Growing up, I was the youngest of four. The baby. Big surprise, eh?
Each one of us played a role.
I know very well how public speaking can bring up a whole set of anxieties, from childhood traumas to real time pressure. I know what it’s like to be anxious and want to please and to impress.
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Our eyes locked. A jolt of joy permeated through my body, straight into my soul. You think I’m talking about the love of my life, right?
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I love Thanksgiving because it’s about gratitude. It’s a moment to put differences aside, appreciate life, and most of all, appreciate each other.
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I learned to cook. Small detail: when I was 40 years old.
For most of my life, recipes were an open invitation for anxiety.
This month I'm shining a spotlight on a remarkable woman and client, Jenni Calihan. My intention is to share an insider’s perspective on speaking at a TEDx, to demystify what happens when you hire a story coach, and to offer tips for speaking with meaning, depth and connection.
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For over 20 years, I witnessed the power that came from telling your story. For the person brave enough to share their story, and for the people who are fortunate enough to be in their presence.
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I'm thrilled to announce my client Lucy Kalanithi's TED Talk "What Makes Life Worth Living in the Face of Death" was recently posted on TED.com.
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Ahh, that voice. The invalidating, shameful, mean one that shows up when we're anxious. I know that voice was designed to keep us all safe from danger.
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"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Every one has a story. Even the story coach! Read on!
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Public speaking can cause deep anxiety and fear. Most of us dread even the thought of speaking in front of others. Now is not the time to let fear take over—on a personal or political note.
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For years, my husband would tell me how to pick up something - bend your knees! - the importance of stretching - hold for at least 30 seconds! - and why running without cross training is bad for you - it just is.
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I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to make this mistake when it’s your turn in the spotlight.
It ain’t about you.
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We all become who we are by standing on the shoulders of others. I was fortunate to find a mentor who changed the course of my life and gave me the gift of changing others’ lives, too.
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You want to appear more polished. Yes, you want to be articulate and amazing.
You want to stop using filler words. You may have stopped using ‘like' but that ‘um' keeps popping up for several of you.
Do you visit the ole’ RABBIT HOLE before you speak? Your adrenaline gets going and instead of being the master storyteller you've always dreamed of, you have a little voice that shows up and says, “Honey, you ain't that special. Who wants to hear from you?”
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What’s your initial response to having the chance to speak in front of others? Are you excited or are you full of dread?
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Michelle Obama played by the rules this week at the DNC—and she doesn’t even have to anymore!
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A few weeks ago, I attended my eighth grader’s graduation where he stepped up … literally, stepped up … to the next bleacher.
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I want to wake up every morning and know that I have been brought here for a reason. Don’t you?
You may wonder how I could struggle with this. Didn’t I spend 20 years devoted to an organization where lives were transformed as a result of my efforts?
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