Speak Like It Matters Podcast

<p>Welcome to <em>Speak Like It Matters (formerly Visionary Voice) </em>— the podcast for courageous, purpose-driven leaders who want to communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility.</p><p><br /></p><p>I’m Csilla Muscan, public speaking coach, storyteller, and the creator of the '<em>You Are The Message'</em> framework.</p><p><br />Here’s the deal: If you want to be the kind of speaker who leads with clarity, connects with depth, and <em>actually gets remembered</em>—you’re in the right place.</p><p><br /></p><p>This isn’t about fluffy pep talks or recycled TEDx tips.<br /><br /></p><p>This is about building a message that resonates, a presence that commands, and a voice that leads—whether you're speaking on stage, on camera, or in a client conversation.</p><p><br /></p><p>If your message feels unclear, your delivery falls flat, or you're tired of blending in with the sea of “experts” out there, this show will help you sharpen your voice and show up like it matters.</p><p><br /></p><p>🎯 New episodes weekly.<br />🎙️ Practical tools. Real stories. Honest conversations.<br /><br /></p><p>Let’s turn your voice into your greatest leadership asset.</p><p><br /></p><p>Ready to speak with impact? Hit play—let’s get to work.</p>

The Speaker’s Code (Part 1): Drop the Act. Find Your Presence.

Send me a text! Are you performing… or actually leading when you speak? (And no — I don’t mean Broadway-level jazz hands. I mean that subtle, exhausting need to sound polished, perfect, and “on” every second you're on stage.) If your speaking feels a little too rehearsed, a little too robotic, and your audience still isn’t responding the way you hoped, this episode might be the slap-in-the-face clarity you didn’t know you needed. In this first episode of my 3-part series The Speaker’s Code: ...

05-28
24:37

How to Control Your Voice When You’re Nervous (Real Speaker Tips)

Send me a text! Ever felt like your voice betrayed you at the exact moment you needed it most? You weren’t underprepared. You weren’t under-qualified. But your vocal cords had other plans—and suddenly you sounded like a breathy robot trying to deliver a TED Talk mid-panic attack. 😬 Yeah… I’ve been there. (Like, on-stage-in-front-of-3,000-people level “been there.”) In this episode of Speak Like It Matters, I’m walking you through the most common mistakes that throw your voice off when you’re ...

05-07
16:10

3 Body Language Mistakes Destroying Your Credibility

Send me a text! Ever feel like you're saying all the right things… but no one’s buying it? Like your words are polished, your slides are on point — but something’s just off? Chances are, it’s not your content. It’s your body language. In today’s episode of the Speak Like It Matters Podcast, I’m calling out 3 subtle-but-deadly body language mistakes that could be quietly destroying your credibility every time you speak — on stage, on video, or even in a boardroom. I’m not here to shame you. I...

04-30
14:07

How to Give a Talk (Without Throwing Up)

Send me a text! Let’s be real—public speaking sounds glamorous… until your stomach flips, your palms sweat, and your brain forgets how words work. If you’ve ever wanted to run for the exit (or the nearest trash can) right before giving a talk, same. I’ve been there—once with 3,000 eyes on me and no potato chip bag in sight. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really causes that “I might throw up” feeling—and what to do instead so you can step on stage without spiraling. 💥 In...

04-16
25:05

95% Wanna Be Speakers Do This... And it Explains Why They Stay Stuck

Send me a text! Most people don’t struggle with public speaking. They struggle with believing they’re a speaker in the first place. It’s not the stage holding you back—it’s the script playing in your head. And that inner voice? Yeah, it’s been lying to you. In this episode of The Visionary Voice, I’m unpacking the inner game of speaking—the self-talk that keeps brilliant people quiet and stuck behind the scenes. If you’ve ever said, “I’m not that kind of person,” or “Who would lis...

04-02
21:30

How to Choose Your Ideal Audience (Hint: It’s Not ‘Everyone’)

Send me a text! If you’re still trying to speak to “everyone,” let me lovingly say this: that’s exactly why your message isn’t landing. It feels noble to want to reach the masses. But in reality? The more people you try to speak to, the less anyone actually hears you. (Ouch, I know.) In this episode of The Visionary Voice, I’m walking you through how to ditch the vague “everyone” messaging and finally get crystal clear on your ideal audience. 💡 Here’s what we’re unpacking: ✔️ Why trying...

03-26
18:33

So You Want to Be a Speaker? The 5 Decisions You Must Make First.

Send me a text! Guess who’s back behind the mic? 👀 After an unplanned pause, I’m officially relaunching The Visionary Voice! And we’re kicking things off with a big question: 💡 Do you actually want to be a speaker… or are you just dabbling? Because here’s the truth—no one accidentally becomes a speaker. You have to decide to go after it. In this episode, I’m walking you through the 5 critical decisions you need to make right now if you actually want to get booked, get paid, and build a...

03-05
26:47

Beyond the Spotlight: The 4 Levels of True Influence

Send me a text! Ever wonder what real influence looks like? Spoiler alert: it’s not about titles or followers. In this episode of Visionary Voice, we’re diving into the art of lasting impact. I’m breaking down what it means to lead in a way that people remember—and truly want to follow. Here’s what you’ll take away: The True Meaning of Influence: It's more than surface-level connections.The Four Levels of Influence: Modeling, motivating, mentoring, and multiplying.Avoiding Influence Pitfal...

