Just be yourself.
I cringe when I hear myself —or worse, my husband—say that to our kids.
Which self am I suggesting they be? The kid who didn’t make their bed, left their wet towel on their floor and then forgot to say thank you for the homemade egg sandwich this morning? Don’t think so.
Read MoreYou may not be commissioned for the Sistine Chapel, but you do have a message to share with the world. While I’m always here to help, here are five ways I’ve learned to get started… on a speech or for any situation where I need to speak in front of others.
Read MoreMining for stories is what I love to do. I help all kinds of people tell all kinds of stories, because I know that YOUR story matters. It doesn’t have to be a tearjerker or a tale of hardship. You have a message to share with the world, and I’m here to help. Want to find the story inside you? I’m leading some upcoming workshops and invite you to check them out.
Read MoreI’m in the amazing vacation state of Maine visiting my husband’s family. I never knew summer could be a verb until I showed up here.
The other morning, I hopped on a bike to ride up to the courts where my daughter was playing tennis with my husband.
It takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech. -- Mark Twain
I whispered to a friend, “Yikes. I wish I’d cornered him before dinner.” We were at a 50th birthday. Yes, that’s the stage of life I’m in…
Read MoreGrowing 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.
Read MoreOur 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?
Read MoreI love Thanksgiving because it’s about gratitude. It’s a moment to put differences aside, appreciate life, and most of all, appreciate each other.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreI'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.
Read MoreAhh, 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.
Read More"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!
Read MorePublic 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.
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreI’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.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreYou 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.
