Let’s talk about something that probably makes you squirm a little. Vulnerability.

Just the thought of being vulnerable can bring up some uncomfortable feelings. Sweaty palms. Shaky voice. Racing thoughts. And if you are anything like the people I work with, your first instinct might be to keep it all buttoned up and present yourself as polished, composed, and professional.

But here is the truth no one tells you until you experience it for yourself. Being vulnerable is not weakness. In fact, it is one of the highest forms of courage.

When you share your real story, not just the highlight reel, you are offering your audience something far more powerful than a performance. You are offering them a connection. A mirror. A moment of truth that sticks with them long after your last word.

Speaking vulnerably is not about standing on stage crying through your trauma. It is about being intentional, strategic, and honest. It is about knowing how to use your lived experience to make an impact...

Whether you're preparing for a big keynote, stepping onto a stage for the first time, or sharing your story in an intimate setting, one thing is true: the best speeches come from real experiences.

When you speak from the richness your own life, you unlock the gifts your story can bear. Your audience leans in. They feel your authenticity, and they might even see their own reflection in what you share. 

But it’s not always easy to figure out which story to tell, or how to tell it in a way that you’re genuinely excited to share.

Here’s how to turn your lived experience into a speech that feels honest, energizing, and entirely your own.

Step 1: Know Who You’re Talking To

Before you start writing, pause and think about the people who will hear your story.

Ask yourself:

• Who are they?
• What could they relate to?
• What might they need to hear right now?

When you align your message with what you know about your audience’s emotions, values, and challenges, you create connection. But ...

There’s a reason why some stories linger long after they are told.

While a good structure and powerful message are important, it is often the sensory details that help a story leave its mark. When the audience can envision the moment and feel the story the way you do, it will stay with them in a much more powerful way. That is the magic of sensory details.

In the art of storytelling sensory details are the brushstrokes that turn your sketch into a masterpiece. And if you want your audience to remember your message, your focus needs to be on helping them feel it on a deeper level.

Today we are learning why sensory details are important elements of your stories, and how you can use them to captivate your audience.

Why Sensory Details Matter

Various research has shown that sensory details help activate the brain and create stronger neural pathways. When we hear a story with vivid sensory input like “the smell of fresh-baked bread” or “the icy grip of the steering wheel,” the parts of...

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 ...