
From Overthinking to Flow: Unlock Your True Speaking Voice
Explicit content warning
03/18/25 • 44 min
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 individual sovereignty with collective excellence.
Known for his "bare-feet-in-the-gra
Join me for the Soulful Speaking Playshop!
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/
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 individual sovereignty with collective excellence.
Known for his "bare-feet-in-the-gra
Join me for the Soulful Speaking Playshop!
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/
Previous Episode

OUCH! How to Go from (Brain) Freeze to Flow
Have you ever experienced a sudden freeze while speaking—where your mind goes completely blank, your mouth won’t move, and panic sets in? That kind of speaking brain freeze mirrors the dreaded popsicle brain freeze from our childhood. In this mini-sode, Lauri dives deep into the subconscious fears that lead us to stop breathing in the first place. She also shares a simple yet powerful way to break free.
TAKEAWAYS
1. Breath leads to inspiration: When we freeze, it's often because we've stopped breathing. Opening your mouth and inhaling air is the quickest way to find your flow again.
2. Trusting the pause can transform your presence: Silence always feels longer for the speaker. The pause that feels endless to you is actually a gift to your audience, allowing them to absorb your message.
3. You are enough: Discomfort in silence often comes from a deeper belief that we need to prove our worth. Your presence alone has value—anything you say simply compliments that inherent worth.
Join me for the Soulful Speaking Playshop!
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

Brain Freeze Busters: Stop the Freeze Before it Starts (mini-sode)
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 Soulful Speaking Playshop!
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 - From Overthinking to Flow: Unlock Your True Speaking Voice
Transcript
Hello and welcome back to the Soulful Speaking podcast . Our guest again today is Eric Ayers . Hi ,
Laurihe's come back and graciously , courageously agreed to be coached live
Laurior live here for you all to see later . Eric , to begin with , what do you feel like , are your speaking strengths and what challen
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