Do You Speak Too Fast?

Why Do People Speak Too Fast?

There are several reasons why someone might speak quickly:

1. Nervousness or anxiety – When we’re nervous, our body goes into “fight or flight” mode, and talking fast is a natural response.

2. Excitement – Sharing something you’re passionate about can make words pour out rapidly.

3. Time pressure – Feeling rushed often makes us speed up, thinking we need to fit everything into a limited timeframe.

4. Habit – Some people have simply always spoken quickly, and it becomes their default pace.

While speaking fast can sometimes convey enthusiasm or urgency, it often comes with downsides:

• Listeners may miss key points or misunderstand your message, and feel tired of trying to keep up with a rapid speaker

• Speaking too fast can make you appear nervous rather than confident.

How to Slow Down

1. I’ve noticed that some people don’t filter their speech; they say whatever comes to mind. This often results in narratives that lack structure, logic and meaning.

On the other hand, some people speak very little, but every word they choose carries weight and significance. Their speech is deliberate, meaningful, and easy to follow.

Thinking about what, why and how to say something is a great way to slow down your speech.

2. Furthermore, the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause, can be a wonderful tool to master your speech to create a lasting impact and learn the foundations of public speaking. You will see how our pace is connected to our pitch and the power of our voice, and how effective the use of pause is.

3. Slowing down your speech doesn’t happen automatically - it requires conscious effort. Deliberately practising slower speech, pausing between thoughts, emphasising key points, and controlling your pace helps retrain your brain and body. With consistent practice over 1–3 months, measured and purposeful speaking can become a natural part of how you communicate.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

The N1 Mistake in Public Speaking

When people speak in public, they often focus too much on themselves:

• Am I speaking correctly?

• Is my accent good enough?

• Will people judge me?

• Do I sound clever?”

• Am I impressive?

This self-focus creates tension. The speaker tries hard, looks stiff, the voice tightens, and the message becomes less clear.

Ironically, the audience is usually not judging the speaker as harshly as the speaker imagines.

In my experience as a public speaker and a member of a public speaking club, the number one mistake in public speaking is something much simpler:

Trying to sound perfect instead of trying to communicate.

Connection and communication are not about sounding perfect. It’s about being understood and understanding others.

Try these simple tricks:

1. Instead of speaking to a crowd, imagine you are talking to one person and trying to explain your ideas.

Look at one listener for a moment, then another. Speak as if you are having a conversation.

 This makes your delivery more natural and helps the audience feel included.

2. Use Simple Language 

Many speakers think complex language makes them sound intelligent. In reality, simple language makes your message clearer. Short sentences and familiar words help the audience understand you quickly. Communication is about clarity, not complexity.

 3. Show That You Care About the Audience 

A strong speaker always thinks about the listener. Ask yourself: 

•  What problem does my audience have?

•  What idea will help them?

•  What do I want them to remember?

 When the audience feels that the speaker is helping them, a connection naturally happens.

  4. Use Pauses

 Many speakers talk too fast because they are nervous.

 Pauses are powerful because they:

• Give the audience time to understand

•  Make your message sound more confident

•  Allow important ideas to stand out

Learn how to use pauses effectively with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause .

5. Use Repetitions

• Memorise your key ideas by heart and repeat them throughout your speech.

• Make your voice louder when you say your key messages.

When you focus on helping your audience rather than impressing them, communication becomes much easier.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

Executive Presence (4/4): Your Body Speaks

Executive presence is reinforced or weakened by nonverbal signals. Posture. Eye contact. Movement. Facial expression. Energy. Below are the most common nonverbal patterns that quietly undermine leadership presence — and what to replace them with.

1️⃣ Bad Posture

Rounded shoulders, lowered head, hunched back, uneven shoulders, lifted shoulders. - this signals hesitation or tension.

Instead:
Stand and sit upright. Open your chest. Ground your feet. Physical expansion creates psychological authority — both for you and for your audience. You can find posture and supporting breathing exercises in the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause.

2️⃣ Avoiding Eye Contact

Looking down. Looking at notes excessively. Scanning the room nervously. This signals insecurity.

Instead:
Hold steady eye contact for a full sentence. When speaking to a group, anchor key messages by looking at one person at a time.

Eye contact equals ownership and reinforces your credibility.

3️⃣ Excessive or Nervous Movement

Fidgeting. Touching your face or constantly improving your hair. Adjusting clothing repeatedly. Shifting weight constantly. Movement without intention weakens presence.

