Andy O'Sullivan's Linkedin Analytics

The nerves didn’t go away. I just stopped letting them win. There was a time when even a simple team meeting would make my heart race. Just a quick update? My voice would shake. An unexpected question from a colleague? Total mind blank. Even during a casual weekly check-in, when all eyes suddenly turned to me, I’d feel the heat rise to my face. If that sounds familiar, I get it. I’ve been there. And for a long time, I thought the anxiety meant I just wasn’t a confident speaker. But here's what I’ve learned (and wish I knew earlier): 💡 Confidence isn’t something you’re either born with or not. 🛠️ It’s a skill. And like any skill, you can build it. What helped me shift? ✅ I stopped seeing fear as a sign of weakness and started using it as fuel. ✅ Instead of fighting the nerves, I began channelling them into focus, energy, and clarity. The most confident communicators I’ve worked with? 😬 They still feel the nerves. 💪 They’ve just learned not to let them run the show. If speaking up in meetings makes your stomach turn, you’re not the only one. And more importantly, you don’t have to stay stuck. 📣 Next week, I’m running a free workshop on exactly this: How to turn that anxiety into confidence, whether you’re speaking up in a small meeting or leading a bigger conversation. If you’re ready to stop holding back and start being heard, this is for you. 🔗 Link in the first comment to save your spot!

Fear is a funny thing. It sneaks up when you least expect it, such as during a big meeting or presentation. Suddenly, your heart races, your palms sweat, and your voice shakes. I have been there. It is not fun. But here is the secret: Fear is simply excitement in disguise. When it strikes, reframe it as a conversation rather than a presentation or a performance. Try this next time: 🧘 Breathe slowly and deeply 🎯 Focus on your message 👫 Imagine you are chatting with a friend Remember, the audience is on your side. They want you to succeed, and they want to hear your ideas. P.S. What is your biggest fear when speaking publicly? Share it in the comments. #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #SpeakWithConfidence #ConfidenceBuilding #ProfessionalDevelopment

Want to know the real reason some people climb the corporate ladder faster? ❌ It's not talent. ❌ It's not experience. ❌ It's not even hard work. ✅ It's their ability to communicate effectively. I learned this the hard way. Spent years grinding away at my job, thinking my work would speak for itself. Here’s what most people don’t realise: Your work doesn't speak. YOU do. Once I figured this out, everything changed. ✅ Started presenting my ideas clearly. ✅ Began leading meetings with confidence. ✅ Learned to write emails that actually got responses. And that’s when everything started to change. Opportunities opened up. I stopped waiting to be noticed and started making it impossible to be ignored. In today’s world, being good at your job is the starting point. Being heard is what moves you forward. #CareerGrowth #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #LeadershipDevelopment #LondonProfessionals

A game-changing realization about speaking up in meetings: Silence is also a choice. When you stay quiet, you are not avoiding a decision. You are actively choosing to: ✅ Let others shape the conversation ✅ Keep your insights hidden ✅ Miss opportunities to grow This hit me hard because I used to think: Staying quiet = Playing it safe But really: Staying quiet = Taking a risk ⚡ The risk of regret ⚡ The risk of missed connections ⚡ The risk of unused potential ⚡ The risk of becoming invisible Next time you are hesitating to speak: Remember, silence is not neutral. It is a decision. Make it consciously. P.S. Ready to transform your communication confidence? Comment "Transform" and send me a connection request. If it feels like a good fit, I will reach out with details about my speaking program. #SpeakUp #CommunicationSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #OwnYourVoice #PersonalGrowth #SelfLeadership #SpeakWithConfidence #VisibilityMatters

5 communication habits that separate top performers from everyone else: 1. They Speak With Purpose 🗣️ No rambling 🎯 Clear message ✅ Strong call-to-action 2. They Listen More Than They Talk 👂 Ask better questions 🤝 Take a genuine interest 🧠 Remember key details 3. They Master Written Communication ✉️ Concise emails 📝 Clear documentation 📊 Powerful presentations 4. They Read The Room 👀 Understand their audience 🔄 Adapt their style ⏳ Pick the right moment 5. They Follow Through 📋 Confirm understanding 🎯 Set clear expectations 🤝 Deliver on promises Master these 5 habits to communicate with impact, lead with confidence, influence with authority, and unlock new levels in your career. #CareerGrowth #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #LeadershipDevelopment #LondonProfessionals

The biggest lie I used to believe about speaking up: "I need to wait until I'm an expert." The reality is different. Expertise isn't binary. You don't suddenly wake up one day fully "qualified" to speak. It's a spectrum — and you're already on it. So instead of asking: "Am I expert enough?" Ask: "What value can I add right now?" This mindset shift changed everything for me, and it can for you too. P.S. If you want to master more mindset shifts that transform your communication, comment "Speak" and send me a connection request. Let’s see if you’re a good fit for my coaching programme. #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #CareerGrowth #FinanceProfessionals

I used to think I needed to be perfect. Every presentation had to be flawless. Every meeting contribution had to be insightful. Every word had to be just right. But here's the thing: Perfectionism is a trap. ❌ It keeps us from taking action. ❌ It keeps us from putting ourselves out there. ❌ It keeps us from making progress. So I made a decision: I was going to embrace "good enough." ✅ I was going to reframe my anxiety as excitement. ✅ I was going to focus on my key message. ✅ I was going to show up, imperfections and all. And you know what? It worked. ✨ I became more confident. ✨ I became more authentic. ✨ I became more effective. So if you're struggling with perfectionism, remember this: Good enough is better than perfect. 🔁 It's about progress, not perfection. 🗣️ It's about showing up, not holding back. 💡 It's about being you, not someone else. 🌱 Embrace your imperfections. 💫 Reframe your anxiety. 🎯 Focus on your key message. And watch your confidence soar. P.S. What's one imperfection you're going to embrace this week? #PublicSpeaking #PublicSpeakingConfidence #ConfidentCommunication #SpeakUp #CommunicationSkills #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetMat

II used to stay quiet in meetings, thinking: "What if I sound stupid?" Then I realised something that changed everything: People aren't thinking about you as much as you think. They're too busy thinking about themselves. Which means: ♦️ Your "stupid" question? Others are wondering the same thing. ♦️ Your "obvious" comment? Someone needed to hear it. ♦️ Your "basic" insight? It might be a breakthrough for someone else. Once I understood this, speaking up became easier. Because success isn't about being perfect It's about being present #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #CareerGrowth #FinanceProfessionals