Obsessing over body language won't fix public speaking anxiety. Discover why the 7-38-55 rule is misunderstood and learn practical ways to stay calm.

September always feels like the true start of the new year. Before diving into garden prep, kitchen projects, and autumn classes, here is a wrap-up of everything that happened in August.

Growing up, being told I was "holding court" was an accusation; a polite way of saying I am taking up too much space and showing off. I have finally realised having the confidence to stand up in front of a room full of people, or start a casual conversation with a stranger, is a superpower that’s been fundamental to my career.
When we reframe room presence from "showing off" to audience stewardship, everything shifts. It transforms public speaking from a one-way performance into a practice built on trust, narrative clarity, and real-time connection. In this opening post of my new journal series, I explore the five core pillars of audience stewardship, and why mastering them matters for far more than just big-stage presentations.