Instead:
Move with purpose. Pause physically when making an important point.
Stillness is power.

4️⃣ Inconsistent Facial Expressions

Smiling when delivering serious information.
Showing visible frustration.
Blank expression when enthusiasm is required.

Your face must match your message.

Leadership requires emotional control — not emotional suppression, but alignment.

5️⃣ Open Gestures & Owning Your Space

Confident leaders take up space — physically and energetically.

People who lack confidence often shrink themselves. They cross their arms, keep gestures small and tight, pull their shoulders inward, or make themselves physically smaller in the room.

This sends a subtle but powerful signal: I do not deserve to take up space. I am unsure of myself.

Instead:
Use open gestures. Keep your arms relaxed and visible. Allow your hands to move naturally to support your message. Stand grounded, with a balanced posture. Sit fully in your chair — don’t perch on the edge.

Owning your space is not arrogance. It is a visible sign of self-assurance.

Executive presence happens when:

• Your words are clear.

• Your voice is controlled.

• Your body reinforces the message.

  When all three align, authority becomes natural — not forced.

This concludes the Executive Presence series. If you had to improve just one element — speech, voice, or body language which would create the biggest shift in your leadership impact?

Look forward to your comments

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

Decoding Other People’s Messages

One of the most challenging aspects of communication isn’t expressing ourselves — it’s decoding others.

Every message we receive carries more than words. It reflects a person’s upbringing, culture, experiences, and personality. The same sentence can mean very different things depending on who’s sending it and the context behind it.

In our globalised world, where we collaborate across countries, cultures, and time zones, this skill matters more than ever. Misunderstandings don’t always come from bad intentions — they often come from different frames of reference.

That’s why suspending judgment is so important. Instead of reacting quickly or filling in the gaps with our own assumptions, we can pause, ask questions, and truly listen. Curiosity over judgment changes the quality of our conversations.

This is also what inspired me to build Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause — an app designed to help people become more intentional communicators. Not just in what we say, but how we say it: our power, our pitch, our pace, and our pauses. Because better communication starts with awareness — of ourselves and of others.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

Executive Presence (2/4): The Signs of Weakness

Often, what not to do is more important than what to do. In the second edition of the Executive Presence series, I focus on what gets in the way of projecting authority and leadership.

Below are the most common patterns we observe during our elucution lessons that undermine confidence and are unconsciously perceived as signs of weakness:

1. Over-explaining.

2. Seeking approval

3. Avoiding discomfort

4. Rushing, multitasking, reacting to everything

5. Projecting low energy

What can you substitute it with?

1. Instead of over-explaining, focus on the key message, key goal, unless you want to lose the plot in the sea of unnecessary words

2. Instead of seeking approval, be open to the fact that what you say will not be liked

3. Instead of avoiding discomfort, thrive on it and use it as a growth tool

4. Instead of rushing, multitasking, and reacting to everything, develop calm and structure. Identify key priorities for the day, week, etc. and focus on priorities. Do not react to noise. This is particularly difficult in our era of information overload and constant notifications. They are true time and focus thieves.

5. Make energy management your strategy. Often, people say that our most important resource is time; I disagree. I believe energy matters more than time. Without energy, even unlimited time won’t take us far in achieving goals or leading others.

In the next edition, I focus on the speech and voice to assert a strong presence.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

Executive Presence (3/4): Speech & Voice

In the third edition of my Executive Presence series, I’ll break down the features of executive language—and what undermines it. We’ll look at what to say, what to avoid, and how to speak with authority and a strong presence.

Words That Weaken Your Presence

• Softening statements with “just,” “maybe,” or “I’m not sure”.

Instead of them, use definite verbs and deadlines, for example: “let’s get this done by 2 pm”, “I need this report on my desk by 4 pm today”.

• Swear words and rude words.

Be careful and pause, select words carefully. If you cannot find an appropriate word, feel frustrated, pause.

• Filler words such as "eeh, uh, like, basically, you know", etc.

Substitute them with pauses.

Executive Language Features

• Concision. Executive language is clear and economical. “Brevity is the soul of wit.” — William Shakespeare.

Instead of: “I just wanted to quickly touch base and kind of go over a few thoughts I had regarding the project.”

Say: “Let’s review the key points of the project.”

• Specific words. Executive language avoids vague expressions and replaces them with precise, measurable terms.

