Public speaking is one of the most common fears, and it can seriously hinder productivity and career growth. In this episode of the Productivity Smarts podcast, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Laura Reid—an international keynote speaker, public speaking coach, and stand-up comedian—who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a stutter and social anxiety to thrive as a speaker.

 

Laura reveals the power of storytelling over rigid, traditional presentations and highlights why chasing perfection can be a trap. They also dive into the benefits of mentorship and the idea of "stumbling forward," encouraging listeners to embrace imperfection, learn from their mistakes, and ultimately boost their productivity and personal growth.

 

Ready to take your public speaking skills to the next level? Tune in now and discover how you can turn your fear into a strength!

 

What We Discuss

• [02:01 ] Introduction to Laura Reid

• [04:44 ] Key moment of change

• [12:24 ] Impact of fear on productivity

• [18:14 ] Optimizing preparation time

• [22:03 ] Engaging presentations

• [23:07 ] Perfectionism in public speaking

• [27:01 ] Importance of coaching

• [29:05 ] Stumbling forward

 

Notable Quotes

• [00:03:08 ] “I used to think a monster actually lived in my throat, and when I would try to speak, it would wake up and consume my words, taking my breath away.” - Laura Reid

 

• [00:23:07 ] “Perfection just stifles our own creativity, and there's no achieving it, so why do I wish it were a thing? It doesn't really exist.” - Laura Reid

 

• [00:27:16 ] “We all need help, and as an entrepreneur, we can be very isolated. Working with another person who's already succeeding is so important to get that feedback.” - Laura Reid

 

• [00:28:14 ] “I was terrified, but I got up there with these other gifted comics, and I did it. People laughed, and it was exhilarating.” - Laura Reid

 

Guest Bio

Laura Reid is a transformative speaker and coach known as "The Speech Slayer." After overcoming a childhood stutter and crippling anxiety, she discovered her passion for storytelling on stage, which helped her reclaim her voice. Laura's mission is to empower others to share their stories confidently and connect authentically, ensuring they never feel like ghosts in their own lives. Through her work, she inspires individuals to embrace vulnerability and find strength in their narratives.

 

Resources

Laura Reid

• Website - https://www.thespeechslayer.com/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-reid-339456175

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laura_inwonderland/

• Book - The Public Speaking Horror Show

 

Productivity Smarts Podcast

• Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

 

Gerald J. Leonard

• Website - geraldjleonard.com

• Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

• Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

 

Books

• The Obstacle Is the Way

• Dare to Suck

 

Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds