54 – Why grace under pressure is a skill worth cultivating 09:45 – Turning unexpected challenges into opportunities for growth

Have you had a "dinosaur moment" this week? Share your story with me on Instagram @CommandYourPresence—I'd love to hear how you handled it! And if you found this episode helpful, take a moment to rate, review, and share it with someone who could use a reminder that they can get back up, dust themselves off, and command the room—no matter what knocks them down.

🧠 Have you ever walked into a room and felt invisible—like no one took you seriously, no matter what you said?

What if the secret wasn't what you said... but how you held yourself?

In this episode, we dive into simple yet powerful body language hacks that help you project authority, confidence, and credibility—without saying a word. Whether you're leading a team, presenting on Zoom, or walking into a client meeting, your nonverbal cues do the heavy lifting.

🎙️ You'll learn:

• Why over 50% of communication is nonverbal

• The secret behind power poses and how to use them to your advantage

• How to use gestures that command attention without seeming robotic

• What to avoid so you don't look nervous or unsure

• The truth about crossed arms and how to decode them with nuance

• A practical weekly challenge to improve your posture and presence gradually

✨ The best part? You don't have to change everything at once. Just pick one body language tweak and start small. Consistency over perfection—because confidence is built one intentional movement at a time.

🎯 Your homework: Choose one area—posture, gesture, or power pose—to focus on this week. Practice it daily in small moments, then reflect on how it changes your presence.

💬 DM me on Instagram @commandyourpresence and tell me what you're working on! I'd love to hear how it's going and support you in the journey.

👀 Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we take things online—yep, we'll unpack how to command authority even in virtual meetings and Zoom calls.

You know you're a creative when dinner turns into a lighting study, and a casual walk becomes a mental photo shoot.

In this episode of Command Your Presence, Rory—a photographer who literally couldn't turn off his creative brain even while landscaping for five years—joins us for a conversation about owning your presence, chasing your passion, and learning how to start before you're ready (even if you're holding 1,000+ potential gallery images hostage in your hard drive).

We dive into:

• Why silence is awkward for some... and full of whistling for others

• How creativity refuses to clock out

• The moment Rory realized he was holding space like a pro (without even trying)

• Why the most powerful work often starts at 80% done

• The heartbreak of missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot... and learning to live with it

• And how to truly command your presence behind the lens and in life

If you're the kind of person who sees a perfect shot in the middle of chaos—or someone who's still dreaming about starting—you'll find this one comforting, relatable, and motivating in equal parts.

🎯 Loved this convo? Screenshot this episode and tag us with your biggest creative "just start" moment. And don't forget to follow @commandyourpresence for more stories like this every week.

Have you ever been one breath away from falling apart?

At 19, I was about to perform in the most important show of my life—agents in the crowd, lights blazing, adrenaline pumping. Everything we had trained for came down to this final night. But just before the curtain call, something unexpected hit me: I couldn't breathe. Not metaphorically—literally.

In this raw and personal episode, I take you behind the scenes of a high-pressure, one-night-only performance, where exhaustion nearly knocked me out of the spotlight. You'll hear the moment I almost collapsed, how a friend's quiet support pulled me back, and how I learned to rely on the one thing we all have—our breath. Whether you're presenting in a boardroom, on stage, or leading a Zoom call, this episode is a reminder that you are never truly alone—and your breath is your secret weapon.

In this episode, we explore:

• What really happened backstage that night

• The cough that came from nowhere (and never left)

• Why breath is the first step to commanding presence

• How to stay grounded during high-stakes moments

• A simple breathwork technique you can use anywhere—even in a toilet cubicle!

If you've ever felt like the pressure was too much, this one's for you.

👉 Take a deep breath—and hit play. And if you found this helpful, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Did you know? According to a study by UCLA, only 7% of communication is based on the actual words we say. 38% is vocal tone, and the remaining 55% is body language. That means your voice alone carries over five times more weight than your words when it comes to how you're perceived.

Let that sink in.

If you've ever shared an idea in a meeting, on stage, or even in a casual conversation—only to feel unheard or brushed aside—this episode is for you. The way your voice sounds has the power to shift how seriously people take you.

In this episode, we'll break down:

• The 3 qualities of a confident voice: clarity, steadiness, and resonance
• Vocal habits that undermine your authority (hello, vocal fry and rising intonation)
• Key techniques to strengthen your voice: from pacing and tone to breath control and volume
• Why true vocal confidence starts within—and how health, mindset, and preparation all play a role
• A behind-the-scenes look at how I overcame shaky voice moments and the truth about preparation (spoiler: a one-hour keynote = 600 hours of practice!)

🎧 Whether you're prepping for a big presentation, leading a team meeting, or just want to sound more self-assured in everyday conversations, this episode is packed with practical tips and real talk to help you sound (and feel) like the most powerful version of yourself.

Try this today: Pick a short paragraph and record yourself reading it with clarity, steady pacing, and tonal variety. Then listen back. You might be surprised by how much you're capable of.

Let's take this further Share your practice or reflections with me on Instagram @commandyourpresence and tag me—I'd love to hear how you're showing up with more confidence this week.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you're enjoying these episodes. And next week, we're diving into body language—yes, even if you're 5'1" like me. 😉 Stay tuned!