The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

The Cheat Code for High-Stakes Success with Nicola S. Morgan

Sep 15, 2025
Nicola S. Morgan, a renowned speaker and author specializing in resilience and emotional wellbeing, shares her inspiring journey. She recounts overcoming her fear of deep water to swim the English Channel, highlighting how visualization and a mindset shift fueled her success. Nicola discusses the powerful techniques that enhance resilience in both personal and professional settings, such as her three-things-a-day gratitude practice. Her insights on storytelling's impact in public speaking emphasize making messages relatable and memorable, fostering connections even under pressure.
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ANECDOTE

Why She Chose The Channel

  • Nicola decided to swim the English Channel despite a lifelong fear of deep water and limited swimming experience.
  • She trained 12 months, battled rough seas, and adopted the mantra "head down, keep going" to push through physical and mental pain.
ANECDOTE

Pulled Out, Told It's Unfinished

  • On her 2017 attempt Nicola got stuck in a current after 14.5 hours and was pulled from the water, wrapped in a sleeping bag and exhausted.
  • The pilot told her, "It's not failure. It's just unfinished business," which reignited her determination to try again.
ANECDOTE

Visualization Powered The Second Attempt

  • For her successful 2019 swim Nicola used daily visualization to rehearse pain, cold, jellyfish and arrival sensations.
  • Visualization helped her delay urges to quit, endure vomiting and shoulder injury, and reach France.
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