1. EachPod

233. Sounding Like 'You' on Stage Starts with Ditching This One Habit

Author
Heather Sager
Published
Thu 27 Mar 2025
Episode Link
https://heathersager.com/episode233/

There’s this weird thing that happens when smart, articulate business owners get asked to speak:

They start sounding… weird.

They say stuff like, “What if I told you…”
They parrot lines from mentors they admire.
They stiffen up, overthink, and suddenly sound like a motivational quote generator instead of a real human.

In this episode, I’m sharing where that habit comes from (spoiler: it’s not confidence—it’s ego), why it’s a sign you haven’t fully nailed your speaker identity, and what to do when your “authentic voice” vanishes under pressure.

We’ll talk about:
🎤 The “Parrot Effect” and why it sneaks in when you’re trying to be impressive

🎤 Why scripting makes you feel safe—but also makes you sound like someone else

🎤 How to try things on and find your signature speaker style without cringing

🎤 A behind-the-scenes story from my pageant days (and the hideous dress that changed everything)

This one’s not about being a better speaker.  

It’s about noticing when you’re not actually being you.


EPISODE  SHOW NOTES👇
https://heathersager.com/episode233

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