Public Speaking Tics and How to Fix Them

Have you ever listened to someone talk and felt a little lost, like you didn't know where they were going?  That can happen when a speaker doesn't use "signposts" — words that show you where you are in a talk.  In this episode, I practice using signposts and sticking to one clear example the whole way through.Intro — I explain what this podcast is about and what skill I'm working on today: using clear signposts and sticking to one example without rambling.My Belief — I share something I really believe: that a coffee mug isn't just a cup, it's a reminder of memories and good times.My Example — I talk about my coffee mug from Wisconsin and the memories it brings back.Summary — I wrap up my point about coffee mugs and what they mean to me.Wrap-Up — I talk about how the episode went, what worked, and what I still want to get better at.Thanks for listening!  If you want to reach out, my email is [email protected] - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick 

Do you ever start talking and then forget where you were going?  That happens to me a lot! In this episode, I try something new to help me stop rambling.  It is called "speaking in frames."  It means I talk about one thing by looking at three parts: the past, the present, and the future.I use this new way of speaking to talk about learning new skills.  First, I tell a story about learning to ride a unicycle.  Then I talk about a skill I'm working on right now — being a better public speaker.  Last, I talk about a skill I want to learn in the future.I'm still working on this, so I still ramble sometimes!  But using frames is helping me stay more organized.  If you also want to talk without rambling, maybe this idea can help you too.Email - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick 

Do you find it hard to say what you are actually thinking when speaking on the spot? In Episode 15 of Speaking Clearly, I push my unscripted talking limits to share a raw story about digital distraction, phone screens, and real-world focus.  In this unedited daily workout, I explain how a special 4-sentence paragraph structure can help you talk for 5 to 8 minutes without running out of ideas. Say Hello: Send me an email at [email protected] to tell me what goals you are working on! Email - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick 

Do you get a mental traffic jam when you try to speak without a script?  In Episode 14 of Speaking Clearly, I test a cool trick that makes unscripted public speaking feel super easy and fast. I learned that our brains freeze up because we are trying to make too many choices at once.  In this quick daily drill, I use a pre-made sentence starter called the Perspective Shift framework. By using a template to open my sentences, my brain instantly knows how to finish the thought on a single breath without any awkward mid-sentence pauses. Say Hello: Send me an email at [email protected] to tell me what goals you are working on! Email - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick 

Did you know that public speaking is actually about how you feel about yourself? In Episode 13 of Speaking Clearly, I talk about a huge breakthrough I had today while practicing my unscripted talking skills.  I realized that when I am at home with my wife, stories roll out of my head easily because I feel safe. But when I get on a stage, a false belief makes me feel like being seen is dangerous.  In this raw and unedited daily episode, I practice the rule of "speaking before you think" to prove to my brain that sharing my real self is completely safe.Say Hello: Send me an email at [email protected] to tell me what goals you are working on! Email - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick 

Can you tell a whole story using only three random words?  In Episode 12 of Speaking Clearly, I play a quick public speaking game called the Snow Globe.  I do not have any notes or bullet points written down for the middle of this episode.  I only have three words: storm, bicycle, and key.   I try to look up at the wall, keep my hands relaxed at my sides, and tell a one-minute story connecting all three items.  This game helps my brain practice thinking fast without getting nervous or looking down at a paper.Say Hello: Send me an email at [email protected] to tell me what goals you are working on! Email - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick 

Do you squeeze your hands together or look down at your paper when you speak in front of a class?  In Episode 11 of Speaking Clearly, I talk about a club meeting I went to and the advice my friends gave me about my posture. When your brain is trying hard to think of what to say next, your body gets nervous.  In this quick daily practice, I try to look up at the wall, relax my hands, and speak using just a few words on a page.  I do not edit or cut out my mistakes because I want to show you exactly how I am practicing to get better every day. Say Hello: Send me an email at [email protected] to tell me what goals you are working on! Email - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick 

Do you find yourself pausing awkwardly in the middle of a sentence when speaking without notes?  In Episode 10 of Speaking Clearly, I tackle mid-sentence pauses and explore how to train your brain and breath to deliver continuous, complete thoughts. To fix this common speech habit, I practice a "single-breath" drill alongside an expanded four-bullet prompt layout.  I share my own unedited practice.  Personally I am working to eliminate mid-thought pauses to formulate what comes next.  I use my morning pour-over V60 coffee ritual as an example to practice steady pacing, structured transitions, and intentional breathing. I am on my own path toward improving my communication.  I want to share my practice as I work to eliminate hesitation, improve conversational speaking, and get comforatable with unscripted communication.  I practice daily, follow along as I work on my public speakingConnect With Me: This podcast is my personal training ground to become a skilled communicator.  I would love to hear who you are, what speaking habits you are trying to break, and your thoughts on this episode! Reach out via email at [email protected]. Email - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick 

Want to learn how to speak without reading from a script?  In Episode 9 of Speaking Clearly, I am continuing my daily communication drills to master natural, unscripted delivery. In this episode, I practice ditching word-for-word scripts entirely in favor of three simple bullet points to formulate my thoughts one sentence at a time.  This real-time unedited exercise focuses on critical speaking mechanics: controlling your conversational pace, taking steady micro-breaths, and reducing the awkward pauses that happen to me while thinking on my feet. To practice this framework, I share a quick, relatable story about getting stuck in a long checkout line and how the opening of a second register saved the day. If you are looking to eliminate speech anxiety, stop memorizing scripts, and improve your everyday communication skills through daily practice, this episode provides a transparent look at the process.Connect With Me: This daily podcast is my personal training ground to become a skilled communicator. I would love to hear who you are and what communication habits you are working on! Reach out directly via email at [email protected]. Email - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick 

Want to learn how to fix those awkward pauses and improve your public speaking skills?  In this episode of Speaking Clearly, I am running a live communication drill designed to help you slow down your speaking speed and master conversational pacing. I work on a major unscripted speaking challenge: pauses that feel much shorter in your head than they do to your audience.  I work throught this by formulating your thoughts one sentence at a time.  To practice this pacing technique without reading from a script, I share a quick personal story about breaking a daily sugar habit and overcoming an obsession with "cookie mountain."  You will hear how using keyword prompts forces your brain to build sentences naturally in real time.  Whether you want to eliminate filler words, manage your speaking pace under pressure, or improve your everyday communication skills, this episode shows you a practical way to train your voice. Connect With Me: This podcast is my ultimate training zone to become a skilled communicator.  I would love to hear who you are, why you are listening, and your thoughts on this pacing experiment!  Send me an email at [email protected]. Email - [email protected] - 2026 Patrick