The psychology of speaking

Beyond Techniques: The Psychology of Powerful Speaking

Why Traditional Public Speaking Training Falls Short

Have you ever sat through a presentation where the speaker did everything “right” but still failed to connect? Perfect posture, flawless delivery, zero filler words—and yet something essential was missing.

This disconnect highlights the fundamental problem with most public speaking training: an overemphasis on external techniques rather than internal comfort.

At Ultraspeaking, we’ve built our entire approach around a revolutionary idea: true speaking power comes from psychological comfort, not mechanical perfection. When you’re genuinely at ease speaking, the techniques take care of themselves.

Let me share why this matters—and how it could transform your relationship with public speaking forever.

The Emotional Foundation of Effective Communication

Traditional speaking programs often start with delivery techniques: stand like this, project your voice, eliminate “um” and “uh.” While these elements have their place, they address symptoms rather than causes.

The truth is that speaking anxiety stems from psychological barriers—fear of judgment, perfectionism, impostor syndrome—not a lack of technical knowledge. When we’re uncomfortable, our bodies naturally tense up, our voices tighten, and our minds race. Most technique-focused training can’t overcome these fundamental emotional responses.

Ultraspeaking flips the script by addressing the root cause first. When you feel comfortable speaking, natural expressiveness follows. Your authentic voice emerges. Your body language becomes appropriate to the moment. You connect with your audience effortlessly.

As Ali Abdaal, YouTuber and entrepreneur, notes about our approach: “Ultraspeaking games are one of the biggest game changers for confidence.”

The Experience-Based Learning Revolution

How We Differ from Traditional Training

Most public speaking programs fall into predictable patterns. Let’s compare the traditional approach with Ultraspeaking’s experience-based method:

Aspect

Traditional Training
Ultraspeaking Method

Primary Focus

Delivery techniques and structure
Psychological comfort and flow
Learning Style
Lecture-based instruction
Interactive games and experiences
Practice Format
Prepared speeches with feedback
Spontaneous speaking in varied scenarios
Feedback Type
Technical critique
Supportive coaching on emotional experience
Success Measure
Reduced “mistakes”
Increased comfort and authenticity

This fundamental difference explains why many people complete traditional programs yet still feel anxious when speaking. They’ve learned rules but haven’t transformed their relationship with speaking itself.

The Power of Gamified Learning

At the heart of our method are interactive speaking games designed to simulate real-world pressure while creating a supportive environment. These games include:

  • Triple Step: Builds spontaneity by requiring quick topic transitions
  • Rapid Fire: Develops comfort with impromptu speaking
  • Slideshow: Simulates presentation pressure with unknown slides

These aren’t just fun activities—they’re carefully designed psychological tools that rewire your brain’s response to speaking situations. By repeatedly experiencing success in simulated high-pressure environments, you develop genuine confidence that transfers to real-world scenarios.

As Sorelle Amore, YouTuber and entrepreneur, put it: “This whole platform, this way of learning, the games, the community. This is revolutionary.”

Real Results: Beyond Technical Improvement

The proof of our approach lies in the transformations we witness daily. Our students don’t just become “better speakers” in the technical sense—they experience fundamental shifts in their relationship with communication.

From Anxiety to Enjoyment

Jake Kassan, President at MVMT, shared: “I feel like I can go into any room and feel a different level of confidence.”

This sentiment reflects a common pattern among our students. Speaking shifts from a source of anxiety to an opportunity for connection and impact. The energy previously consumed by nervousness becomes available for creativity and presence.

From Overpreparing to Spontaneity

Many professionals spend hours meticulously scripting presentations, only to deliver them in a way that sounds rehearsed and inauthentic. Our approach liberates speakers from this cycle.

Dr. Shobhana Patted, Medical Director, noted: “I delivered my entire talk in front of colleagues without notes and it felt so comfortable for me.”

This ability to speak naturally without excessive preparation doesn’t just save time—it creates more engaging, authentic communication.

How Ultraspeaking Compares to Other Options

When considering public speaking training, it’s helpful to understand how different programs approach the challenge. Here’s how Ultraspeaking compares to some well-known alternatives:

Program

Primary Approach
Format
Focus
Best For
Ultraspeaking
Experience-based learning
Interactive online cohorts & coaching
Psychological comfort & spontaneity
Those seeking fundamental transformation
Toastmasters
Structured practice
Regular club meetings
Speech structure & delivery techniques
Those wanting ongoing practice opportunities
Heroic Public Speaking
Performance techniques
Workshops & intensives
Theatrical delivery & storytelling
Those focused on stage presence
Duarte
Content development
Workshops & consulting
Presentation design & messaging
Those creating high-stakes presentations
Own The Room
Communication skills
Corporate workshops
Professional presence
Teams seeking consistent improvement

Ultraspeaking vs. Toastmasters: A Closer Look

Since Toastmasters is one of the most well-known speaking organizations, it deserves special attention. While both programs help people become better speakers, they differ significantly in approach:

Toastmasters provides:

  • A structured environment with regular meetings
  • Focus on prepared speeches and evaluations
  • Low-cost membership with community support
  • Emphasis on leadership development alongside speaking

Ultraspeaking offers:

  • An immersive, psychology-first approach
  • Interactive games that simulate real-world pressure
  • Expert coaching focused on emotional experience
  • Rapid transformation through intensive practice

Many find these approaches complementary—Ultraspeaking to breakthrough psychological barriers and develop comfort, Toastmasters for in-person meetings and leadership development.

