Helen von Dadelszen on courageous action, nervous system regulation, and speaking with confidence. I (Jacky Power) speak with Helen von Dadelszen, voice and communication coach and author of Courageous Action, about what it really takes to communicate well when you are nervous, under pressure, or worried about getting it wrong. We explore how confidence is built through action, not perfection, and why vulnerability, preparation, and self-trust matter more than sounding polished. We discuss the mindset and body-based tools that help people speak up more effectively in interviews, meetings, presentations, and performances. Helen shares practical ways to quiet the inner soundtrack, regulate the nervous system, and expand your comfort zone through repeated courageous action. Key topics Helen introduces Courageous Action as a practical guide to building confidence through action, not waiting until you feel ready.We reflect on a real-time example of how nerves and self-consciousness can affect communication.Helen explains that hesitations, stumbles, and rephrasing are part of being human and can create connection rather than weaken credibility.Helen describes the internal “soundtrack” of limiting beliefs, including thoughts like “I’m not confident enough,” “my accent is funny,” or “I’m not senior enough.”Helen recommends asking two key questions before speaking.The conversation covers embodied regulation tools including breath, grounding, power poses, tapping, and low-stakes practice.Helen emphasizes that effective communication is hard in fight, flight, or freeze, so the goal is to down-regulate the nervous system rather than eliminate nerves.Jacky shares performance experiences, including reading from a script on stage and learning from feedback to slow down and trust the poetry more.They discuss how audience silence, awkward moments, small turnouts, or logistical mishaps can be turned into connection rather than failure.Helen share that good speakers often involve the audience more, ask questions, and create participation rather than lecture at people.The episode ends with Helen explaining her workshop Your Voice, Your Calling Card and her four P’s of vocal variety.Timestamps 00:00 - Opening stumble and why nervousness shows up when the stakes feel high 03:06 - Why perfection is not the goal in communication 07:00 - The importance of intention and how you want to be perceived 09:30 - The inner soundtrack of self-doubt and fear of judgment 11:52 - Finding 2 or 3 words that anchor your communication 14:22 - Using the body and nervous system to stay grounded 16:20 - Why courageous action means acting while still feeling fear 17:39 - Trusting yourself even when your body is activated 19:14 - How nervousness is individual and shows up differently for everyone 21:01 - Finding the techniques that work for you, then turning them into a ritual 22:03 - Why practice matters before the stressful moment arrives 23:31 - Speaking well means pacing yourself, pausing, and practicing out loud 24:36 - Meeting yourself where you are, including using notes on stage or in meetings 25:40 - Why “good is better than perfect” and waiting can become a trap 26:49 - Learning from feedback when rushing through material too quickly 27:45 - Slowing down so the audience can process and connect 28:45 - Using notes in meetings and breaking the ice with the audience 30:09 - Handling silence, blank faces, and online disengagement 31:50 - Challenging negative assumptions about audience reactions 33:31 - Why the best communication often involves audience participation 34:42 - Turning awkward real-world moments into shared connection 37:45 - Preparing for logistical problems before they derail you 40:11 - Courageous action as a way to expand the comfort zone 42:08 - Helen’s workshop, Your Voice, Your Calling Card 44:06 - Where to find Helen and her book Action items Identify 2 or 3 words that describe how you want to be experienced when you speak.Practice your message out loud before the real event.Use breathing or grounding techniques before high-stakes communication.Bring notes if they help you stay on track.If the room feels cold, create connection by speaking to a few people first.Review feedback for what is useful, then keep what fits and discard what does not.Treat awkward moments as opportunities to connect, not proof of failure.To find out more about Helen go to: https://academy.presentpotential.ch/ and find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenvond/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-von-dadelszen/ and Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@presentpotential2090/videos
