I used to think that healing only came in quiet moments, over time, crying in the shower, or sitting alone with my thoughts. I believed healing was private, solitary, and inward. And while there is truth in that, I have learned that there is another, equally powerful path to healing: standing in the light, taking the mic, and speaking your story out loud.

That truth hit me like a wave the first time I stood on a stage to share my own story.

My hands were shaky. My mouth was dry. My heart raced in my chest like it was trying to escape—but still, I spoke. I shared the story of loving an addict through addiction and recovery. The story of becoming a single mom overnight. The story finding strength I didn’t know I had until I had no choice but to have it.

In sharing my experiences something incredible happened. As the words left my mouth, I felt the room breathe with me. I saw heads nodding. I saw those half-smiles we make when we realize we relate to what someone has just said. I saw e...

Think public speaking is just for extroverts, CEOs, or polished TED Talkers? Guess again!

Public speaking is for anyone with a voice and a story to tell—including you.

As exciting as that is, it can be equally terrifying. If your heart races at the thought of speaking in front of others, don’t worry, you are not alone. The fear is real and it is shared by millions of people. And I’ll let you in on a little secret…even the most seasoned speakers get a little bit nervous about stepping on stage. The difference between you and them: they didn’t let that fear stop them!

If you are ready to tell your fear to kick rocks and step up to the stage, this guide is for you. 

This guide is for beginner, novice, or even experienced speakers who need a refresher—especially those who have ever felt silenced, unsure, or overlooked. You are not here to perform to perfection, speaking from a script like an A-list actor. You are here to show up, mess up, take up space, and speak with the presence and ...

Whether you are speaking to a room full of strangers or holding the mic at your best friend’s wedding, the goal is the same: keep them with you. And not just physically. You want heads nodding, eyes locked in, energy exchanged. You want people to feel something, remember something. You want your message to stick.

That takes more than just a strong opening line or a witty joke. It takes strategy. It takes storytelling. It takes a little something unexpected.

I have been binge watching Hawai’i 5-0 on Paramount+ for the last two weeks, so in this article, we are channeling some of that energy and diving into how to hook your audience—and hold them—like a pro. The title says it all: Hook ‘em, Danno.

We are also bringing in a little communication theory this week and discussing Expectancy Violation Theory—because breaking the “rules” can be one of your best tools.

What Is Expectancy Violation Theory?

Expectancy Violation Theory (EVT) suggests that people have expectations in communicat...

At the end of the day, our words are what remain. The stories we share, the lessons we teach, and the connections we create—they outlive us, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire, even when we’re no longer in the room.

Many people think of storytelling as something they do in the moment, but the truth is, storytelling is more than something we do, it is who we are. 

When you step onto a stage—whether it’s a conference, a podcast, a meeting, or even a conversation over coffee—you are shaping how people remember you and what they take from your message.

The question isn’t if your story will leave a legacy. The question is: what kind of legacy will you leave?

Too often, people hesitate to share their stories because of the narratives in their heads…those pesky limiting beliefs that we always deal with. They think:

• “I don’t have anything important to say.” 
• “My experiences aren’t unique enough.”
• “I’m not a great storyteller.”
• “No one will want to listen to me.”
• “I am...

We’ve all heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” But let’s be honest—perfection isn’t the goal. Confidence is. I prefer to say “Practice makes PERMANENT” because you will perform in the way that you rehearse!

Whether you’re preparing for a keynote speech, a business presentation, or simply sharing your story in front of an audience, how you practice will make all the difference. Great speakers don’t just wing it—they prepare with purpose. 

The secret isn’t rehearsing until you’ve memorized every word—you are not a robot simply memorizing a sequence of words. The real secret to effective rehearsal is doing it in a way that builds familiarity with your content, confidence in your voice, flexibility and adaptation, and a strong connection with your audience.

In today’s article we will talk about how to practice effectively so that you walk onto any stage feeling confident, prepared, and powerful, not panicked.

