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Your body knows exactly when the stakes rise. The heart speeds up, the mouth dries out, the mind starts writing escape plans and suddenly all your competence is trapped behind a nervous system alarm. That’s where Helen von Dadelszen lives professionally: she’s a communication and vocal coach, a speaker, and the author of Courageous Action, and she helps smart, capable people close the gap between what they know and what they can actually say in the room. 

We dig into the practical side of confidence under pressure, starting with a simple reframe: nerves are normal, but they are not a stop sign. Helen explains how to map your own triggers and symptoms so you can interpret them with accuracy rather than fear, then choose tools that work for your body. We talk breathing for regulation, quick grounding techniques you can do at a table, and why slowing your speaking pace can instantly make you sound more confident while also calming both you and your audience. 

We also get into “communicating without pretending”: setting an intention for how you want to be perceived and aligning voice, body language, pauses, and pace so it still feels like you. Helen shares a vulnerable story about pitching in French at a networking event, plus a brilliant method for practising without cringing at recordings of yourself. If you’ve been waiting to feel ready before you speak up, this is your nudge towards courageous action, one small step at a time. 

You can find more information about Helen here:

• Book: https://courageousaction.ch/
• Me: https://academy.presentpotential.ch/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-von-dadelszen/

Subscribe for more practical confidence tools, share this with someone who dreads high pressure conversations, and leave a review if it helps. What’s the first situation where you want to treat nerves as a go sign?

Let’s Talk About Confidence is an educational podcast exploring confidence, behaviour, leadership, communication, and personal performance. The views shared are intended for general information and development purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice.

While practical tools and techniques are discussed, listeners are encouraged to seek appropriately qualified professional support where needed.

Opinions expressed by guests are their own. All content © Breakthrough Change Management Ltd.

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