[01:20] Darren Jamieson: On this week’s Engaging Marketeer Podcast, I’m speaking with public speaker and coach Susanna Lähteelä from Finland. Susanna now lives in the Czech Republic and teaches people how to share their stories on stage or overcome challenges in life. We’re both speakers, so I think this will be an engaging conversation.
[01:55] Darren Jamieson: You’re a public speaker and a trainer. Public speaking is one of the biggest fears people have. What’s your experience with clients in terms of helping them overcome that fear?
[02:28] Susanna Lähteelä: Great question! Yes, glossophobia is one of the most common fears in the world. What I’ve found is that fear of public speaking is less about being on stage and more about confidence. People fear being judged, often due to past experiences or trauma. It’s something I can relate to personally, which helps me connect with my clients.
[02:57] Darren Jamieson: You mentioned personal experiences with judgment or trauma. What happened?
[03:31] Susanna Lähteelä: I grew up in Finland, where the culture is introverted and shy. I’ve always been extroverted and loud, which made me stand out. I was bullied for my looks, my size, and my voice. My mother always told me there’s enough room in this world for everyone’s voice, but the bullying affected my confidence deeply. Over time, I adjusted to fit the culture instead of standing my ground, which led to wrong relationships, depression, and other challenges. But I’m grateful for those experiences because they shaped me and now help me connect with others who face similar struggles.
[06:25] Darren Jamieson: Do you find that many people you coach have experienced something that knocks their confidence?
[06:53] Susanna Lähteelä: It’s 50/50. Half the people know exactly what caused their lack of confidence. The other half aren’t aware of their deep-seated issues, which makes coaching trickier but rewarding. When we dig into their past and find the root cause, it’s a transformative experience.
[09:30] Darren Jamieson: You’ve turned this into a bit of a therapy session. Let’s talk about your clients. What’s the most common challenge they face?
[11:20] Susanna Lähteelä: Many struggle with one-on-one interactions. Often, it ties back to early relationships or childhood experiences. For instance, if someone’s parents were too busy to listen, it might affect their confidence in personal interactions. Identifying and addressing these underlying issues is key.
[13:49] Darren Jamieson: For someone shy and retiring, how long does it take to go from being nervous to confidently delivering a keynote?
[14:24] Susanna Lähteelä: Anyone can do it with the right mindset and effort. If you want to accelerate the process, hiring a coach helps. Otherwise, organizations like Toastmasters are invaluable. I overcame my fear of public speaking through Toastmasters, which provided a supportive environment to practice and improve. It’s about consistent effort, not overnight success.
[19:08] Darren Jamieson: How did you transition from Toastmasters to professional speaking?
[19:42] Susanna Lähteelä: Winning competitions in Toastmasters gave me visibility, leading to speaking opportunities. I always encourage my clients to be humble and proactive. Contact event organizers, offer value, and don’t let ego hold you back. The first 20 or 50 inquiries might not land gigs, but persistence pays off.
[27:28] Darren Jamieson: Do you reuse the same stories in different talks?
[28:05] Susanna Lähteelä: Yes and no. While you can reuse parts of your story, it’s important to keep it fresh. Break your story into smaller segments and tailor it to the audience. A great story is like a favorite song; people enjoy hearing it again if it’s delivered well.
[32:07] Darren Jamieson: What marketing materials do speakers need to promote themselves?
[32:39] Susanna Lähteelä: Get comfortable on camera. Practice filming yourself in everyday situations to build confidence. Podcasts are great for showcasing your energy and authenticity. Use short clips on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your skills. People won’t book you without seeing what you’re capable of.
[38:12] Darren Jamieson: What social media platforms work best for you?
[39:17] Susanna Lähteelä: LinkedIn is my most successful platform. I’m also working on TikTok and YouTube, but LinkedIn has been key for connecting with clients and promoting my brand.
[43:52] Darren Jamieson: Do you still feel nervous before going on stage?
[44:22] Susanna Lähteelä: Yes, but the fear changes. The butterflies become energy that you learn to channel. For beginners, I recommend a quick ice cube trick to calm nerves. Hold an ice cube in your mouth before going on stage to activate your fight-or-flight response early, helping you focus.
[50:58] Darren Jamieson: What advice do you have for someone starting their speaking journey?
[52:00] Susanna Lähteelä: Join Toastmasters. It’s a nonprofit organization with clubs worldwide that provide a supportive environment to practice and grow. Find a club that suits you and start building your skills.
[55:30] Darren Jamieson: How can people connect with you?
[56:04] Susanna Lähteelä: The best way is through LinkedIn. I’m active there and offer free 30-minute consultations to explore how I can help. Just send me a message or book a call through my profile.