Instead of: “We need to improve results.” Say: “We need to increase revenue by 10% this quarter.”

Instead of: “There are some issues.” Say: “We’re facing delays in delivery and a 5% budget overrun.”

Specific language communicates control, direction, and leadership.

How to Say It

1. Stress key messages and use optimistic and uplifting intonation. Download the app Fluent English Speech to master sentence stress and intonation.

2. Use pitch and pace strategically to enhance clarity and authority. Download the app Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause and have a few elocution lessons to master the 4Ps of public speaking.

3. Articulate clearly and precisely. Strong articulation reinforces credibility and presence. You can master it with the app Get Rid of your Accent.

In the final edition of this series, I will focus on the body language and nonverbal cues that complete executive presence.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

Executive Presence (1/4): The Components

In our elocution lessons, we don’t focus only on speech and accent. We also help students develop a stronger presence and greater confidence overall.

This is something many of our students actively want to work on — what is often called executive presence.

With this article, I’m starting an Executive Presence series based on more than 20 years of teaching and coaching top-level professionals and diplomats.

In this edition, I’ll walk you through five core components of executive presence, explain why they matter, and show how they work together.

You can think of executive presence much like a good golf swing. It isn’t built on one single movement, but on several elements working together — posture, balance, timing, and follow-through. If one part is off, the entire swing suffers. Executive presence works the same way.

The five core components are:

1. Authenticity: the ability to act as your true self without pretence

2. Physical presence: energy level, dress code, fitness level

3. Confidence: ability to act decisively

4. Body language: eye contact, gestures, posture

5. Speech and voice: pronunciation, articulation, voice modulation and use of pauses

The key point is this: to look and feel truly confident, a person must be authentic. Confidence is communicated through actions and body language — gestures, eye contact, and tone of voice. Clear speech and good articulation further strengthen executive presence and how others perceive you. In just a few seconds, your physical presence communicates a great deal about you, including energy level and overall status. All these components send signals about who you are and determine how people treat you.

In the next editions of this series, I’ll share practical techniques you can use to build executive presence and show you how to remove the obstacles that often get in the way.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

Why Some Speeches Go Viral—and Most Don’t

I’ve spent years watching some speeches go viral—and just as many disappear.

At first, I thought it was about confidence. Or charisma. Or luck.

It isn’t. Over time, patterns became impossible to ignore. The speeches that travel aren’t just “good.” They’re built to resonate in a world that moves fast. Here’s what I’ve learned.

1️⃣ One Clear Idea

Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” , or Abram Lincoln's “By the people, for the people…” - these messages still travel decades later because it collapses into a single idea people can repeat. When a message can’t be summarized in one sentence, it rarely spreads.

2️⃣ Emotion Beats Information

Greta Thunberg’s “How dare you” speech went viral not because it introduced new data, but because it voiced collective anger and urgency. Emotion is what pushes people to share.

3️⃣ Authenticity Matters More Than Polish

When I watch Malala Yousafzai’s UN speech, what stands out isn’t technical perfection—it’s sincerity. The calm delivery, the real pauses, the sense that every word mattered. Audiences trust speakers who sound human, not rehearsed.

4️⃣ Stories Travel Further Than Explanations

For example, Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement address is remembered because it was built around three personal stories. Stories create images, and images move faster than arguments.

5️⃣ Timing Is Everything

Jacinda Ardern’s speeches after the Christchurch attacks resonated globally because they met the emotional moment exactly. The right words at the wrong time don’t travel.

6️⃣ Memorable Language Creates Momentum

Barack Obama’s “Yes We Can” worked because it was short, rhythmic, and repeatable. Lines that can be quoted without explanation are made for sharing.

7️⃣ Delivery Is Precision, Not Performance

Viral speeches aren’t loud or theatrical—they’re controlled:

• Power - to command attention

• Pitch - to avoid monotony

• Pause - to let meaning lan

• Pace - to guide understanding

Watching talks like Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why”, it’s clear delivery amplifies the idea. That insight inspired me to build Power, Pitch, Pause, Pace app, helping speakers practise fundamentals so their delivery supports the message.

Equally important are intonation and sentence stress. Where the voice rises or falls, and which words carry emphasis, determine whether a message lands—especially in short clips. That’s why I also built Fluent English Speech app, to help speakers, especially non-native ones, sound clear, expressive, and globally understandable.

