Mastering Body Language and Authenticity in Public Speaking: Insights from Rachael Edmondson-Clarke

Speaking With Confidence

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11d ago 47:30

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Have you ever wondered what it really takes to speak confidently in front of any audience—whether it’s a crowded boardroom, a theatre-stage packed with anticipation, or a busy hair salon at age twelve? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I welcome back the incredible Rachael Edmondson-Clarke for her second appearance—a rare privilege on this show! Rachael’s journey from sweeping floors in her mom’s beauty salon to leading professional speakers across the UK and Ireland is more than inspirational—it’s a masterclass in authentic communication, building trust, and continuous growth.

In this episode, we dive deep into how early experiences shape our ability to read nonverbal cues, remain genuine, and adapt our energy to truly connect with others. Rachael shares the story of working reception in her mom’s salon—juggling two telephones, a crowd of clients, and a team of stylists—all before she was sixteen! She reflects on how tuning into body language transformed not only her customer service skills but also her capacity to lead and build trust, skills that have served her throughout her career.

Rachael takes us on a whirlwind tour of her professional journey: from impactful presenting workshops, to drama stages, to corporate boardrooms, and finally to becoming vice president of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland. She shares candid lessons from competing in the Speaker Factor competition, including her “banana and dark chocolate” ritual, and how even a tough performance can be the launchpad for real growth when you have the right community supporting you.

We talk about the crucial importance of congruence—making sure your words, body language, and tone all align to build trust and credibility. Rachael’s anecdotes highlight that storytelling isn’t just about big, heroic moments; it’s also about the everyday stories (including her infamous toothbrush battery saga!) that make you relatable and memorable to any audience.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasize how practice, resilience, and vulnerability are key to developing as a speaker. Whether it’s learning from an uncomfortable video replay or dusting off your presentation after setbacks, the journey to confident communication is ongoing—and full of opportunities to embrace humor, share truth, and connect authentically.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

How reading body language and energy can elevate your communication—starting at the salon reception desk
Why being congruent (aligning words and actions) builds trust with any audience
Rachael’s transition from corporate marketing roles to leading professional speakers—and what she learned along the way
The value of continuous learning and putting your skills into practice (even if it means watching yourself on video!)
Behind-the-scenes secrets of the Speaker Factor competition (including performance rituals, nerves, and bouncing back from setbacks)
The pivotal role of storytelling—why everyday moments matter as much as big, dramatic stories
Using humor (self-deprecating or otherwise) as a powerful connector and communicator
Practical advice for anyone looking to build confidence: find your own style, practice, and seek feedback from a supportive community

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Chapters

1. Welcome Back And Guest Reintroduction (00:00:00)

2. Value-First Communication Mindset (00:02:23)

3. Lessons From The Salon Reception Desk (00:03:25)

4. Reading Body Language And Energy (00:05:00)

5. Congruence, Trust, And Nonverbal Cues (00:07:47)

6. Corporate Presenting And Stagecraft Growth (00:09:55)

7. Turning The Spotlight To The Audience (00:13:51)

8. Continuous Learning And Practice Habits (00:17:07)

9. Inside The Speaker Factor Journey (00:20:33)

10. From Setback To Stage Confidence (00:24:47)

11. Rituals, Nerves, And Finding Your Way (00:28:43)

12. Storytelling: Everyday Moments That Connect (00:32:51)

13. Humor As A Bridge To Influence (00:36:51)

14. Closing, Contact Details, And Resources (00:39:57)

95 episodes

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