Brain Freeze Busters: Stop the Freeze Before it Starts (mini-sode)
03/25/25 • 6 min
Brain freeze doesn’t happen in the moment—it starts long before we step up to the mic. In this mini-sode, Lauri explores how to prevent that icy mental shutdown before it ever takes hold. She dives into the hidden ways we set ourselves up to freeze and how to shift from freeze to flow by setting clear intentions, organizing thoughts effectively, and practicing in a way that builds trust instead of tension. If you’ve ever worried about going blank, this one’s for you.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Your focus shapes your reality – If you fixate on forgetting, you’re more likely to freeze. Shift your attention to presence and connection instead for a more flow-filled experience.
- Intention is everything – Setting a clear intention for the energy you want to create will help guide your words and ease your nerves.
- Structure and practice build trust – Organizing content in 3s and practicing in a way that builds presence (not rote memorization) helps prevent those “going blank” moments.
Join me for the next Soulful Speaking Immersion and take this soul-stirring transformative approach to speaking into your body and out into the world.
https://voice-matters.com/soulful-speaking/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul SuckerTM you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Brain freeze doesn’t happen in the moment—it starts long before we step up to the mic. In this mini-sode, Lauri explores how to prevent that icy mental shutdown before it ever takes hold. She dives into the hidden ways we set ourselves up to freeze and how to shift from freeze to flow by setting clear intentions, organizing thoughts effectively, and practicing in a way that builds trust instead of tension. If you’ve ever worried about going blank, this one’s for you.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Your focus shapes your reality – If you fixate on forgetting, you’re more likely to freeze. Shift your attention to presence and connection instead for a more flow-filled experience.
- Intention is everything – Setting a clear intention for the energy you want to create will help guide your words and ease your nerves.
- Structure and practice build trust – Organizing content in 3s and practicing in a way that builds presence (not rote memorization) helps prevent those “going blank” moments.
Join me for the next Soulful Speaking Immersion and take this soul-stirring transformative approach to speaking into your body and out into the world.
https://voice-matters.com/soulful-speaking/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul SuckerTM you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Previous Episode
From Overthinking to Flow: Unlock Your True Speaking Voice
In this episode of Soulful Speaking, we delve into the transformative power of breath and intention as host Lauri Smith coaches guest Eric Ayers.
Together, they explore how to move beyond imposter syndrome, embrace flow, and tap into the natural energy of authentic communication. Using her Intend, Align, Invite framework, Lauri helps Eric shift from overthinking to fully embodying his message. Through breathwork, energetic alignment, and real-time practice, Eric discovers how to deepen his connection with his audience and speak from his truest self.
If you’ve ever struggled with pausing, trusting your voice, or feeling fully present when speaking, this episode will give you actionable insights to step into your power.
TAKEAWAYS:
1. Speaking is about connection, not perfection. Replace trying to say everything "right" with meeting your audience where they’re at.
2. Trust yourself. Overcome imposter syndrome with a leap of faith. Trust in your knowledge, your energy, and your ability to serve the moment.
3. Your breath fuels your voice. Learning to breathe deeply and naturally can transform your speaking presence.
4. Pauses are powerful. Silence creates space for your audience to absorb your words and connect emotionally.
5. Energetic alignment creates impact. When you center your body, breath, and energy, your voice carries more resonance and ease and touches the audience in a different way.
6. Your five-year-old self knew the truth. Reclaiming the true voice you had as a child can unlock your most radiant speaking style.
7. Set an intention before you speak. Name what you want your audience to feel, then align your presence to embody that energy.
8. Movement and voice are connected. When you release tension in your body, your voice flows more freely.
9. The best speakers don’t "perform" - they show up as themselves. You are enough. You were born enough. Embrace the present moment.
About Eric:
Eric Ayers is an Alignment Practitioner and the founder of emc2, LLC, where he artfully bridges ancient wisdom with modern innovation to spark profound transformation. His life's purpose centers on igniting transformative experiences in others. Through his signature "Align by Design" methodology, he helps individuals discover their authentic path, while his groundbreaking Sim | RxTM approach revolutionizes organizational culture by harmonizing i
Join me for the next Soulful Speaking Immersion and take this soul-stirring transformative approach to speaking into your body and out into the world.
https://voice-matters.com/soulful-speaking/
Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul SuckerTM you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Next Episode
Soul Over Strategy: Finding the Aliveness in Speaking
In a special flipped episode, Brian Perry turns the tables and interviews Soulful Speaking host Lauri Smith, diving into her journey of learning to surrender to creativity, let go of control, and serve the moment fully. Together, they explore the magic of playing beyond fear and tuning into the energy of aliveness. Brian highlights Lauri’s personal evolution, from following external formulas to embracing her authentic voice, and her philosophy on speaking from the soul. Lauri shares her insights on how to feel for the “neon lights” vibration in your words, move from tension to ease, and truly embody your message with authenticity. This episode dives deep into how spiritual alignment and creativity can transform public speaking into a powerful tool for self-expression and connection.
TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
- Authenticity is Powerful: Following formulas can stifle what makes you unique. Authenticity allows your true voice to shine.
- Let Your Soul Drive: Putting your soul in the driver’s seat when creating and sharing your message makes you a Soul-Driven Leader.
- Small Groups are Magical: There’s a far more transformative power in small, intimate speaking groups than there is in large, impersonal programs.
- Speaking is a Spiritual Journey: The process of shedding what doesn’t serve you and embracing vulnerability leads to profound growth in both speaking and life.
- Connect and Play: Like acting, speaking is a co-creative process with your audience. They’re your scene partners!
- Choose Service Over Strategy: Prioritize service and purpose over “doing it right” or chasing financial success.
- Presence is Powerful: Tapping into a heightened sense of awareness during performance creates an electric experience for you and your audience.
- Trust the Process: Once you move through the fear you’re free to step into creative flow and play, which is the heart of what engages audiences fully.
- Follow the Aliveness: Tune into what feels "open and alive" versus "shut down" and then play with that energy to unleash your one-of-a-kind radiance.
About Brian From Brian:
I help you claim, live, and share more of your once-in-any-lifetime story. Because living your story matters. (Also, it’s more fun.) I serve as a singer-songwriter, authentic communication coach, and speaker.
My sound lives at the intersection of James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen with Garth Brooks directing traffic. Most days, that looks like me and my guitar telling stories with a few chords and as much truth as we can manage.
Authentic communication coaching helps you feel more like yourself and be more of yourself in the world. Stepping free of the endless masking of adulting. It feels like an act of bravery. Until it’s just obvious.
These days, my customized talks center around embracing uncertainty, the power of curiosity, and living more of your once-in-any-lifetime story.
But enough about me. Let’s talk about you.
Connect with Brian
Thank you so much for listening!
Take the free quiz and learn which Soul SuckerTM you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/
Follow me on:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/
Soulful Speaking - Brain Freeze Busters: Stop the Freeze Before it Starts (mini-sode)
Transcript
A while back I shared a simple way to cure brain freeze when we're speaking . Now I want to go back and add on to that by talking about how we can prevent that cold brain freeze speaking thing from happening in the first place . So we're going to continue to get to the root and back it up to before the talking even begins , because brain freeze starts way before the moment in t
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