8️⃣ Designed for the Clip Era

Michelle Obama’s convention speeches work in 30 seconds because they have clear emotional peaks, intentional pauses, and precise vocal choices. Viral moments today often live in short clips—and delivery is what makes them survive.

My biggest takeaway:

Virality isn’t the goal. Resonance is.

Why Some Messages Go Viral While Others Are Ignored

In a world flooded with information, some messages catch fire while others vanish into the noise. Here’s why:

1. Emotion Drives Action. Content that makes people feel strong emotions (joy, surprise, anger, awe) gets shared. People share what moves them.

2. Keep It Simple. Clear, concise messages travel faster. If your audience has to think too hard, they won’t share.

3. Relatability Matters. Messages that reflect identity, values, or experiences earn social currency. People share what makes them look smart, funny, or “in the know.

4. Timing Is Everything. Ride trends and tap into current events. Context can make or break a message.

5. Novelty Captures Attention. Surprising or unusual content stands out in a sea of sameness.

6. Platform & Format Count. Match your message to the platform. Videos work on TikTok/Instagram; text threads thrive on LinkedIn/Twitter.

7. Easy to Share. Reduce friction—make it simple to forward, tag, or repost. Shareable content spreads faster.

💡 Bottom line: Virality isn’t random. It’s about emotion, clarity, relevance, timing, and ease. Create content that moves, resonates, and travels—and you’ll dramatically increase your chances of being seen.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.barcsglobal.com

261. Contained Energy: The Missing Skill in Communication

For a long time, I thought my rushed speech was just part of my personality. I’m enthusiastic. I get excited about ideas. I like forward motion. So when I spoke quickly or acted fast, I assumed that was a feature, not a bug. 

Even a speech tutor who has known me for 20 years once told me I needed to “remove the attack” from my voice. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant. Now I do. That comment makes perfect sense in the context of how my pace and intensity can unintentionally create pressure for others. 

But over time, I started noticing a pattern that was harder to ignore: when I felt excited—or when I wanted something—people tensed up.

• Not because the idea was bad.

• Not because the request was unreasonable.

• But because my pace carried urgency.

 And urgency, even when well-intentioned, often feels like pressure. The real issue wasn’t speed — it was velocity. What finally clicked for me is this: 

Trying to “talk slower” doesn’t work if your nervous system is still in move-this-forward-now mode. 

When we’re excited or motivated: 

•  Our speech compresses

•  Our breathing shortens

•  Our bodies lean forward

•  Our ideas stack on top of each other

 To us, it feels like clarity and momentum. To others, it often feels like being pushed. So the work isn’t reducing energy. It’s learning how to separate excitement from urgency.

 A simple reframe that changed everything: 

 I don’t need momentum. I need permission. Permission comes from safety, space, and choice — not speed. When I slow down enough to give people room, conversations become easier, not harder.

I learned that small changes make an immediate difference:

1. I slow the start, not the whole conversation.

The first 10 seconds set the emotional tone.

Starting slower than feels natural creates safety.

I can always speed up later.

 2. I pause after the headline. Instead of explaining everything at once, I separate it: 

•  One clear headline

•  A pause

•  Then the details

 That pause signals confidence and respect.

 3. I add an explicit release valve when I’m asking for something.

Simple phrases like:

• “No rush - just wanted to float it.”

•  “If this isn’t a fit, totally fine.”

•  “Think about it and let me know.”

 Choice lowers tension instantly.

 4. I ground my body before speaking

• Feet flat on the floor.

• One full exhale.

• Jaw and shoulders relaxed.

 Stillness in the body creates stillness in timing.

 5. I delay the ask by 20–30 seconds. Connection first. Ask second. People are far more open when they don’t feel hunted.

In leadership, collaboration, sales, and communication in general, intensity without space creates resistance. Calm doesn’t mean low energy. It means contained energy. 

And contained energy is: 

•  Easier to trust

•  Easier to follow

•  Easier to say yes to

 Urgency narrows people. Calm expands them.

I’m still practising this — especially when I care a lot. But every time I slow the pace, I notice: 

•  Better conversations

•  Less resistance

•  More genuine engagement

 The skill is learning how to let that motivation land gently.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

260. Own Your Space - Use Your Arms with Confidence

We have been running elocution lessons since 2007 and have helped hundreds of people become confident and effective public speakers.

What we have noticed is that most students are unsure how to use their arms and hands while speaking in public. This uncertainty often results in gestures that reduce the impact of a presentation and make the speaker appear tense or awkward.

Some of the most common distracting hand and arm habits include:

• Putting hands behind the back

• Creating a “chicken-wing” effect by holding the upper arms too close to the body

• Crossing the hands over the stomach

• Keeping hands in pockets

• Tight, clumsy-looking fingers

These gestures often signal a lack of confidence and suggest that the speaker is tense.

I experienced something similar when I started belly dancing. Being in control of my arms was one of my biggest challenges:

1. I tended to keep my upper arms too close to my body, making my hands look stiff and awkward (the chicken wing effect). My teacher told me that I needed to own my space and allow my arms to move freely and move them away from my body.

2. My fingers were spread awkwardly.

   In dance, fingers frame the movement; when used correctly, they elevate the dancer to something magnificent.

That advice applies just as powerfully to public speaking. Confident speakers are not afraid to use open, expansive arm gestures and to fully own the space they are in.

As a member of a public speaking club, I have noticed that even the most experienced public speakers can sometimes overdo their arm movements. The fact is that:

• too much movement,

• overly exaggerated gestures,

• constantly repeated gestures, or

• gestures that don’t match the words - can distract the audience rather than enhance the message.

Here are some strategies to get it right:

1. Be mindful, not mechanical

Plan your gestures to align with key points in your speech, but don’t force them on every sentence. Natural, purposeful movements have more impact than constant motion.

2. Own your space

Stand with a stable posture and allow your arms to move within your personal space. Avoid collapsing them close to your body, putting them in pockets, or hiding them behind your back. Confident speakers use open gestures to “claim” the stage.

3. Match gestures to words

Gestures should complement what you’re saying. For example, when enumerating points, show them on your fingers; when speaking about growth, use upward hand motions. This reinforces your message visually.

4. Practice restraint and rhythm

Less is often more. Overuse of gestures can feel chaotic. Practice your speech and notice where gestures feel natural. Pausing occasionally with hands at rest can make the gestures you do use stand out.

5. Record and review

Video yourself during practice sessions. Seeing how your arm movements look from an audience perspective helps identify distracting habits and improve flow.

6. Draw inspiration from other disciplines

Activities like dance, acting, or even martial arts teach spatial awareness and fluid arm movements. These skills can help you move with purpose rather than randomly.

When used with intention, gestures become quiet poetry, infusing your presence with elegance and grace and making beauty felt in both movement and sound.

In our elocution lessons, we record students’ speeches in both audio and video formats to help them develop strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills. To book a lesson, email: oriana_r@hotmail.com.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

255. Listening Is Wiser Than Speaking

Have you noticed that most people prefer talking rather than listening to others? Why is that? Because their own world and their own life feel more important to them than anyone else’s.

Most of us think we’re listening, but often we’re:

•  Mentally crafting our reply

•  Rushing to jump in with our own story 

When we do not listen, we tend to overtalk, and when we overtalk, we often:

•  Say things we later regret

•  Overshare without meaning to

•  Come across as scattered or self-focused

•  Miss valuable insights from the other side

•  Dilute the impact of what does matter

 And here’s the core truth:

When we say little and measure our words, those words carry weight. Choosing our words carefully gives them power.

When we say too much, the essence gets lost in a sea of unnecessary noise.

 A few small changes can transform how we switch from talking too much to listening to others:

•  Pause before responding

•  Ask clarifying questions

•  Focus on understanding, not replying

•  Let silence exist for a moment—it creates clarity

 People who speak less often leave a stronger impression. Not because they’re quiet, but because they’re intentional. Their words aren’t drowned out—they stand out. 

254. Anatomy of Success That Shapes Our Path

99% of our students are already high achievers—or well on their way to becoming powerful, influential people. We help them master their speech, and during our elocution lessons, many of them inspired me to write this newsletter.

There is a powerful factor we often overlook.

It can guide us toward success… or quietly hold us back.

It speaks long before someone hears our ideas

It's sensed...

What is it?

It is our presence, or the way we look, move, and speak.

Let’s break down the signs that help us project confidence and the habits that can get in our way. We’ll explore two simple areas: physical signs and speech patterns.

Posture: Straight and Grounded

• A straight posture doesn’t just look confident—it creates confidence.

• Standing tall with shoulders back signals readiness, authority, and openness. A slouched posture communicates hesitation, insecurity, or withdrawal.

