Becoming a better speaker
In a world where artificial intelligence can now generate voices and deliver flawless presentations, you might wonder—does developing your own voice still matter?
Absolutely.
Trang Nova—TEDx speaker, speaking coach, and host of the Voice for Impact podcast—believes your voice is one of your greatest assets in building connection, trust, and influence. Whether you’re leading a team, pitching in the boardroom, or speaking on stage, the way you communicate shapes how others perceive and remember you.’
In her interview on The Bottom Line podcast, Trang shared her story and expert advice on how anyone—from shy professionals to aspiring leaders—can grow into a confident and compelling speaker. Here’s what we learned.
Why Most People Struggle With Speaking
Even the most capable professionals can fall short when they speak. Why? Trang says it often comes down to three things:
Fear of judgment – One negative comment or awkward pause can shake your confidence.
Lack of awareness – Many people don't realise how they sound until they hear themselves.
Underdeveloped skills – Speaking is a skill that can—and should—be trained, just like any other.
Her own journey wasn’t without doubt. In fact, Trang almost gave up public speaking entirely after overhearing a heckler during a livestreamed talk. But through journaling and consistent practice, she reframed that moment and turned it into motivation.
The Six Foundations of Great Speaking
Trang breaks down great speaking into six foundational elements that anyone can work on:
Articulation – It’s not about your accent, it’s about clarity. Open your mouth more, use your facial muscles, and let your words land clearly.
Speed – Vary your pace depending on the message. Fast can excite, slow can emphasize. Variety keeps your audience engaged.
Pausing – Silence isn’t awkward—it’s powerful. Use it to give your audience time to absorb key points or build anticipation.
Melody – The musicality of your voice matters. Avoid ending sentences with upward inflections unless you’re asking a question. A downward tone conveys confidence.
Volume – Match the energy and size of the room. Don’t mumble in a boardroom—or shout into a podcast mic.
Character – This is where your energy and authenticity shine. It's the difference between simply delivering a message and emotionally moving your audience.
Practical Tips for Becoming a Better Speaker
You don’t need a stage to start improving your speaking skills. Try Trang’s practical, no-cost method:
Record yourself: Speak into your phone camera for 2–5 minutes.
Wait 24 hours, then watch it back with fresh eyes.
Note your filler words, gestures, and tone.
Repeat: Deliberate, consistent rehearsal builds confidence.
Trang also teaches the “substitution method” for reducing filler words. Instead of saying “um” or “like” when thinking, substitute with a purposeful pause. Silence, when used well, speaks volumes.
Preparing for High-Stakes Talks
If you’ve got a big presentation coming up, Trang recommends skipping last-minute script rewrites. Instead, focus on mental preparation.
Use visualization:
Picture your audience applauding.
Hear the compliments afterward.
Feel the confidence in your voice.
Rehearsal matters too. For her TEDx talk, Trang practiced 100 times—twice a day for months. Not because she doubted herself, but because mastery is built on repetition.
Why Your Voice Still Matters in the Age of AI
Even as technology evolves, Trang believes nothing can replace genuine human connection.
“We’ll always need real communication,” she says. “At some point, we step out of the digital world and speak face to face. And when we do, we want to be prepared.”
AI might help you write a pitch. But your presence, energy, and voice will always be uniquely yours.
You don’t need to be loud—just clear, intentional, and real.
Whether you're pitching to investors, inspiring your team, or simply trying to speak up more at meetings, your voice is your power. But power doesn’t always mean volume. It means presence.
Start small. Get honest feedback. Practice on your phone. Learn to pause. And most importantly, believe that your story matters.