Shed The Formality

Blog

Humor, stories and insights to perform without the pressure.

Topics include work, relationships, emotional well-being, creativity and more.

  • All
  • Communication
  • Confidence
  • Creativity
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Meetings & Events
  • Mental health
  • Networking & Self Promotion
  • Presence & Presentation
  • Public Speaking & Presentation Skills
  • Uncategorized
notepad with words remember why you started

Lost & Found: Getting Grounded in Your WHY

Mar 24, 2023 | Creativity

red background with white word cloud storytelling engaging entertaining emotion

So Many Ways to Tell a Story

Feb 24, 2023 | Communication,  Creativity,  Networking & Self Promotion

sunset with road showing 2023

2023 Intentions

Jan 25, 2023 | Uncategorized

woman in red hat sitting on a rock in a lake overlooking the mountains

Reflections on 2022: What are you pleased with?

Dec 30, 2022 | Confidence,  Creativity

6 test tubes with algae growing

Run the Experiment

Dec 9, 2022 | Confidence,  Creativity

person overthinking, a lot of thought, complicated thoughts

Overthinking = Creatively Blocked

Nov 20, 2022 | Creativity,  Mental health

Multi-color image of drawing items - crayons, paint brushes, scissors, paper

Create for Yourself

Oct 20, 2022 | Creativity,  Mental health

4 arms and hands holding up the letters F A Q s in multiple colors

FAQs: From Entrepreneur to Employee

Aug 30, 2022 | Confidence,  Creativity

wood blocks with "No" written on. Block with "Yes" in the middle

It’s OK to Quit

Jun 29, 2022 | Confidence

cartoon image megaphone and text "time to share?"

The Importance of Sharing What Matters

Jun 9, 2022 | Emotional Intelligence,  Networking & Self Promotion

fists pounding on a wood table top

Check in: How are you feeling?

May 27, 2022 | Uncategorized

two feet walking in woods one step at a time

Creative Projects Happen One Step at a Time

May 5, 2022 | Creativity

Share your experience

To Share or Not to Share?

Mar 17, 2022 | Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

airplane flying through rain

Be in The Turbulence or How to Feel More at Ease During Challenging Time

Mar 4, 2022 | Emotional Intelligence

building blocks spelling out assertive vs aggressive

Aggressive or Assertive? Let the Body Decide

Feb 10, 2022 | Presence & Presentation

image of heart & brain riding a bike

Perform at Your Best with Heart, Mind AND Soul

Jan 27, 2022 | Emotional Intelligence,  Meetings & Events,  Presence & Presentation

pigeon looking down over a city

New Year: New You or New Perspective?

Jan 12, 2022 | Confidence,  Presence & Presentation

December calendar pages on the ground, time passing

End of Year Reflections: Letting go & Holding On

Dec 14, 2021 | Mental health

4 people toasting each other

The People Appreciation Edition

Nov 22, 2021 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion

motivational sticky notes

[Public] Speaking is Easier With the Right Support

Nov 4, 2021 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Stacey & Michael talking

10 Networking Conversation Starters (That Aren’t “What do you do?”)

Oct 22, 2021 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion

Promote Yourself

How NOT to Self-Promote

Oct 8, 2021 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion

Social Media bubbles

Let’s Talk About Social Media – Love it or hate it?

Sep 24, 2021 | Networking & Self Promotion

promote yourself

Are you Afraid to Be Seen?

Sep 8, 2021 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

networking outside

What’s the Point of Your Business Meetings Or Get Togethers?

Aug 20, 2021 | Communication,  Meetings & Events

Balancing heart and mind

Speak Up & Advocate for Yourself: Lessons From Simone Biles

Aug 6, 2021 | Emotional Intelligence,  Mental health

Networking outside

Dig Deep: How to have more meaningful business conversations

Jul 22, 2021 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

languishing

Are You Languishing?

Jul 8, 2021 | Emotional Intelligence,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

Speak Up & Voice Your ideas

Speak Up and Share What’s Important

Jun 25, 2021 | Networking & Self Promotion

Personality

Stop Stifling Your Personality

Jun 11, 2021 | Confidence,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Zoom meeting

Follow Up: To Zoom or Not to Zoom?

May 28, 2021 | Meetings & Events

Stacey virtual event speaker

To Zoom or Not to Zoom?

