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Gaining Confidence in Public Speaking HOW I FOUND MY VOICE July 2025 720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304, Naples, FL 34102 • www.AttorneyShapiro.com
July is nationally recognized as Freedom From Fear of Speaking Month, a fitting time to talk about a challenge many people quietly face: public speaking anxiety. Speaking confidently and persuasively is a core part of my work as a personal injury attorney, but that kind of confidence didn’t come automatically. Some people have called me a “natural speaker,” especially after I was recently voted Best Presenter among 10 speakers at a national legal event in San Antonio, Texas, where I spoke in front of 400 attorneys. But I don’t see myself as a natural. I see myself as a student. How I Learned to Speak With Confidence Early in my legal career, I represented a company that worked closely with Les Brown, an iconic motivational speaker and former Ohio congressman. I had the opportunity to attend one of his private trainings in Orlando and still remember what he said that day:
the more comfortable you are, and the more compelling your argument becomes.
Public Speaking Tips That Actually Work Over the years, I’ve learned a few practical lessons — on the stage and in the courtroom — that have helped me become a stronger speaker. One of the first things I learned was to turn nerves into fuel. That energy is normal. Fighting it doesn’t help, but channeling it does. Don’t hold a pen or grip the podium because your hands will fidget. Instead, use your hands for natural gestures. This calms your nerves and makes your presentation more dynamic and engaging. I’ve also learned to practice like a professional. Just like trial prep, speaking is a skill that requires consistent, focused practice. One of my good friends, Ray Higdon, went from an average presenter to one of the most compelling speakers I’ve seen because he practiced relentlessly. Consider every stage a classroom. Another turning point for me was learning to stop leading with facts. Facts matter, of course, but people don’t connect with information; they connect with stories. Whether I’m speaking to a jury about my client’s pain or presenting a legal strategy to a room full of attorneys, I frame it as a story. Stories are memorable, emotional, and persuasive. The last thing I’ll say is to stop worrying about how you’re doing. If you focus on serving the audience — educating them,
offering something useful, or simply making them feel heard — the fear fades. There’s a bit of performance in public speaking, but it’s more about connection. Why This Matters for Personal Injury Clients As a personal injury attorney, I rely on public speaking to advocate clearly, persuasively, and purposefully. Whether in court, across the table from an insurance adjuster, or presenting to a jury, my job is to make sure my clients’ stories are heard. If you find speaking intimidating, remember that it’s a skill you can build. Confidence comes with repetition.
“You have to tell your story.”
That stuck with me. Les didn’t read from a script. He didn’t rely on PowerPoint slides. He told compelling, personal stories that made his message resonate. That’s when I realized speaking is about connection rather than perfection. Since then, I’ve made it a point to say yes to every speaking opportunity I can. Not because I love the spotlight, but because repetition builds familiarity, and familiarity dissolves fear. It’s no different than preparing for trial; the more you prepare,
And if you ever need someone to speak up on your behalf, you know whom to call. - MSahracp iLr o.
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Budget Brilliance From a Bygone Era
Retro Habits Make Modern Life (and Prices) Easier
back up! No need to rush to the store — just a few basic mending skills can save you from countless unnecessary purchases. It’s also more empowering to fix something with your own hands than tossing it — not to mention much more eco-friendly. Master the magic of homemade meals. Fast food might be convenient, but cooking from scratch is where the real savings (and flavor) happen. Think soups from veggie scraps and hearty meals made from simple pantry staples. Not only does it cut costs, but it puts you in control of your ingredients and nutrition — a win-win. Reinvent your leftovers. Gone are the days of letting food wilt in the fridge. Old-school frugal folks gave every last bite a second act. Roast chicken becomes broth. Rice gets turned into stir- fry. Stale bread transforms into French toast
or bread pudding. Get creative! You’ll waste less and eat better. Choose cash over card. There’s something about handing over $20 cash that makes you think twice before spending it. Cash budgeting may feel outdated, but it’s one of the simplest ways to curb impulse buys. Envelopes marked for groceries, gas, or coffee dates give you a clear snapshot of your spending — and what’s left. No more senseless swiping! Save with secondhand savvy. Hand-me-downs were once a household norm! Today, thrift stores and vintage finds are trending again, and for good reason. Whether it’s clothing, furniture, or kitchenware, buying secondhand is kinder to your wallet and the planet. So, channel some old-school genius and start living a frugal, intentional lifestyle! “Katie and the rest of the folks I interacted with at The Law Offices of Marc Shapiro were very attentive after my car accident. They were easy to get hold of and answered all my questions. They also obtained my settlement after the other person’s insurance company tried to disregard my injury and damage to my vehicle. I didn’t have to worry about a thing, and they took great care with my case. Thank you for everything!” –Elizabeth
In a world where you can have anything delivered in a day, it’s easy to forget that less can be more. But our grandparents and great-grandparents knew the art of stretching a dollar. These timeless frugal habits aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re resourceful and surprisingly satisfying. Ready to channel your inner penny-pincher? Let’s bring these throwback habits back to life. Mend it, don’t end it. Once upon a time, people didn’t just toss a sock with a hole. Instead, you sewed it right