The Ultraspeaking Journey: What to Expect

If you’re considering our approach, here’s what the journey typically looks like:

  1. Fundamentals Speaking Course
    You’ll begin by learning our core games and methodology, with a cohort of like-minded individuals.
  2. Daily Training
    Regular practice in our supportive environment helps you build comfort through repetition. These fast-paced, 30-minute sessions over Zoom provide the perfect balance of challenge and support.
  3. Personalized Coaching
    Our coaches don’t lecture—they create conditions for you to discover insights yourself. They focus on the root causes of speaking discomfort rather than superficial symptoms.
  4. Self-Paced Learning
    Between live sessions, you’ll have access to our curriculum and practice tools, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
  5. Community Support
    Perhaps most valuable is the community of fellow learners who provide encouragement, feedback, and accountability throughout your journey.

Who Benefits Most from Our Approach?

While anyone can benefit from improved speaking comfort, we’ve found our approach particularly transformative for:

  • Professionals whose advancement is limited by speaking anxiety
  • Leaders who need to inspire and influence teams
  • Entrepreneurs pitching ideas and presenting to investors
  • Content creators seeking more authentic connection with audiences
  • Anyone who wants speaking to feel natural rather than performative

Iswarya Balakrishnanli, Manager at Google, shared: “I feel so much more at ease speaking in large meetings.” This simple statement reflects a profound shift that impacts every aspect of professional life.

Beyond the Training: Long-Term Transformation

The most significant benefit of our approach isn’t just immediate improvement—it’s the lasting change in how you relate to speaking situations. Our students report:

  • Reduced preparation time with better results
  • Greater willingness to speak up in meetings and social situations
  • More authentic connection with audiences of all sizes
  • Accelerated career growth as communication barriers fall away
  • Enjoyment of speaking opportunities they once dreaded

As Abhishek Chandra, CEO at Recora, put it after applying our methods: “It was the best pitch I’ve ever done. We now have 150 emails from investors waiting for us.”

Taking the First Step

If you’re intrigued by our approach, there are several ways to begin your journey:

  1. Join our daily trainings to experience our methodology firsthand
  2. Enroll in Fundamentals L1, our flagship 30-day course designed to end speaking anxiety
  3. Explore Professional L1 if you’re specifically focused on professional communication
  4. Consider private coaching for personalized guidance

Many participants find that even a single session shifts their perspective on what’s possible in their speaking journey.

Conclusion: Speaking as a Source of Joy, Not Fear

The traditional view of public speaking as something to endure—a necessary professional evil—misses the profound truth that speaking can be a source of genuine joy and connection.

At Ultraspeaking, we’ve witnessed thousands of transformations as people discover that speaking isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection. And most importantly, it’s not about technique—it’s about comfort.

When you’re truly comfortable speaking, you don’t just deliver better presentations—you express yourself more authentically in every conversation. You don’t just advance professionally—you connect more deeply with everyone around you.

That’s the true power of our approach: not just better speaking, but a fundamentally better relationship with communication itself.

Ready to transform your relationship with speaking? Your journey toward speaking comfort begins with a single step.

May 5, 2025
Need help mastering public speaking?
Inside our Ultimate Public Speaking Playbook, you will find actionable resources to help you avoid common mistakes, hone your message, and deliver with confidence.

Join thousands on the newsletter
 and get our e-book Own It!

The Ultraspeaking Principles

© 2025 Ultraspeaking. All rights reserved.

The Experience

Train your brain the Ultraspeaking way with our online simulator.

Fast-paced sessions based on experience, not theory.

Interactive sessions designed specifically for virtual settings.

The Coaches

Ultraspeaking coaches meet you where you are.

Rather than lecture, they create ways for you to discover insights for yourself.

They tackle the root of speaking, so that your desired results unfold naturally.

Interested in private coaching, team training, or something else? Send us a message!

Transform Your Speaking Confidence in 60 minutes

Select your preferred session time below
Zero spam. Just a calendar invite and class details.
“The best public speaking workshop I’ve ever come across”
Lenny Rachitsky, Host of Lenny’s Podcast
Former Airbnb PM & Newsletter Author

What happens after you join:

  1. You’ll receive an immediate calendar invite with Zoom link
  2. Join us for an interactive 60-minute session on July 24
  3. Get a special offer for our full cohort ($100 off)

The Experience​

Train your brain the Ultraspeaking way with our online simulator.

Fast-paced sessions based on experience, not theory.

Interactive sessions designed specifically for virtual settings.

The Coaches

Ultraspeaking coaches meet you where you are.

Rather than lecture, they create ways for you to discover insights for yourself.

They tackle the root of speaking, so that your desired results unfold naturally.

Interested in private coaching, team training, or something else? Send us a message!​

Join the Professional L1 waitlist

Join the Fundamentals L2 waitlist

Join the Fundamentals L1 waitlist

Expense Through Your Company

An Ultraspeaking training isn’t just valuable for you—it’s a win for your company too. Stronger speaking skills mean you’ll better communicate your ideas, articulate your expertise, and navigate high-stakes meetings with ease. That’s why many Ultraspeaking participants expense their cohort passes, private training, and membership (like Unlimited or the paid app) to their company.

Reimbursement Tips from Ultraspeaking Alumni

Get new articles sent to your inbox

dates:

Every day (Mon - Fri)

time

Mondays at 8:30am PST Tuesdays at 8:30am PST Wednesdays at 5:30pm PST Thursdays at 8:30am PST
Fridays at 9am PST

format

30 minute sessions over Zoom

Tuition:

$99 per month. Cancel anytime.

Group size:

Train key skills, get direct feedback, and learn new strategies for speaking on-the-fly.

Get instant access to all Ultraspeaking online games and training tools

Get noticeable results after 8 sessions or receive a full refund

Change the way you speak, forever.

Become an Ultraspeaking member and get unlimited access & to all daily trainings + instant access to Ultraspeaking's collection of games and training tools. Cancel anytime.

Privacy Policy: We hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe.