Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Stage Fright and Sharing Your Story

Have you ever wondered why it seems so hard to speak up and reclaim your voice as an adult, even though we were so unfiltered and fearless as kids? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re tackling that very question and digging into those internal stories and cultural messages that shape how we show up both on stage and in our everyday lives.

This episode is especially close to my heart, as it hits at the core of why I started this podcast: to help listeners build the kind of communication skills and confidence that lead to real results, not just professionally, but personally, too. Joining me is Stephanie Peirolo, a board-certified executive coach, celebrated storyteller featured on The Moth and NPR, and author of The Saint and the Drunk: A Guide to Making the Big Decisions in Your Life.

Throughout our conversation, Stephanie gets real about the myth that “some people are just born confident.” She shares her own deep stage fright (including throwing up in green rooms before major performances!) and opens up about how purpose and intention can transform even the most anxiety-inducing moments into opportunities for profound connection and healing. We discuss her pivotal experience on The Moth stage, how storytelling can be both freeing and healing, and how adults can rediscover their ‘inner knowing’ that deep sense of what’s right for them that so many of us learned to suppress.

Stephanie and I also dive into the ways our families, cultural backgrounds, and even gender shape the stories we tell ourselves about who gets to have a voice. We talk about boundaries, why they’re for you, not other people and tackle the double standards that women often face when speaking up at work or at home. Stephanie offers powerful, practical advice on how to stop over-functioning and start setting boundaries that support your authentic self.

Other highlights from the episode include:

• Why passion matters more than early “talent” in writing or public speaking

• How your internal narratives about your communication skills can help or hurt you

• Managing anxiety on stage (even if you’re an old pro)

• The healing power of sharing your truth, even when it’s hard

• How generational and cultural messages decide who “deserves” to be heard

• Spotting the difference between a personal shortcoming and a systemic issue

• The importance of context, intention, and curiosity in creating connection—at work, at home, or with a stranger in an Uber

• Strategies for reframing your definition of success (especially in the age of social media)

• The ancient and modern wisdom of tuning into your inner knowing, and who really deserves influence in your life

If you want practical insights for reclaiming your voice, clearing out the stories that hold you back, and learning to trust yourself again, this episode delivers. Stephanie’s wisdom, warmth, and honesty make it a must-listen, whether you’re grappling with big life decisions or just want to show up more authentically in your daily conversations.

Thanks for tuning in, as always. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for links to Stephanie’s book, her Substack, and how you can connect with her for coaching or speaking. And remember your voice has the power to change the world.

Connect with Stephanie:

• Website: https://www.speirolo.com  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speirolo/  
• Substack: https://speirolo.substack.com  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speirolo/#  
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speirolo  
• Book: https://a.co/d/04Ltuo3k

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