Leslie Fiorenzo: The Speaking Scar
After years of watching capable people freeze when asked to speak, Leslie began to recognize a common pattern rooted in childhood imprinting and the brain’s need for safety. Her story reveals why fear can feel so real—even when no danger exists.
Bio
Leslie Fiorenzo is a seasoned business presentation coach with over 30 years of experience in a variety of corporate settings. As an ever-curious student of people in business, she has achieved numerous certifications and holds a master’s degree in human resource development.
Leslie has taught human resources, business, and marketing courses ss an adjunct faculty member and independent consultant. Her unique perspectives and approach are based on her professional career using the skills she now teaches. She is author of “Twenty-One Lessons to Master the Difficult Conversation”; “Find Your Voice: Conquer Your Fear & Share Your Story with Confidence” and “5 S.T.E.P.S. to Speaking Success” all available on Amazon.
She founded Business Speaking Solutions to help professionals refine their messaging, build confidence, and captivate their audiences. She believes that effective communication is a cornerstone of successful leadership and works alongside her clients to equip them with the skills needed to excel in boardrooms, networking events, and high-stakes presentations. Leslie Fiorenzo is passionate about helping others find their voice and make their mark.
Topics
- Fear of public speaking and visibility
- The brain’s survival response to being seen
- Childhood imprinting and adult behavior
- How early criticism shapes confidence
- Neural pathways and habit formation
- Why fear feels real even when it isn’t
- The difference between danger and perceived threat
- Rewiring long-held beliefs as an adult
- Why logical reassurance doesn’t calm fear
- Understanding anxiety through a brain-based lens
Guiding Questions
- Why does public speaking trigger such intense fear for so many people?
- How does the brain confuse an audience with real danger?
- What role do childhood experiences play in adult confidence?
- Why do certain fears feel impossible to “think” your way out of?
- Can you explain the idea of neural pathways using the wagon rut analogy?
- Why do early experiences have such a lasting impact on behavior?
- What makes fear feel physical rather than emotional?
- Why does visibility feel unsafe for some people?
- What’s the difference between knowing you’re safe and feeling safe?
- Why is fear often misunderstood as a personal flaw?