From Nervous to Confident: How Dr Ziveri Found His Voice Through Public Speaking Coaching

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For many mission-driven professionals, speaking up in high-stakes environments—conferences, webinars, working groups—can feel overwhelming. Add to that the challenge of communicating in a non-native language, and it’s no surprise that even the most knowledgeable experts can struggle to convey their ideas with confidence and clarity.

This is exactly where Davide Ziveri found himself.

Davide, with a PhD in Social Psychology working in the humanitarian sector with Humanity & Inclusion, has dedicated his career to Planetary Health and Health Equity. With deep expertise and years of field experience, he felt a powerful urge to share the knowledge, values, and lessons he had gained over time. But when it came to presenting that knowledge to international audiences, he felt blocked.

“For years, I learned and learned—but now I feel the need to transmit what I’ve learned. To speak up in working groups, at conferences, and in forums. But when I re-watched my recordings, I knew I needed help.”

Like many professionals, Davide struggled with critical hooks, compelling visuals and vocal variety to engage and inspire. Despite regularly presenting in English and French—his third and fourth languages—he didn’t feel as impactful as he wanted to be. That’s when he joined the Persuasive Presentations Essentials programme. Watch what Davide has to say here.

The Power of Practical Presentation Training

Unlike theoretical courses filled with generic advice, this presentation training is built on direct feedback, practice and real results. As a communication coach working closely with non-native English speakers, I’ve designed my public speaking courses to empower professionals like Davide to make a bigger impact—without needing to become a TED Talker.

Through coaching and course content, Davide learned to:

  • Structure his ideas clearly and persuasively

  • Focus on his message, not himself

  • Manage his anxiety and learn how not to be nervous for a presentation

  • Use his voice and body with intention

  • Read his audience, even in virtual settings

“One of my favourite takeaways? Realising the audience isn’t there for me, they’re there for the message I’m delivering. That shift changed everything.”

Executive Presentations with a Purpose

Davide’s transformation didn’t just happen in theory. Throughout 2023 and 2024, he presented at several scientific conferences and international working groups—both online and in person. And this time, something changed.

“Even though English and French aren’t my first languages, I felt less anxious, better prepared, and clearer in my message. People from the audience understood me, asked the right questions, and even invited me to speak again.”

That’s the power of a persuasive presentation. Not flashy. Not salesy. Just clear, confident communication that lands—and leads to recognition.

Empowering Non-Native English Speakers to Own the Stage

As a communication coach, one of my core missions is to support professionals who are speaking in English as their second, third or even fourth language. Especially in humanitarian, scientific or tech-focused sectors, where incredible work is often hidden behind unclear messaging or nervous delivery.

Your research and your work deserve to be heard. You deserve to feel confident and in control when you speak. Public speaking or perfect English shouldn’t be a barrier to recognition—it should be your amplifier.

That’s why I created this programme—to help professionals like Davide (and maybe like you) shift from nervous and uncertain to focused, calm and compelling.

What Makes a Good Speaker?

It’s not about charisma. It’s not about being perfect.
It’s about:

  • Clarity of message

  • Purposeful delivery

  • Presence on stage or screen

  • And the confidence that comes from knowing exactly how to improve public speaking skills with support that works

Davide puts it perfectly:

“We don’t need to be TED Talkers or sell anything—we need to share our ideas, our values, and the success stories of our work in the most impactful way. That’s what makes a good speaker.”

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you're a mission-driven or technical professional who wants to improve your public speaking, present more confidently in English, and learn how to make a good presentation that connects with international audiences, this is your moment.

📥 Download my free eGuide:
Transform Your Public Speaking from Nervous to Confident
Includes 10 practical techniques + 5 bonus tips for non-native English speakers.
👉 melaniehussell.com/transform-your-public-speaking

Let’s make sure your voice—and your work—gets the credit it truly deserves.