In this compelling episode of The Huddle Leadership Podcast, host Kate Russell sits down with Matt Hyde, founder of Speakers Corner and accomplished actor, to explore the transformative power of communication and storytelling in leadership. Matt reveals how psychological, physical, and vocal "armour" that we develop over time creates barriers to authentic leadership and shares proven techniques from the acting world to help leaders strip away these protective barriers. The conversation delves deep into the art of quieting the "monkey mind," the strategic power of silence, and why emotional connection through storytelling is essential for effective leadership in today's corporate environment.
Key Takeaways
Armour affects authentic leadership - We all develop psychological, physical, and vocal armour from childhood that prevents us from communicating with confidence and authenticity
Core values anchor true power - Leaders who anchor themselves to their three core values communicate with unshakeable confidence, even in high-pressure situations
Less is more in communication - Verbose leaders often ramble from nerves; clarity comes from knowing what your audience needs to know, do, and feel
Silence creates a powerful connection - Real communication happens in the pauses; strategic silence allows profound responses to emerge
Stories reveal leadership character - Every number tells a story, and personal mini-stories demonstrate values in action, creating trust and followership
Peak state memories overcome anxiety - Priming yourself with moments when you "smashed it" counters the monkey mind's negative self-chatter
Emotion makes data memorable - We are feeling human beings who think, not thinking beings who feel; emotion transforms dry information into compelling communication
Vulnerability enables authentic authority - True leadership power comes from allowing yourself to be seen, not from maintaining protective barriers
Storytelling is a hardwired human connection - We naturally respond to narrative structure; great leaders use stories to inspire, connect, and drive change
Breathing from your core transforms presence - Diaphragmatic breathing creates vocal power and physical confidence that commands attention
Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction to Matt Hyde and Speakers Corner
02:50 Understanding psychological and physical armour in leadership
05:57 Drama school techniques for stripping away protective barriers
09:11 The role of authenticity versus performative leadership
12:07 Anchoring to core values for unshakeable confidence
15:00 Techniques for quieting the monkey mind and negative self-chatter
18:05 The strategic art of speaking less and embracing silence
20:56 The transformative impact of storytelling in corporate leadership
23:59 Creating emotional connection through mini-stories and vulnerability
27:13 The critical importance of arts and human connection in leadership
Featured Discussion
Matt Hyde brings a unique perspective to leadership communication, combining two decades of acting expertise with practical corporate training experience. From working with Olympic athletes to training the London Metropolitan Police, Matt has witnessed firsthand how communication under pressure can either create safety or cause trauma. His approach focuses on identifying and dismantling the "armour" we've built up since childhood - those protective mechanisms that actually prevent us from leading with authenticity and power. Matt's framework reveals how leaders can transform from armoured presenters into compelling storytellers who inspire genuine followership through vulnerability, values-based decision making, and emotional intelligence.
Quotable Moments
"Fear is the biggest handbrake to achieving our goals"
"We all develop armour - psychological, physical, and vocal - that we've built up over years"
"Real communication happens in a silence"
"Less is more - don't go for the obvious, go for the subtlety"
"We are feeling human beings that think, not thinking human beings that feel"
"True power comes from our values - no one and nothing can take those away from you"
"If you don't look or sound confident, why would we have confidence in what you've got to say?"
"Stories change lives - the right story at the right time can change the world"
"Unless you've been living under a rock, you qualify to tell a story"
"We're starved of genuine human connection - that's why when it happens, it's so profound"
This episode provides essential insights for leaders seeking to develop authentic communication skills, overcome speaking anxiety, and harness the power of storytelling to create deeper connections with their teams. Matt's unique blend of theatrical training and corporate expertise offers practical tools for transforming from armoured communication into vulnerable, values-driven leadership that inspires genuine followership.
Connect with Matt Hyde
Speakers Corner - Public speaking and communication skills training
LinkedIn - Professional insights and updates
Follow us on socials:
IG - @thehuddle.au
FB - @TheHuddleAus
YT - @TheHuddle5000
LinkedIn - The Huddle leaders and teams