• Power signal: Upright, aligned, and grounded posture

• Failure pattern: Hunched shoulders, shifting weight, or shrinking into yourself

Pace and Rhythm: Measured, Not Rushed

• When our movements are rushed or scattered, we signal anxiety or lack of control.

• Measured rhythm—walking with intention and moving with purpose—creates an aura of stability.

• Power signal: Smooth, controlled pace, no micromovement of improving hair, clothes. etc. No rush

• Failure pattern: Fast, rushed, abrupt, jittery movements or inconsistent rhythm

Peace: The Energy of Calm Confidence

• Power is not loud or frantic; it’s calm.

• A peaceful presence shows emotional stability and inner security. Others read this as leadership.

• Power signal: A calm, unhurried demeanour

• Failure pattern: Restlessness, fidgeting, or visible tension

Eye Contact: Direct Yet Respectful

• Looking directly at others demonstrates clarity and honesty. It shows that you are present, engaged, and unafraid.

• Power signal: Clear, steady eye contact

• Failure pattern: Avoiding eyes, darting glances, or looking downward

Speech patterns can amplify or diminish our authority in seconds. What are the speech patterns that signal power?

Pace: Measured and Intentional

• Speaking too quickly can make your message feel rushed or chaotic. A measured pace helps your words land with impact. It signals thoughtfulness and control.

• Power signal: Steady, intentional pacing

• Failure pattern: Rapid, breathless speaking or trailing off

Pause: The Secret Ingredient of Power

• Silence, when used appropriately, is powerful.

• A pause gives weight to your message. It lets listeners absorb your words. It communicates certainty rather than desperation to fill space.

• Power signal: Purposeful pauses to emphasise meaning

• Failure pattern: Rambling, fillers, or talking nonstop

Power Is a Habit, Not a Talent. The anatomy of success lies in our presence.

You can start empowering yourself with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause

253. Small Steps Matter

Big success does not happen overnight. It’s the result of consistent small steps practised over time. How does it work? I will explain in my examples below.

5 Second Rule

When you hear the alarm and continue staying in bed, telling yourself that another 10 minutes will not matter, you program and train your body and brain to procrastinate. But, if instead of staying in bed, you count ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE and get up, you train yourself to win the battle with yourself.

Cold Shower

Taking a cold shower lasts only 30 seconds, yet it feels incredibly difficult. But it's so difficult because we start thinking about how unpleasant and scary it will be.

Stop negotiating with yourself - just do it. When I started cold water swimming, the hardest part wasn’t the water itself, but overcoming the fear of it. Once I stopped thinking and simply acted, everything changed. Now it's my addiction. I love it so much because after swimming in cold water, I feel high energy.

Unpleasant Phone Call

We often delay making that one phone call we dread—maybe because we’re afraid of upsetting someone. We hope the problem will disappear if we avoid it long enough. But it never does.

In fact, the longer we wait, the worse it usually gets. Make the call as soon as possible, and you’ll feel lighter and relieved for the rest of the day.

5-minute speech exercises daily

Great speaking skills aren’t built in a single training session. They come from small, consistent daily practice.

Just 5 minutes a day of reading out loud and doing articulation exercises will make a remarkable difference over time. Start it today with the app Elocution Lessons!

Small actions create big change.

Do the little things daily, and the big results will follow.

Start now - your future self is waiting.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

252. Speak Like a Leader

We’ve worked with ambassadors, business leaders, and top-level professionals through our elocution courses. Our work has helped them not only eliminate bad speech habits but also develop the language of power and leadership.

This article is based on the insights and methods we’ve used to support their transformation.

Avoiding Fillers

Filler words - "um, ah, like, you know, basically" - creep in when we speak without intention. They weaken your message, distract your audience, and make even strong ideas sound uncertain.

The solution is simple: slow down and pause. A pause is more powerful than any filler. It gives you space to think and gives your audience space to absorb your message. Confident speakers use silence as a tool.

Choosing Strong Words

Leaders choose words that are precise, vivid, and purposeful. Instead of vague language, they use words that clarify, energise, and strengthen their message.

Compare:

• “I think this might work…” vs. “This approach will give us stronger results.”

• “Maybe we should try…” vs. “Let’s do this.”

Strong words communicate leadership, conviction, and direction. They shape how others perceive you.

Speaking with Certainty

Uncertain language creates uncertain audiences. Words such as "might, maybe, probably, sort of, perhaps, etc." dilute your authority. While there is a time for caution, habitual uncertainty can undermine your credibility.

