When it comes to storytelling—whether you are on stage, writing a book, or speaking to a room full of executives—facts alone will not move your audience. What moves people is emotion.

Ask anyone who has had to endure a handful of power-point based meetings (that could have been emails) and they will tell you that facts and data and science, while valuable, are B-O-R-I-N-G.

But, fear not, there is a way to make even the most mundane information engaging…by adding your own personal flair and stories to the mix!

Stories are not just how we share information; they are how we connect, remember, and relate to each other. 

You can give a flawless presentation with all the right data and astounding factual information and still leave your audience unmoved. Or you can speak from the heart, share a vulnerable truth, and suddenly every eye is locked on you. Why? Because emotion is the gateway to connection. And connection is the true goal of storytelling.

Let’s break down exactly why emotion...

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...

If your brain doesn’t work in bullet points.

If your voice has been buried under shame, burnout, or other people’s expectations.

If you are carrying a story that is too layered, too messy, too painful—or too beautiful—to “just write it already”...

You are not broken. You are not behind. You are not alone. You just need a different rhythm. 

You need the COB Method.

The COB Method—short for Collect, Organize, Build—is a framework made for folks like you. It’s for the nonlinear thinkers, deep feelers, messy processors, and people who heal and create at the same time.

If any of these describe you, keep reading. If you feel like you are running with 87 tabs open and the squirrel moments on repeat, keep reading. If you want to write or tell your story but feel completely overwhelmed by the way you were taught to write, KEEP READING!

The COB Method was designed with you in mind. Unlike the writing processes you were taught in grade school, this method will allow you to fully embrace al...

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...

Every great speaker has one thing in common: the ability to tell a story that lingers in the hearts and minds of their audience. Stories have the power to inspire, educate, and connect. They are the threads that weave our human experiences together, and when told well, they create an impact that outlives the moment.

Crafting a story that sticks doesn’t require you to have a life filled with extraordinary events. On the contrary, the most impactful stories are often rooted in everyday experiences. The power of your story isn’t in what you’ve done or experienced; it is in sharing what you learned through them. 

Let’s explore how you can turn your story into a memorable masterpiece that resonates with your audience.

The first step in crafting a memorable story is to reflect on your experiences. Think about moments in your life that taught you something meaningful—a lesson learned, a challenge overcome, or even a seemingly small moment that shifted your perspective. These moments don’t ...

There is something magical about hearing a woman tell her story—not just the polished parts, but the raw, real, and vulnerable moments that have shaped who she is. Stories have the power to connect us, inspire us, and remind us of what we’re capable of achieving. And when women share their stories, they don’t just speak for themselves; they speak for those who have walked similar paths and for those who are still finding their way.

I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible women who have used their voices to inspire change and growth - not just in their audiences, but within themselves. Each of them started from a place of uncertainty, often feeling like their stories weren’t enough. But with courage and conviction, they stepped forward, and their journeys have become a beacon for others.

I often think about one of my clients, who is now a dear friend, and the journey she has been on. When we first met and started working together, she felt scattered. Like she had everything ...

I remember the first time, and even the most recent time, I stood on a stage to share my story. My hands were trembling, my heart raced, and that pesky voice inside my head questioned if anyone in the audience would care about what I had to say. But as I told that voice to hush and go sit in the corner and I began to speak, something magical happened. I saw nods of understanding, felt the energy of connection, and again realized the profound power of personal storytelling.

Stories are the threads that weave us together. They have been for centuries, carrying lessons, emotions, history, and humanity from one generation to the next. Today, as speakers and storytellers, we continue this tradition. When we step onto a stage, whether literal or metaphorical, we invite others into our lives, offering them a glimpse of who we are and what we stand for. We also offer them hope and the chance to see a new perspective on their own experiences.

I meet women all the time who are hesitant to shar...

You want to get started with your signature speech, but you don’t know where to begin. You know you have a story that will leave your audience both laughing and crying (hopefully not from boredom) but you can’t figure out how to get the perfect balance of feelings, wisdom, tears, and joy into it. If this is you, you are in the right place!

We are the sum of all the experiences we have lived. No one on earth has lived the same experiences the way you have. This makes you uniquely qualified to share your story and the wisdom contained within. If you are ready to craft your captivating and inspiring story, here are 5 tips to help you get started!

1.  Reflect on Your Life Experiences

First things first, take a stroll down memory lane. If you are a journaler, revisit your old journals (if not, now would be a great time to take up journaling). Think about those moments in life that made you laugh, cry, or contemplate moving to a deserted island. We are talking about the time you accident...