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The hottest lights, the quietest mind. We talk about the exact moment a speaker freezes on the red dot and how to turn that panic into poise. With TEDx speaker and coach Stefano Casalter, we unpack the journey from first Toastmasters steps to delivering ideas that actually change people, not just rooms. This is a candid look at setbacks, mentorship, and the frameworks that make audiences lean in instead of tune out.

We start with the origin story. A business loss that led to a speaking breakthrough, a first humiliating Table Topics silence, and the mentor who reframed failure as practice. From there, Stefano takes us inside a great Toastmasters meeting. Prepared speeches, sharp evaluations, and impromptu drills that show how structure builds confidence fast. Megan also reflects on her own TEDx experience with TEDx West Vancouver and asks the question so many speakers quietly carry. Was that intensity normal? And how do you actually prepare for the pressure, not just the talk. Stefano breaks down what most people do not expect and what truly gets you ready for the power of a TEDx stage.

We go deeper into the TEDx process with open honesty. Why many events ban slides, how to internalize a talk word for word while keeping it alive, and what to do when your brain goes blank under hot lights. Spoiler alert, preparation and state control beat perfection, and edits are kinder than you think.

If you are building your voice as a founder, creator, or leader, you will leave with tools you can use right away. Learn the Story Vault method to bank one meaningful moment every day so future keynotes almost write themselves. Train impromptu speaking with two minute prompts that strengthen the connection between memory and message. Craft a through line that makes your big idea concise, useful, and unmistakably yours. The kind curators love and audiences repeat.

We also dig into what separates good from great. Story architecture with real stakes, humor that releases tension, and the small habits that signal calm and credibility before you ever say a word.

Ready to turn fear into fuel and stories into impact? Hit play, then share your biggest public speaking win or wobble. We are cheering you on. If this conversation helps, follow the show, send it to a friend who is TEDx curious, and leave a quick review so more voices find the mic.

Connect with Stefano through these channels:

Website: https://stefanocossalter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cossalterstefano/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefano-cossalter-29388137/

For more social media and business conversations from yours truly (Megan Shallow) you can find me over on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn. 🦩

And of course if you ever need support with your social media presence you can find all the things at BNL Media Consulting. 🦄