You’ve done it. You have decided to apply for that speaking engagement or join that speaking group and you have committed to stepping on to the stage to share your story, your knowledge, and your expertise with an audience. 

Once the excitement dwindles and you start working on your words, you might realize that you’ve never been on a stage, you don’t know how to present a captivating story, or you might get so nervous about it that you want to back out. 

I want you to know that these are completely normal thoughts, but you are not alone in feeling anxious or not good enough to be on the stage. Most of us have those thoughts at some point in our speaking journey, even if we are experienced speakers. The good news is that you can learn how to be a great storyteller, you can learn to manage nerves, and you can learn how to command the stage so you can enjoy the experience from start to finish! (All of these are addressed when you work with me 😉)

You will often hear me discuss stage pr...

For today’s article, I am sharing my best tips for confident public speaking. Since the title sums up exactly what we are discussing today, let’s get into it!

My philosophy on speaking is simple: Everyone has a story to tell and the ability to tell it. They just don’t know where to begin. With these tips, and some expert guidance (from a coach like yours truly) you can get started on your path to the stage where you can share your story with the masses! 

1. Begin with the End in Mind: Every conversation, every speech, has a purpose. Start by identifying this purpose. What do you want to achieve with your words? What impact or what lesson do you want to leave your audience with at the end. How do you want them to feel? Knowing the answer to these questions will guide you in your preparation, helping you craft a message that resonates with the audience and achieves its purpose.
2. Craft Your Message with Precision: Once your goal is clear, your message should follow suit. Consider your ...

Let’s talk about silence, the awkward pause, crickets…

Silence is a powerful tool. As a musician, I was taught that silence is just as important as sound. It should be allowed to sing just as loudly as the notes we played. I teach the same concept in public speaking!

Silence, or the strategic pause, is a powerful rhetorical tool that, when used correctly, can significantly enhance the impact of your speech. It also provides a chance for your audience to process your words, reflect on their own experiences that might be triggered by your words, and prepare themselves for what comes next. 

You’re probably thinking, “how long does the silence have to be to do all that?” 

The good news is that a few seconds of silence is more than enough most of the time! Silence also allows you as the speaker to process, reflect, and prepare to move forward. 

Silence gets a bad wrap these days. Awkward pauses can feel tense, but they don’t have to. Quiet moments can often be full of information, but ...

You have a story and a strong desire to share it. But how do you get from where you are to where you want to be? The path to the stage is often shadowed by self-doubt, nerves, anxiety, and overwhelm. You know you can share your story, but are you going to be able to connect with the audience, be understood in the right way, and leave a lasting impression?

The short answer is yes, but it is not a quick answer. It takes patience, practice, time, and guidance to get to the stage. Your fear of not being good enough is real, but it shouldn’t hold you back from taking the steps to the spotlight. If you have that desire to create a story that will captivate and inspire your audience, keep reading!

Communicating and connecting with your audience is an art. It goes beyond mere engagement and involves preparation on your part to ensure you can create a bond or shared experience that will last long after you've left the stage. Being a captivating speaker means you are capable, relatable, vulner...

You have a story that the world needs to hear, and I know that sometimes, the only thing standing between you and the stage is your lack of confidence – not just in what you will say, but in how you will say it. Today, let's explore how your body language can support your mission on the stage and speak volumes before you even utter a word.

The Power of Non-Verbal Communication 

Did you know that over half of the information you convey on stage is non-verbal? That's right, your posture, gestures, and even your facial expressions can tell your audience a great deal about you, your confidence, and your credibility. Embracing this power can transform your presence on stage.

Understanding non-verbal cues and using them to your benefit can have a profound impact on the way you are perceived on stage. A simple smile as you walk out from behind the curtain can set the entire tone of what happens next. The way you walk, the level at which you look across the room (eyes up or down), and your ...

The butterflies in your stomach, the racing heart, the sweaty palms – pre-speech anxiety is a common challenge many of us face in our journey to the stage. Whether it is your first time, or your fiftieth, managing nerves is a crucial skill for delivering a powerful and impactful presentation. In today’s article, we will explore some practical tips to help you navigate these anxious moments.

1. Accept and Reframe Your Nervous Energy: Nervousness is not your enemy; it is a natural response to a perceived challenge. It is also a sign that you care about your performance, and you want to deliver a high-quality impactful speech. Instead of trying to eliminate your nerves, focus on reframing their energy as excitement and enthusiasm. Remember, the body doesn’t know the difference between nervous energy and excited energy, it just knows the energy! When you change how you perceive that energy, you can transform your performance anxiety into a powerful tool for enhancing your speech.
2. Prep...

As a communication and speaking coach, I emphasize a critical but frequently overlooked aspect of public speaking: that it is not just what you say, but how you say it. In any situation, articulate and nuanced delivery can elevate your words from mundane to memorable. When speaking to audiences, large and small, this should be at the center of your speech prep!

First, consider the foundational elements of speech: articulation, enunciation, and voice inflection. Clear articulation ensures that each word is given its due, making your message clear and accessible. Proper enunciation is just as important, as it helps to prevent any misunderstandings that can arise from slurred or muddled words. Together, these elements ensure that your words are not just heard, but also understood.

The journey to an impactful speech doesn’t end there though! Voice inflection is the secret sauce that adds flavor to your message. Just as a chef uses a variety of ingredients to create a complex dish, a spea...

You want to be a speaker, but the stage is a scary place. At least in your mind it is. If you have never been on stage solo or in the spotlight, it can be overwhelming to think about how you might handle the pressure of performing well.

First of all, I need you to remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Preparing to speak on stage, whether it is your first time or your fiftieth, takes guidance and practice. In the beginning it is a journey from a place of hesitancy and fear to one of standing tall and speaking your truth for everyone to hear. 

In this transformation from timid to triumphant, I am here to guide you every step of the way! And what better way to get started than to dive into my five key strategies you can employ to dramatically boost your confidence and stage presence.

1. Master Your Mindset. The first step in achieving a powerful stage presence is conquering your mind. You must first believe that you can take the stage and have an impact on your audience. Ner...

You’ve made the decision to step on stage. Congratulations! But now you must decide what to say and how to say it. There is almost always more than one way to say something. But how you say it can be the game-changer in any situation. 

When we get on stage or in front of a group, we often speak in the way we speak normally. And for some of you, timid and apologetic are the names of your speaking game. 

But you should not be apologetic when taking the stage. You should be able to step up there with confidence and grace, knowing that you deserve to be there and proving it to the crowd through the words you use.

Today I want to focus on a few key phrases you can change in your regular everyday speech so that when you take the stage, you will already feel more confident in your ability to speak with power and meaning! 

Five Ways to Elevate Your Voice

1. Say 'Thank You' Instead of 'I'm Sorry': Next time you're late, instead of saying, "Sorry I'm late," try, "Thank you for your patienc...

Have you ever felt a pang of anxiety at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd? Or maybe you've heard some "advice" that made public speaking seem even more daunting? If you’re nodding your head in agreement, you are not alone. 

Public speaking can be intimidating, but it's also an incredible opportunity to make an impact and share your message with the world. With all the advice, how-to info, and other ideas about how you should approach the stage to speak, it can be easy to feel like you are unqualified to speak or present to an audience. 

I believe that every single one of us has a story, a message, and a lesson to share with the world. I want you to feel empowered and inspired to take the stage so today, I am setting the record straight and debunking some common myths about public speaking that might be holding you back.

Myth 1: Public Speaking is an Innate Talent

Reality: This is a pervasive myth. The truth is, public speaking is a skill that can be learned, not a talen...