May 14, 2021 | Meetings & Events

Stacey & Michael talking

Power Up Your Presence

Apr 30, 2021 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

Permission

Are You Waiting for Permission?

Apr 16, 2021 | Confidence,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

zoom meetings

10 Ways To Make Online Meetings Less Exhausting (And downloadable PDF!)

Apr 1, 2021 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion

Confidence

What Makes You Feel Confident?

Mar 5, 2021 | Confidence,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

Trust

Can I Trust You?

Feb 18, 2021 | Emotional Intelligence,  Networking & Self Promotion

Imposter Syndrome & Communicating Your Value

Feb 4, 2021 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

words have power

Words Have Power: Say Something Worth Repeating

Jan 22, 2021 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Resilience

Resilience & Braving the Elements

Dec 18, 2020 | Emotional Intelligence

Receive

What do you need today?

Dec 4, 2020 | Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

Hey, how you doing?

Check-in: How are you doing these days?

Nov 20, 2020 | Emotional Intelligence

manage emotions

Empowering Yourself & Others During Emotionally Charged Times

Nov 12, 2020 | Communication,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

Hiding in a Box

Hiding Behind a Label Or Letting Your Personality Show?

Oct 30, 2020 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Stay in touch

Networking – The Importance of Staying in Touch

Oct 9, 2020 | Networking & Self Promotion

Reinvent Yourself

Time for Reinvention (and some changes to Engage The Room)

Sep 25, 2020 | Emotional Intelligence

Zoom meeting

3 Ways to Engage The Zoom Room

Aug 21, 2020 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion

Change and Comfort Zones

20 Questions to Move Through Change with Ease

Aug 7, 2020 | Emotional Intelligence

Care Meter

Business Relationships: Do People Know You Care?

Jul 24, 2020 | Networking & Self Promotion

Be Bold

Be Bold: Business & Leadership Insights from the Hamilton Movie

Jul 10, 2020 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

Burnout is Real

Burnout Is Real. Take Time to Recharge.

Jun 26, 2020 | Emotional Intelligence

black lives matter

Listening & Empathy to Create Positive Change

Jun 4, 2020 | Communication,  Presence & Presentation

Elbow to Elbow Greeting

What Will Replace the Handshake?

May 22, 2020 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion

Good Energy

Are You Putting Good Karma into the World?

May 8, 2020 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Elevator Speech Myths

The Elevator Speech: Myths and Mistakes

Apr 30, 2020 | Networking & Self Promotion

Range of Emotions

Emotional Awareness: Your Feelings Are Valid

Apr 23, 2020 | Emotional Intelligence,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

Til We Meet Again

Grieving the Loss of In Person Interactions

Apr 16, 2020 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion

Virtual Meetings

Stay Connected Virtually: 5 Lessons Learned

Apr 3, 2020 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

Managing Stress and Change

Managing Stress and Change

Mar 20, 2020 | Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

Living Our Values

Making Decisions Based on Values Not Fear

Mar 12, 2020 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion

Public speaking courage, speak with courage

Speak With Courage (Not Dread!)

Mar 5, 2020 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion

Are You Making a Good Impression When You Speak?

Are You Making a Good Impression When You Speak?

Feb 21, 2020 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Do You Have the Business Relationships You Need to Grow?

Do You Have the Business Relationships You Need to Grow?

Feb 6, 2020 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

Playing It Safe

Are You Playing It Safe or Speaking With Courage?

Jan 23, 2020 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Creating a Business Vision for 2020

Creating a Business Vision for 2020

Jan 9, 2020 | Presence & Presentation

Stop Settling in Business: Make Yourself Heard

Stop Settling in Business: Make Yourself Heard

Dec 12, 2019 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation

Feeling Vulnerable and Exposed

Feeling Vulnerable and Exposed

Nov 1, 2019 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Please Stop Boring People in Meetings

Please Stop Boring People in Meetings

Oct 17, 2019 | Communication,  Meetings & Events,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Do Your Presentations Lack Energy?

Do Your Presentations Lack Energy?

Oct 4, 2019 | Meetings & Events,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

How Small is Your Small Talk?

How Small is Your Small Talk?

Sep 19, 2019 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

communicate change

Communicate Change with Empathy & Curiosity

Aug 22, 2019 | Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Creating Real Relationships in a Data-Driven World

Creating Real Relationships in a Data-Driven World

Aug 9, 2019 | Communication,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Solving the Right Problem

Are You Solving the Right Problem?