To sound more certain:

• Make definitive statements

• Replace vagueness with clarity

• Speak with intention, not hesitation

Certainty is persuasive because it signals confidence in your message.

Simple Language vs. Unnecessary Complexity

True intelligence lies in simplicity. Leaders can explain profound ideas in clear, accessible language. Overly complex or academic phrasing can alienate audiences and make your message harder to absorb. Simple language is not “dumbing down.” It is refining—expressing the essence of an idea without clutter.

When your message is simple, your audience remembers it.

Avoiding Repetition

Repetition can be useful for emphasis, but unintentional repetition weakens your impact. When you repeat the same words or phrases excessively, your message becomes dull and loses authority.

A strong communicator:

• uses synonyms and varied phrasing

• eliminates redundancy

• keeps the language fresh and dynamic

Variation keeps your audience attentive and your message persuasive.

Exercises for the Language of Leadership

These exercises we offer as homework after our elocution lessons:

Record your speech for 1-2 minutes. Choose any topic you can talk about comfortably.

1. Listen back and note every filler word. Write down the words or sounds you use: um, ah, like, you know, basically, etc.

2. Record a second version—this time replacing fillers with pauses. Focus on slowing down and using silence intentionally.

3. Listen again and identify any convoluted or uncertain language. Notice words like maybe, sort of, might, probably, or unnecessarily complicated phrasing. Rewrite these moments using clearer, stronger, and simpler language.

4. Record a final, polished version. Compare it with your first recording and observe how clarity, confidence, and simplicity transform your delivery.

More resources on www.batcsglobal.com

Olga Smith

243. Don’t Scatter Your Forces

In this week’s reflection, I’d like to continue my Energy Management series.

What I’ve noticed is how easy it is, in today’s world, to scatter our energy on endless small talks, messages, and trying to please others to appear “nice” or agreeable.

Instead of focusing on our goals, we often gift our attention to things that don’t truly matter. The result? Lost energy, wasted time, and a blurred sense of direction. It’s better to have a nap than waste energy.

Our energy is our life force — the fuel that powers creativity, clarity, and meaningful action.

What if, instead of doing more, we started choosing more carefully?

What if we said “no” to the activities and people that quietly drain us — and “yes” only to what nourishes and inspires us?

I live in London, and there are always invitations to talk, network, or “catch up.” Before agreeing, I pause and ask myself:

• Does this meeting move me closer to something meaningful?

• Does this conversation energise me or drain me?

Protecting our energy is not selfish - it’s essential. Keep your eyes on your prize - your goals and important relations.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

238. Freedom or Fear

Fear is an emotion deeply connected to our survival instinct. It keeps us alive in the face of danger—it is natural to feel scared when confronted with a bear in the woods, when swimming against massive ocean waves, or when a hurricane is approaching. In these moments, fear sharpens our senses and prepares us to act.

But fear is not only a survival tool. It is also one of the most powerful tools of control.

Politicians use fear to control voters’ decisions and behaviour, painting pictures of threats and dangers that they claim only they can prevent.

Advertisers use fear in campaigns to control buying decisions—“without this product, you will not be safe, attractive, or successful.”

Parents sometimes use fear to control their children’s behaviour—threatening punishment, rejection, or shame.

Sadly, fear shows up in our closest relationships. My most recent example: just yesterday, a woman who claimed to be my friend told me that if I did not stop questioning her opinion, I would lose her as a friend. Her message wasn’t about dialogue—it was about control. It was an attempt to use fear of loss to silence me. I immediately blocked her because I cannot stand when others attempt to dominate me.

The problem for most people is that they trust others more than themselves. Whilst the best defence against manipulation is self-trust.

How can we develop self-trust? Here is the answer:

• Questioning: Who is the beneficiary? What’s in it for me?

• Reflecting:

• Standing firm in our values

So what can we do when fear is used against us? Here are some practices:

1. Notice the Threat Behind the Words

2. Pause Before Reacting

3. Separate real risk from imagined risk

Red Flags

A healthy choice comes from clarity, not coercion. If you feel cornered, silenced, shamed or “guilted” into action, it is most likely a manipulation by fear.

Fear should protect our lives, not control our choices. When we learn to recognise the difference, we reclaim our freedom.

237. Hips Don't Lie

The phrase “hips don’t lie” ultimately points us back to authenticity.

People can force a smile.

They can rehearse their lines.

But their bodies will always reveal the truth.

