106. Competent to Captivating: Presence, Influence & the Courage to Be Yourself (with John Ball)

In this thoughtful and deeply grounded conversation, Serena is joined by John Ball, keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast, to explore what it means to be impactful — especially for introverts and quiet achievers.

John shares his unconventional journey from flight attendant to professional speaker, and how discovering coaching, communication, and improv reshaped not only his career, but his sense of self. 

Together, Serena and John unpack the myth that confident speaking is about performance or extroversion, and instead reveal why presence, authenticity, and self-trust are the real foundations of influence.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why so many introverts feel most energised by quiet, nature, and solitude
• The surprising link between improvisation and confidence
• What “presence” really means when speaking or leading
• Why confidence comes from experience — not personality
• The importance of embracing the learning curve (and the dip)
• How humour and lightness create connection, even for serious thinkers
• The difference between influence and persuasion
• Why authenticity isn’t oversharing — it’s self-ownership
• How to build influence without pretending to be extroverted
• What quiet achievers need to remember when stepping into visibility

Memorable Quote

“The best speakers aren’t trying to impress — they’re trying to connect. Influence comes from being real, not from performing.”
— John Ball

Key Takeaways for Quiet Achievers

• You don’t need to be loud to be impactful — presence speaks louder than volume
• Confidence grows through practice, not perfection
• Being authentic doesn’t mean sharing everything — it means being grounded in who you are
• Influence is built through warmth, clarity, and self-trust
• The audience is usually rooting for you more than you think
• Growth requires patience — and compassion for yourself along the way

About John Ball

John Ball is a keynote speaker, presentation coach, and host of the Present Influence Podcast. He helps speakers, coaches, and leaders move from competent to captivating by developing confidence, presence, and authentic communication.

Learn more about John and his work at:
https://presentinfluence.com

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This episode was edited by Aura House Productions