Introduction

Public speaking is one of the most powerful ways to elevate your brand and grow your business—but for so many people, the fear of standing on a stage or even hitting “record” is paralyzing.

In this episode of The Disruptor, I sit down with Laurie-Ann Murabito, a former painfully shy girl turned award-winning professional speaker and sought-after speaking coach. Laurie-Ann’s story is proof that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build, one small step at a time.

If you’ve ever felt too shy, unprepared, or intimidated to speak, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you craft your voice, connect with your audience, and turn fear into influence.

1. Laurie-Ann’s Journey: From Painfully Shy to Confident Speaker

Laurie-Ann didn’t start out as someone who commanded stages. Growing up, she learned shyness from her mother, observing behaviors like avoiding eye contact and dodging neighbors in the grocery store.

Her transformation began with a simple decision: to look someone in the eye and realize the world wouldn’t end. That small step snowballed into bigger actions, leading her to where she is today—coaching others to find their voice and confidence on stage.

Her story proves a universal truth: Confidence isn’t innate; it’s built.

“I literally looked someone in the eye, realized the earth didn’t swallow me whole, and thought: ‘What else can I do?’”

2. Why Speaking With Confidence Matters for Your Brand

For business owners, coaches, and entrepreneurs, speaking is a game-changing tool:

• Builds Trust and Authority: When you speak confidently, people see you as a leader.
• Attracts Ideal Clients: Speaking lets you connect deeply with people who need your expertise.
• Multiplies Opportunities: One speaking event often leads to referrals, podcast invites, and new business.

But confidence doesn’t come from being “naturally talented”—it comes from preparation, practice, and finding your own voice.

3. Small Steps to Overcome the Fear of Speaking

Laurie-Ann shared her step-by-step strategy for turning fear into confidence:

1. Start Small

If speaking on a big stage feels too daunting, start with something smaller:

• Go live on Instagram or Facebook.
• Share a story in front of a small group of friends.
• Host a 15-minute workshop with a trusted audience.

Laurie-Ann emphasizes that each small step builds momentum, making bigger opportunities feel more achievable.

2. Prepare With Intention

The biggest fear in public speaking is often not knowing what to say. Laurie-Ann’s method focuses on helping clients prepare speeches strategically:

• Memorize your opening and ending—the two most important parts.
• Use bullet points for the body so you can deliver it naturally.
• Practice enough that it feels familiar, but not robotic.

3. Reframe the Nerves

Laurie-Ann teaches her clients to expect nerves as part of the process:

• Prepare for things to go wrong (like tech issues) so you’re not thrown off.
• View nerves as excitement: “Your energy is a good thing. Let it fuel you.”

4. Crafting a Signature Speech That Captivates

A signature speech isn’t just about speaking—it’s about telling stories and connecting with your audience.

Laurie-Ann’s approach includes:

1. Finding Your Core Message

Ask yourself: What gift do I want to leave the audience with?
Your core message becomes the foundation of your talk, ensuring every story and point leads the audience to that outcome.

2. Sharing Relatable, Everyday Stories

Many speakers think they need “big” stories—like climbing Mount Everest or winning gold medals—to inspire an audience. Laurie-Ann flips that narrative.

“It’s the everyday moments—like a kitchen conversation or a quick decision—that resonate the most. People connect with real, relatable stories.”

For example:

• A woman Laurie-Ann coached shared a story about organizing her pantry. Simple? Yes. But it was relatable, valuable, and made her audience trust her expertise as a home organizer.

3. Repeating the Speech to Perfect It

Laurie-Ann encourages speakers to use their signature speech again and again. Why?

• Repetition builds confidence: The more you share it, the better you deliver it.
• It establishes authority: You become known for your core message.
• It’s efficient: You don’t need to write a new speech every time—just tweak it for each audience.

5. Practical Tips for Managing Nerves and Captivating Your Audience

Laurie-Ann shared practical tips to keep your audience engaged and your nerves in check:

1. Use Eye Contact: Sweep the room, acknowledging everyone (even those in the “cheap seats” at the back).
2. Ask Questions: Engage your audience by posing questions and giving them a moment to reflect.
3. Prepare for Mishaps: If tech fails, stay calm and keep going. Expecting issues reduces the fear of them.
4. Focus on the Audience: Remember, it’s not about you—it’s about the people you’re helping.

6. Speaking as a Visibility Opportunity

Laurie-Ann believes speaking is one of the fastest ways to build visibility and grow your brand:

• Warm Market Leads: Speaking to associations or groups you’re already part of makes it easier to book opportunities and build trust.
• Referrals and Snowball Effect: One speaking event often leads to another, as people in the audience refer you.
• Long-Term Impact: Even small groups (like 25 people) can hold huge opportunities—because those attendees are already invested in what you have to say.

7. How to Work With Laurie-Ann Murabito

Laurie-Ann offers coaching that helps clients:

• Craft a signature speech that captivates and converts.
• Overcome fear and build confidence on stage.
• Find the right speaking opportunities to grow their business.

If you’re ready to step into the spotlight and share your message, visit Laurie-Ann’s website, speakandstandout.com, or check out her podcast, Be in Demand, for more tips.

Conclusion: Your Voice Deserves to Be Heard

Laurie-Ann Murabito’s journey from painfully shy to a confident speaking coach is proof that anyone—yes, even you—can learn to speak with confidence.

Whether you’re starting small or preparing for a keynote, your voice has the power to connect, inspire, and grow your brand.

If you’re ready to make speaking a part of your visibility strategy, take the first step today. As Laurie-Ann says: “Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.”