Why? Because the body is directly linked to the subconscious mind. While the conscious mind carefully edits speech and expression, the subconscious leaks out through posture, breath, gestures, and movement.

The hips, the shoulders, the eyes—they all carry traces of emotions we may not even be aware of. Stress, fear, attraction, joy, insecurity—these states live in the body long before they reach the tongue.

That is why the body is our most honest storyteller. It whispers the truths the conscious mind tries to hide, revealing what is really happening beneath the surface.

That’s why, when we try to understand people’s true attitudes, we should listen not only to their words but to their bodies.

A body speaks softly but honestly. The way someone sits, the way they breathe, the way they look at you or linger—all of these gestures are quiet confessions of the soul.

Ask yourself gently: What does their body tell me? And just as important - what does my own body say in response?

Sometimes, before our mind has time to form a thought, our body already knows. We feel comfort or unease, warmth or distance. This is not a coincidence—it is our subconscious, the deep language of connection that exists beneath words.

When we learn to notice this silent dialogue—between their body and ours—we enter into a more authentic way of relating. We begin to see that truth is not only spoken; it is carried in the rhythm of movement, in the breath between words, in the subtle dance of presence.

The body never lies—it simply speaks the truths the heart already knows.

235. The Power of Three

Have you noticed how often the power of three shows up in our daily lives? A good meal consists of a starter, a main course, and a dessert. A good day includes work, rest, and play.

Take my belly dancing class today. It felt amazing because it had:

1️⃣ A nice warm-up

2️⃣ A well-paced rehearsal of our routine for the upcoming show

3️⃣ A wonderfully relaxing stretch to finish

The same principle applies to public speaking. A strong speech always has:

1️⃣ An engaging introduction

2️⃣ An interesting main part

3️⃣ A memorable conclusion

And yes, even in elocution lessons, the pattern holds true:

1️⃣ Warm-up muscular exercises

2️⃣ Practising a sound or speech pattern

3️⃣ A fun verse or rhyme exercise at the end

Why does this work? Because our brains love structure. Three feels complete, balanced, and easy to remember. If you’d like to apply the power of three to your own speech and communication, you can explore my apps:

• Elocution Lessons

• Get Rid of your Accent

• American Accent App

• Fluent English Speech

• Fluent American Speech

• Business English Speech

• 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What’s an example of the power of three in your own life? Share it in the comments—I can’t wait to read your ideas

234. Our Body is the Living Shade of our Soul

Our bodies are not just flesh and bone. They are the living shade of our souls, silently reflecting our inner world in every gesture, every breath, and every sound we make. Long before words, it is the body that speaks.

The eyes reveal the truth most quickly. They shine with joy, cloud with sadness, sparkle with love, and harden with anger. Even when our lips remain sealed, the eyes confess what the soul feels.

The shoulders tell another story. When weighed down by worry, they slump forward. When lifted by pride or freedom, they rise and open. The shoulders don’t just carry physical loads — they carry invisible emotional weight.

The breath is perhaps the most faithful companion of the soul. It races when we are anxious, becomes shallow when we are afraid, and flows deeply and slowly when we are calm. Breath is the rhythm of our inner life, always honest, always present.

The voice is the sound of the soul. It trembles with fear, steadies with confidence, warms with love, and sharpens with impatience. Every tone, every inflection, is a trace of our emotional truth.

The hands extend the soul outward. They clench in anger, tremble in fear, caress in tenderness, and open in generosity. Through the hands, the soul touches the world.

The skin acts as a canvas of the soul’s emotions. It blushes with embarrassment, pales with shock, and glows with happiness. Without words, it betrays what is stirring within us.

The posture writes a silent biography of the present moment. Bent in defeat, straight in confidence, restless in worry, relaxed in peace — posture shows what the soul is carrying.

Even the gait - the way we walk - reveals our state of being. Heavy, dragging steps often signal sorrow or fatigue, while light, springing strides announce joy and freedom.

And then, of course, the smile. A true smile radiates from the soul, lifting not only the lips but the entire face and body. A forced smile, however, exposes the fracture between body and soul.

Our bodies, in all these ways, are not separate from the soul but its living expression. To listen to the body is to listen to the soul itself. To care for the body is to honour the soul it shades.

So the next time you notice your shoulders tightening, your voice trembling, or your breath quickening -  pause. Ask not just what is happening to my body? What is my soul trying to tell me?

Because the body is always speaking, the question is: are we listening?