Almost everyone talks, some more frequently than others, and as an act it is one that is very familiar. Typically we do it with little preparation or conscious control; our brain just transmits thoughts to our mouths and the words come tumbling out. The ability to speak with a specific intention such as to convince or persuade, perhaps by debating the merits of our favourite footballer or pop band, is also something we do without too much planning, as we can be carried by our passion or interest.

But if we transpose that conversation from the familiar surroundings of a bar or coffee shop and place it in an unusual setting, such as a lecture hall, conference centre or stage in-front of fifty people - we can suddenly feel incredibly exposed, uncertain and frightened. But what's actually changed apart from circumstance? We're still ourselves and we still know all about our favourite pop band or footballer, it's just that lots of people are looking at us and we suddenly feel as though we have far more to lose. In this episode, I argue that if we can distinguish between the act of speaking from the setting in which it takes place, it can be easier to identify the things we need to develop in order to present more effectively.