Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to connecting with other people. Stories make us relatable and give a pathway for people to connect with us, often in ways we do not even realize. Whether it is through common experiences like getting braces or going to prom, or something as universal as the awkwardness of a first job interview, stories allow us to feel seen and understood. They pull us in, painting vivid pictures of moments we’ve lived or obstacles we have faced. Yet so many people feel like their stories are not big enough, interesting enough, or worth telling. The truth? Every story matters—and learning how to share yours is the key that will unlock your ability to connect with and inspire others!
It might feel overwhelming or seem impossible to get started but you can start crafting your personal narrative in 5 easy steps.
Think back to a moment that almost everyone can relate to, like getting...
When you hear the word "story," what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of a novel, a movie, or even an old tale told by your grandparents. But have you ever thought of your life as a story? More specifically, have you ever considered what it would mean to tell that story—to take your life experiences, the lessons you've learned, and the challenges you've overcome, and share them with others?
Storytelling is not just a recounting of events; it is the art of connection. It is the moment where what you have in your head and in your heart becomes the bridge that connects you to your audience. For many, the thought of standing on a stage and sharing personal stories can feel overwhelming, maybe even terrifying. But here’s the truth: your story holds power. It holds the power to heal, inspire, and ignite change—not only in those who hear it, but also in you, the storyteller.
As a coach, one of the most common lines I hear from women is, “I don’t think my story...
Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about standing on stage, confidently sharing your story and inspiring others, only to have the fear of public speaking or not knowing what to say hold you back? Or perhaps you're already speaking in front of others, but deep down, you know your message could have a bigger impact.
If any of this sounds familiar, you might be wondering: Is hiring a speaking coach the right next step for me?
Let’s dig into that. I work with women who want to step onto the stage with confidence and the ability to captivate their audience through storytelling. Whether you are in the boardroom instituting change or on the stage inspiring the masses, the key to your success will be how effectively you tell a story, and that takes practice and guidance.
To help you determine if a speaking coach is the right fit for you, here are a few questions to consider:
Today I want to talk about something we all struggle with—expectations. We often set the bar too high for ourselves, don't we? Whether it's the way we look, the way we speak, or even how we present ourselves, we feel the pressure to be perfect. But here's the truth: there is immense power in showing up just as imperfectly as you are.
Let me share a little story with you. A couple of days ago, I had a virtual meeting scheduled for 10 AM. It was one of those mornings where if you had the chance for a do-over, you would take it. The power had been out, and I was still in my sweats, just managing to blow-dry my hair before the call. When my client joined the call, she laughed and said, "You're getting me as I am! I thought the appointment was at 11, and I'm just in a ball cap." In that moment I stopped caring about my still frizzy barely blow-dried hair and realized that it didn’t matter. My client and I both showed up despite the morning’s chaos and that is what...
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!
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...
Are you looking to make an impact, yearning to share your story, yet feeling a whirlwind of nerves and uncertainty about taking the stage? You are not alone. Many people, just like you, harbor dreams of confidently sharing their story and message with the masses but are held back by self-doubt.
Lau-Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Today, let us take the first step in your journey toward stage confidence and overcoming those thoughts in your head that tell you you aren’t good enough to be a speaker.
To overcome your doubts and fears, you must first understand them. It is natural to feel nervous or anxious about public speaking – being vulnerable on stage is a courageous act. The fear of being judged or not good enough can be paralyzing and can legitimately hold you back from pursuing your dreams of being a speaker. But remember, these feelings do not define your capability or destiny. They are merely obstacles...
Greetings and Happy 2024! Today I am discussing something that is close to my heart and is the whole reason I created my business – stepping onto the stage and becoming a speaker. If you have been wondering, even a little bit, if becoming a speaker is something YOU could do, 2024 is the perfect year to make it happen!
I know you are a woman with a lifetime’s worth of wisdom, experiences, and stories burning inside you, ready to be shared with the world. And you might be wondering if any of that wisdom could be used to inspire others. The answer is unequivocally YES! Each of us has a story to tell and a lesson to share. The only thing holding us back from sharing is the fear that we are not good enough to be on a stage, microphone in hand, telling people about our life’s journey and what they can learn from it.
Maybe you're already in a role where public speaking is part of the gig, but those nagging feelings of inadequacy are holding you back. I hear you, and I'm...
Today I want to discuss the power of vulnerability in public speaking. Sharing personal stories can feel scary and you might wonder if your audience will think of you in a certain way based on the experiences you share. In fact, your audience will likely connect with you on a much deeper level when you share relevant personal experiences in your speech!
In this article, we will cover 7 ways that sharing your personal stories and experiences help you create a speech that will impact your audience and allow them to reflect, connect, and engage with you!
Let’s dive in!
1. The Power of Vulnerability: Vulnerability is not a weakness; it is your superpower. When you share personal stories, you're not just speaking to people; you are inviting them to think of a relatable experience of their own and to connect with you through that shared similar memory. This connection is better than any hook you could ever use to earn audience engagement. While it is scary to think about sharing...
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...
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!
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Are you in the people business but have a hard time really reaching those you serve? Do you feel like you say one thing and your clients hear another? If this is you, then don't wait any longer. Go grab my free guide to get started with the skills YOU need to become a greater communicator!