Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan Confidence Classic: Speak with Gravitas and Command the Room with Caroline Goyder
Feb 24, 2026
Caroline Goyder, voice coach and author known for her TED Talk on presence, teaches learnable skills for powerful speaking. She discusses breath work, diaphragmatic support, and the calming power of lengthened exhales. Expect tips on stillness, strategic pauses, standing for virtual presence, and why trying less can make you more magnetic.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Massive Prep Behind Calm TED Performance
- For her TED Talk Caroline hired a coach, worked on script and rehearsed with a standup comedy coach to nail timing.
- On the day organizers called her 'the most prepared person in this room' after intensive prep.
From Drama School Critique To Voice Coach
- Caroline was told at drama school she had 'no presence' and a 'thin voice' which led her to study breath, posture, and jaw release.
- With teachers' help she unpicked habits and transformed her speaking career into voice coaching.
Allocate Prep Based On Presentation Leverage
- Match preparation time to impact: invest heavy rehearsal for high-leverage presentations and lighter practice for routine updates.
- Caroline used a hedge fund pitch example: major visions need more prep to secure buy-in or investment.
