Dimensions of Public Speaking
Sara Vatore
In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend, author, and business owner Andrea Bordenca for a grounded and multidimensional exploration of public speaking. Together, we expand the definition of “speaking” far beyond the stage or podium—into the everyday moments where we are called to use our voice, tell the truth, and let ourselves be seen.
We explore why public speaking is so often feared, how it touches our identity, and why it can feel incredibly vulnerable to be witnessed, especially when the stakes feel high.
Join us as we explore the power of storytelling for connection and collective healing, the ways our nervous system’s “survival mode” can interfere with clarity or confidence, and how we can build somatic capacity to use our voice whether we’re in front of thousands… or simply trying to speak up at the family dinner table.
You’ll also learn practical tools to regulate your system, identify the optimal level of activation for speaking, and stay grounded when faced with disinterest, unpredictability, or unexpected energy from a room.
Andrea Bordenca resides in Ludlow, Massachusetts with her husband Christopher Bordenca and three sons. Andrea owns a suite of businesses. Each business shares a common thread among all these businesses: culture and belonging. Andrea’s a recovering “solo performer” and has learned & experienced that it does not need to be “lonely at the top”.
In this conversation, we explore:
Why public speaking remains one of the most common fears we have
The belief that everyone has a story to tell and sharing it strengthens connection and collective healing
The many dimensions of public speaking, from formal presentations to setting boundaries or speaking up at home
How the nervous system triggers a survival response (like a freeze) that affect clarity, presence and memory.
Using a somatic 0-10 activation scale to build awareness and find your energetic "baseline"
The concept of the Optimal Performance Zone and how to find that sweet spot of energy, focus and groundedness
What to do when your audience seems disinterested, including how to use "anchors" and rethink your interpretations
How to pivot, adapt, and stay fluid when the energy in the room changes or something goes "wrong"
A low-stakes practice you can use anytime to build capacity and resilience
I hope you enjoyed this transmission with Andrea. To learn more about Andrea and her services, visit https://www.andreabordenca.com/.
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Quotes:
"The people you resonate with are the people that, if you're being you, you're gonna resonate with the people who see you versus trying to be somebody else." -Andrea