Episode 003

From Fear to Presence:

Speak on Stage with Confidence

Hosted by Jeremy de Tolly, featuring Mathew Makoni

About this Episode

What happens when you freeze while speaking, and how do you find your way back to your voice?

In this episode of Radiant Voices, Jeremy de Tolly sits down with Toastmaster and speaker Mathew Makoni to explore the inner and outer journey of becoming a confident communicator. From a deeply personal story of freezing on stage to building a grounded, intentional speaking practice, Mathew shares what it really takes to speak with presence under pressure.

Together, they unpack the nervous system’s role in public speaking, the subtle difference between anxiety and excitement, and why preparation (when approached with care) can create a sense of freedom rather than restriction.

Matthew also reflects on his path from Zimbabwe to Cape Town, his work in fraud prevention at Amazon, and how life experiences, family dynamics, and environments like Toastmasters have shaped his voice over time.

This is a conversation about more than public speaking. It’s about learning to trust yourself, to be seen, and to stay steady, even when your voice shakes. If you’ve ever struggled to express yourself, felt anxious speaking in front of others, or doubted your voice, this episode offers a grounded place to begin again.

You will learn:

● What to do when you freeze while speaking

● Anxiety vs excitement: understanding your body's response

● Why preparation creates confidence (and how to do it well)

● The role of practice, repetition and structure

● How to use technology for growth without losing confidence

● Speaking with intention: body language, presence and awareness

● The balance between spontaneity and preparation