“Marc Shapiro is the best personal injury attorney in Naples and Fort Myers. His office is so personable and very professional. I didn’t know what to do after my accident, and Marc and his office were there for me. Marc and his team set me up with doctors and chiropractors near my home. He is reputable, professional, and will go the extra mile for his clients. Hire Marc and his firm after an accident.” –Caridad “We are incredibly grateful for the outstanding service we received. Laurie Anton went above and beyond in every way — showing genuine compassion, professionalism, and dedication throughout my husband’s case. Their support made a difficult time so much easier to manage. We always felt heard, understood, and cared for. Truly the best service we could have hoped for. We highly recommend Laurie Anton to anyone in need of an attorney who truly cares.” –Sheila
“This practice is very knowledgeable, fast, and effective. Autumn was a pleasure to work with … The communication was exceptional.” –Bella
“Patrick Kelleher is an amazing attorney. Can’t recommend this firm and thank him enough!” –Jessica
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From Dimly Lit Walkways to Broken Locks
Know Your Rights Against Negligent Security
Imagine walking through a hotel parking lot or enjoying a night out at a local venue, only to end up sustaining a serious injury that never should have happened. When property owners or businesses fail to provide a secure environment for their guests, the results can be tragic, often leading to personal injury claims. Negligent security occurs when a property owner fails to take responsible steps, like installing proper lighting or maintaining security surveillance, to protect visitors from foreseeable harm. Understanding your rights in these situations is crucial to get the compensation you deserve to move forward. Common Types of Negligent Security Negligent security often stems from overlooked or poorly maintained safety measures, creating an environment where criminal activity can thrive and put individuals at risk. Some of the most common examples we see are injuries due to poor or non-
existent lighting in public walkways, a lack of security cameras, broken or missing locks, management ignoring suspicious activity, or simply not having any security in place. These risks invite criminal activity like assault or burglary, which can leave victims with physical injuries and emotional scars like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Proving Your Claim You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if you can prove a business’s negligence or failure to maintain a safe environment caused you to get hurt. If a property owner knew about dangerous activity, for example, but did not address it or take steps to keep their property secure, they may be liable. You must establish a direct connection between the incident and a lack of proper security to win your case. Victims also usually have to prove they were on the premises lawfully. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, and photos or
videos can significantly help your claim, so gathering as much information at the scene as possible is crucial. Negligent security can lead to serious and life- changing injuries, and working with a skilled attorney can ensure you get what you need to heal. If you were hurt at a business, contact The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. so we can fight for you and hold the responsible parties accountable.
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CHEESY TOMATO-BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
Ingredients
• • • •
4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• • • • • •
2 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided
Chili flakes, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Salt and pepper, to taste
• •
Directions
1.
Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
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720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 www.AttorneyShapiro.com
Inside Learning to Speak With Purpose Page 1
Old-School Habits That Will Save Your Wallet Hear It From Our Clients Page 2 Were You Injured on Someone Else’s Property? Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken Page 3
One Man’s Very Strange Appetite Page 4
MICHEL LOTITO: THE MAN WHO ATE AN AIRPLANE
Would you snack on a bicycle? How about a TV set or a shopping cart? Sounds completely absurd, but Michel Lotito — a French performer known to fans as “Monsieur Mangetout” (Mr. Eat All) — did exactly that. Although he certainly got attention, Lotito wasn’t just looking for it; his peculiar diet came from a rare condition called pica. People with pica crave non-edible objects, though
years to finish every last nut and bolt. How did he do it without getting hurt? Carefully and one bite at a time. Michel chopped objects into tiny bits and sipped mineral oil to help everything slide down smoothly.
Lotito’s feats earned him a place in the “Guinness Book of World Records,” but his true legacy is simpler: He
very few act on these cravings. But Michel didn’t hold back. Doctors found he had an unusually strong digestive system and a thick stomach lining. These traits allowed him to safely digest things most people wouldn’t put near their mouths, let alone swallow. The list of items Lotito managed to consume is hard to believe. He once famously ate an entire Cessna plane, taking two
got people thinking. Scientists, doctors, and everyday observers began to wonder how adaptable — and, frankly, strange — the human body can be.
Michel Lotito passed away in 2007 at 57, but his legend lives on. A guy who casually munched on bicycles might
seem easy to dismiss, but his “normal” shows us that reality is sometimes far stranger than fiction.
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