Speaking with confidence with Emily Luo

Hi everyone, so good to see you! How’s it going so far? Are we having a good time? Yeah? Okay, good. Like Matt said, this part of the day is different. We’ve had the e-commerce insight — thank you to everyone who shared. But this next section is more about you. We’ve talked about optimising your organisation and company. But now it’s about you as an individual. Just for context, I’m a public speaking coach. Last year, I did a workshop for Rusty Monkey — I helped Emma and Russ with their public speaking skills. They thought, “Hey, come share some of these tips with the wider team.” Whether you’re on the tech side or the brand side, one thing’s for sure: speaking confidently will only help you. It’ll help in your career, your team, your organisation — and probably your personal life too. What is Confidence, Really?
“Confidence” is a buzzword we hear all the time. But what does it actually mean? And is it something we can build? Spoiler: Yes. But confidence isn’t built by listening to someone speak for 30 minutes — which is why I’ll make this interactive. Let’s start right away with the name of my business: MLE. Say it out loud — “Emily.” MLE is a bit of a metaphor. It only makes sense when you say it out loud. Just like public speaking. Things click when we say them aloud. Confidence builds when we give voice to our ideas. How Do You Feel About Public Speaking?
Let’s do a sense-check. I’ll read some statements. If you agree, raise your hand. “I get nervous when I present.” (Lots of hands go up.) “I like public speaking.” “I actively seek out opportunities to speak.” We can see how the hands go down with that last one — maybe because we don’t back ourselves yet. But hopefully by the end of this, you’ll feel empowered to speak up and be brave. A Personal Story
In 2022, I was 21, in my final year of uni. I was the kind of person too shy to ask for ketchup at a restaurant. Then I saw a TEDx conference was happening at my university. One of the slots was for a student. The theme was “Beyond Frontiers,” and it made me think of my parents — both immigrants. My dad was a refugee. I thought, “I want to share their stories. This is bigger than me.” So I applied. I won the slot. I had to prepare the speech. There I was, standing in front of 800 people at Oxford Town Hall. Knees shaking. Heart racing. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done — and my proudest, most empowering moment. That’s the kind of transformation I want to help others access. The Iceberg of Confidence
Think of confidence like an iceberg. Above the surface — what people see: Eye contact Clear voice Steady posture Fewer filler words Below the surface — what people don’t see: Hours of prep Mental rehearsal A sense of belief Experience and vulnerability Most of the confidence comes from what’s under the surface. The PMP Framework
Confidence is built through three things: Preparation — Know your material. Structure your talk. Mindset — Reframe fear. Remember the audience wants you to do well. Practice — Rehearse out loud. Over and over. Confidence isn’t magic. It’s preparation, mindset, and practice — PMP. Practical Exercise: 3-Minute Structure
Let’s build a quick talk together. Choose a simple topic — a movie you love, a place to visit, or something you think everyone should try. Then structure it like this: What’s your message? Give 3 distinct reasons. Add a personal story. Finish with a takeaway or next step. This structure works whether your talk is 1 minute or 10. Mindset: Reframing Fear
Public speaking makes us feel vulnerable. It activates self-doubt. Ask yourself: What are your biggest fears? Now ask: Are these fears rooted in preparation, mindset, or practice? And what would your inner cheerleader say to you? If you had a friend speak to you the way you talk to yourself, would you stay friends with them? Be kind. Support yourself. You’re doing something brave. Breathing Exercise
One quick way to ground yourself is through breathing: Inhale through your nose Hold Exhale slowly through your mouth, like deflating a balloon Do this 3 times. It calms your body. Brings your attention back. Resets your nerves. Body Language and Voice
Stand tall, feet hip-width apart Keep your hands above your hips (your “zone of influence”) Use gestures naturally Practise varying your volume and energy Let your body support your message. What If You’re Put on the Spot?
If someone asks a question you don’t know how to answer, try: “That’s a great question — what do you think?” It buys you time. Engages the room. Shows openness. You don’t have to know everything. It’s okay to say, “I’ll find out and get back to you.” Final Thought
Public speaking isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being brave — even just for 10 seconds. Confidence is built. It’s learned. It grows with you. Thank you so much for being part of this today. Now, take that first step — speak up, share something, and be proud of your voice.