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...

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 ...

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 ...

The first time I saw a woman truly command a room, I was captivated. She wasn’t the loudest person in the room, but there was a quiet power in the way she spoke. Every word she said carried weight. Her voice seemed to cut through the noise, and in that moment, I realized that leadership isn’t about volume; it’s about conviction. It’s about speaking up for what matters, even when your voice shakes.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Malala Yousafzai: “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” That idea has stayed with me, reminding me that we don’t need permission to speak—we just need the courage to open our mouth. 

Every woman has something to say, a unique perspective that the world needs to hear. Yet so many of us hesitate, held back by doubts or fears of being judged. What if I’m not good enough? What if no one listens? These questions run through our minds, but the truth is, the only way to find out is to step forward and speak anyway.

Every time we sp...

Perfection is an alluring (yet, completely unattainable) goal. The idea of delivering a flawless speech, where every word lands perfectly and every gesture is just right, can feel like the ultimate achievement. But the pursuit of perfection often creates more anxiety than confidence, and it can distance you from the very people you’re trying to reach: your audience.

In my own journey, I’ve found that audiences don’t connect with perfection; they connect with authenticity. They’re not looking for a perfect performance—they’re looking for someone who feels real, relatable, and human. Let’s explore why authenticity matters so much in public speaking and how letting go of perfection can transform your speaking experience.

When we strive too hard for perfection, we set ourselves up for frustration. Don’t get me wrong, you should certainly strive for excellence but know the difference between it and perfection. When you focus only on perfection, even the smallest stumble can feel like fail...

Have you ever hesitated to share your voice, worrying it wasn’t good enough, strong enough, or impactful enough? You’re not alone. Many of us carry self-doubt when it comes to speaking—whether it’s in a meeting, on stage, or even in everyday conversations. But here’s the truth: your voice matters, and embracing it is the first step toward building confidence and making an impact.

Self-love is at the heart of confident storytelling and speaking. When you learn to love your voice—both literally and figuratively—you unlock a power within you that can inspire, influence, and connect with others. Let’s explore three simple, actionable ways to build confidence in your speaking skills by starting focused on self-love.

1. Celebrate Your Unique Voice

Your voice is as unique as your fingerprint, and that’s what makes it so powerful. Stop comparing yourself to others or trying to emulate their style. Instead, focus on what makes your voice special. Is it soft and soothing, is it rough and robu...

The first time I stepped onto a stage, (and if I’m being honest, sometimes even now…) I felt like an imposter. As an introvert, the spotlight felt unnatural and as a perfectionist (now in recovery if you know what I mean), I always had that nagging voice saying, “you’re not good enough…the others are better.” 

As far back as I can remember, I preferred quiet moments of reflection to boisterous gatherings, and yet, I would get the biggest rush when given the chance to speak, sing, or play my instruments in front of a crowd. Looking back, I have discovered that from that first chance to speak in the 6th grade (D.A.R.E. graduation circa 1995) and in the years since, is that introverts like me have a unique edge when it comes to public speaking. What we think of as a negative trait (introversion) is really a superpower when it comes to doing things outside of our comfort zone, like speaking!

I know, you are currently thinking, “Um, what? Did you just say that being introverted is a stren...

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...