1. Rehearse Out Loud—Not Just in Your Head

It’s one thing to read thr...

Crafting a great speech is one thing. Delivering it with confidence, presence, and impact is another. In last week’s article (find it HERE) we discussed the building blocks of a great speech. Today, we are going to talk about how to deliver that great speech with confidence, impact, and value!

You can have the most powerful message in the world, but if your delivery falls flat, your audience won’t connect with it the way you want them to. That is why delivery matters just as much as structure—how you say something is just as important as what you say.

The good news? Confident delivery is a skill you can learn. You don’t have to be born a great speaker; you just need to know how to use your voice, body, and energy to bring your message to life.

Let’s break down the essential elements of powerful speech delivery so that when you step on stage (or in front of any audience), you do it with confidence and impact.

Own the Stage with Presence

Before you even say a word, your energy sets ...

A great speech isn’t just a collection of words—it’s a carefully constructed message designed to inform, inspire, or persuade. Whether you’re speaking on a stage, leading a workshop, or pitching an idea, the building blocks of your speech are the same!

I want you to think of your speech like a house. Without a strong foundation, it crumbles and without a clear design, it confuses. But when built intentionally, with the right materials, it stands strong and leaves a lasting impact.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of crafting a speech, don’t worry—you already have everything you need to create a powerful message. You just need a structure that supports and amplifies your voice.

Today I am going to give you that structure! Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the key building blocks of a great speech.

1. The Hook: Grabbing Attention from the Start

Your opening is your first impression—it sets the tone and determines whether your audience will stay engaged or mentally ...

Confidence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built day by day, note by note, moment by moment, just like practicing a piece of music. 

As a clarinetist with over 30 years of performance experience, I’ve learned that preparing a solo for performance is no different than preparing a speech for performance. Both require preparation, patience, and, most importantly, a willingness to grow from every experience—no matter how uncomfortable or imperfect. That willingness also includes acknowledging our fears of failure and doing it anyway.

When I first started playing solos in 7th grade, I would get so nervous. My hands would shake (making it difficult to hold my instrument), my breathing would get out of sync, and I’d forget to exhale all the way, and I sometimes questioned whether I was good enough to perform. And then, every time I did it, I felt amazing and received applause and congratulations from the audience. Just like the client I mentioned in last week’s article, I spent way too much ...

Self-doubt can be an unwelcome companion for anyone stepping into the spotlight. Whether it’s a small presentation, a keynote speech, or simply sharing your voice in a meeting, the nagging question of "Am I good enough?" can hold even the most capable people back. But here’s the truth: self-doubt doesn’t have to define your journey. It can, instead, become a steppingstone toward your growth.

I have seen incredible transformations in women who, at first, doubted their ability to speak up and their worth in doing so. They felt inadequate, convinced that their voices didn’t carry the weight or wisdom needed to make an impact. But through intentional steps, and only a few tears, they learned to embrace their worth and boldly use their voice to speak out. Their stories are proof that you too, can break through the barriers of self-doubt.

I want you to think of the battle between self-doubt and self-confidence as a great tug-of-war match in your mind. Your inner thoughts, negative self-tal...

For many of us, the idea of stepping onto a stage can be terrifying. The sweaty palms, racing heart, and shaky voice often feel like insurmountable obstacles. But what if I told you that these symptoms of anxiety could be transformed into powerful tools for an impactful performance?

Stage nerves are not your enemy—they are a sign that you care. Instead of letting them control you, you can learn to harness that energy to enhance your confidence and delivery. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to turning your anxiety into empowered energy.

1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Nerves

The first step in managing stage fright is recognizing it for what it is: a natural response to a challenge. Nervousness isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a signal that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone.

• Action: Take a moment to acknowledge your feelings without judgment. Remind yourself that even seasoned speakers feel nervous before taking the stage.
• Mantra: “This energy means I care about doing ...