11-13
15:43

What NOT to Say if You Want to Boost Your Credibility

Send me a text! Words shape how others see us—and how we see ourselves. In today’s episode, I’m unpacking the language traps that might be quietly undermining your message—and showing you how to ditch them for good. We’re talking about the subtle phrases that slip into our conversations, robbing us of confidence and clarity without us even realizing it. This isn’t about polishing your grammar; it’s about transforming the way you communicate so your words reflect your true...

11-06
18:15

Simple Strategies to Turn Awkward Silence into Magnetism

Send me a text! Imagine being on stage or in a meeting, pouring out all the wisdom you’ve got, only to realize your audience’s attention is slipping away faster than you can say “next slide.” It’s not your message; it’s your pace. In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked secrets in public speaking that can transform your impact instantly: the power of the pause. Whether you’re a naturally fast talker or just get carried away in the moment, learning to embr...

10-30
14:15

S1E8: (BONUS) One Day or Day One? Your Invitation to Rise in 2026.

Send me a text! Your Day One: An Invitation to Stop Waiting and Start Leading This is not a teaching episode. This is a decision point. In this short bonus episode, Csilla speaks directly to the leader who has done the learning… listened to the episodes… felt the stirring… but still finds themselves hesitating. Not because they don’t care. Not because they’re unqualified. But because they’re waiting for confidence, clarity, permission, or the “right moment.” In this episode,...

12-16
07:46

S1E7: A Clear Path to Becoming Known in 2026

Send me a text! If you’ve been quietly wondering why your work still feels overlooked… why opportunities haven’t matched your capability… or why your voice doesn’t yet carry the weight you know it should… This episode is for you. In the final episode of the From Unknown to UnMistakable series, Csilla brings everything together and lays out a clear, grounded path for becoming known in 2026 without chasing trends, burning out, or becoming someone you’re not. Because becoming known i...

12-16
13:25

S1E6: The 5 Traits of Unmistakable Communicators

Send me a text! Some communicators are good… and then there are the ones who stay with you long after they walk off the stage. In this episode of From Unknown to UnMistakable, we down the five traits that turn ordinary leaders into unforgettable communicators—rooted, confident, magnetic voices people trust instinctively. In this episode I also share the moment I first saw John Maxwell speak in 2014 and how that single experience reshaped the way I study and teach communication, influenc...

12-15
12:46

S1E5: The Power You Keep Ignoring: Your Lived Experience

Send me a text! Every mission-driven voice has a story but most leaders underestimate just how strategic their lived experiences really are. In this episode, we explore why your story isn’t just something personal… it’s the very foundation of your message, your credibility, and the trust your audience builds with you. You’ll learn why story is often the missing piece between being “smart” and being unmistakable, and how to start identifying the moments in your life that quietly shaped t...

12-14
09:42

S1E4: How to Articulate What You Do So People Instantly Get It

Send me a text! From the series: From Unknown to UnMistakable If you’ve ever watched someone’s eyes glaze over while you’re explaining what you do… this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. Because here’s the truth most mission-driven leaders never hear: People don’t buy what you do. They buy what they understand about what you do. And if your message requires effort to decode, you’ll stay invisible, no matter how gifted you are. In this episode, we break down the exact framework that...

12-13
11:36

S1E3: Why Smart, Mission-Driven Voices Stay Silent

Send me a text! Most people assume that smart, capable, purpose-driven leaders stay quiet because they’re inexperienced or unsure. The truth? Silence is rarely about ability. It’s almost always about fear or clarity. In this episode of From Unknown to UnMistakable, we dig into the quiet reasons mission-driven voices hold back even when they know they’re called to more. We’ll unpack the three core fears that keep brilliant leaders from using their voice boldly, and the identity shift tha...

12-12
14:45

S1E2: The Hidden Cost of Being Unclear

Send me a text! If you’ve ever stumbled over your words when someone asks what you do… or felt invisible in rooms where you know you should stand out… this episode is going to hit home. In Episode 2 of our From UnKnown to UnMistakable series, we’re unpacking the real, often invisible price you pay when your message isn’t clear. The cost is higher than you think. (Missed Episode 1? Catch it HERE) You’ll learn how unclear messaging impacts your opportunities, your credibility, and your confiden...

12-11
11:51

S1E1: The Real Reason You're UnKnown

Send me a text! If you’ve ever wondered why you’re still overlooked, despite your expertise or experience, this episode is going to feel like someone finally turned on the lights. Today, we’re naming the real reason so many brilliant leaders remain unknown… In this kickoff episode of our new series, UnKnown to UnMistakable', we explore why visibility doesn’t naturally follow expertise, why your voice hasn’t broken through yet, and why clarity—not hustle—is the missing link. I’m sharing ...

12-10
18:59

A New(ish) Direction: The Next Era Begins

Send me a text! If you’ve been listening for a while, you know this podcast has always been about helping you communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose. But after four years of weekly episodes, it’s time for a shift — a shift that reflects who you are becoming and what you actually need to rise as a trusted, compelling communicator. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the heart behind this new(ish) direction, why I’m making these changes, and what you can expect moving forward. No fluff, ...

11-19
12:33

Substance Over Spotlight: Why Depth Will Always Outshine Hype

Send me a text! In a world obsessed with getting noticed, it’s easy to confuse attention with impact. But the truth? The spotlight doesn’t make you shine, it exposes what’s already there. In this episode, Csilla explores the real difference between chasing recognition and becoming a person of depth, credibility, and trust. You’ll learn why substance is your most magnetic asset, how to cultivate it in your daily life and leadership, and why the right opportunities always find those who b...

11-12
26:52

Hemid Behrami

great

09-16 Reply

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