Jul 25, 2019 | Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Feeling Vulnerable at Work

Feeling Vulnerable at Work: When Hiding is No Longer an Option

Jul 11, 2019 | Meetings & Events,  Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Is Anyone Listening When I Speak?

Is Anyone Listening When You Speak?

Jun 27, 2019 | Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

You Are Good Enough

You Are Good Enough

Jun 13, 2019 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

To Communicate Powerfully, Believe in Your Ideas

To Communicate Powerfully, Believe in Your Ideas

May 30, 2019 | Communication,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Do You Have the Courage to Be Vulnerable?

Do You Have the Courage to Be Vulnerable?

May 17, 2019 | Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

Making Assumptions

Apr 19, 2019 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

Is Your Communication Up For Interpretation?

Is Your Communication Up For Interpretation?

Apr 4, 2019 | Networking & Self Promotion,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

As a Leader, Do You Encourage Excellence or Perfection?

As a Leader, Do You Encourage Excellence or Perfection?

Mar 21, 2019 | Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

The Power of Connection to Lead Positive Change

The Power of Connection & Positive Change

Mar 7, 2019 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence

Public Speaking Courage

Public Speaking Courage – Do You Have It?

Feb 15, 2019 | Meetings & Events,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Communication Skills - Are You Surviving or Thriving?

Communication Skills – Are You Surviving or Thriving?

Jan 31, 2019 | Meetings & Events,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Tell Me A Story

Tell Me A Story

Jan 17, 2019 | Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Gratitude: One Year From Now

Gratitude: One Year From Now

Jan 3, 2019 | Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

Pause, Breathe, Receive

Pause, Breathe, Receive

Dec 18, 2018 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

What Keeps You From Speaking Up?

What Keeps You From Speaking Up?

Nov 29, 2018 | Communication

It's Okay to Feel Nervous

It’s Okay to Feel Nervous

Nov 15, 2018 | Communication,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Be More Visible at Work

Be More Visible in Business

Nov 2, 2018 | Communication

Recharge & Refocus in Between Meetings

Recharge & Refocus in Between Meetings

Oct 18, 2018 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

Use Metaphors to Bring Ideas to Life

Oct 4, 2018 | Communication,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Mindset Matters in Communication

“Mindset” Matters in Communication

Sep 20, 2018 | Communication,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Is That Your Problem to Solve?

Is That Your Problem to Solve?

Sep 7, 2018 | Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

Do People Tune Out When You Talk?

Do People Tune Out When You Talk?

Aug 23, 2018 | Meetings & Events,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Networking event

Are You Giving People a Reason to Talk?

Aug 10, 2018 | Communication

Poise Under Pressure

Jul 12, 2018 | Communication,  Meetings & Events,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

When Presentations Don’t Go As Planned

Jun 21, 2018 | Communication,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Do You Have the Right Environment to Grow?

Jun 7, 2018 | Communication,  Presence & Presentation

Who Do You Need to Become to Get the Results You Want?

May 17, 2018 | Communication,  Presence & Presentation

5 Ways to Feel Better About Your Next Presentation

May 3, 2018 | Communication,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Think Less. Speak Up More.

Apr 6, 2018 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

How to Make Networking Conversations Less Awkward and More Engaging

Mar 22, 2018 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence,  Meetings & Events

Video: Breathe. You’ve Arrived.

Feb 28, 2018 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence,  Meetings & Events,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

How to Motivate People

Feb 8, 2018 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Networking event

Video Interview: Long Live Verbal Communication

Jan 25, 2018 | Communication,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

3 Ways to Speak More Naturally

Jan 11, 2018 | Communication,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

What Do You Wish to Accomplish in 2018?

Dec 21, 2017 | Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

Clarify Your Thoughts Before Expressing Them

Nov 28, 2017 | Communication

5 Ways to Nail Your Next Presentation

Nov 9, 2017 | Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Networking event

How to Reduce “Ums”, “Ahs” and Filler Words

Oct 26, 2017 | Communication,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Are Your Presentations Heartless?

Oct 12, 2017 | Meetings & Events,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

What Are You Resisting?

Sep 21, 2017 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence

The Relief of Listening

Sep 8, 2017 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence

Are You Ready to Take the Lead?

Aug 24, 2017 | Communication,  Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

The Conditions Aren’t Always Perfect

Aug 10, 2017 | Emotional Intelligence,  Presence & Presentation

Cull the Weeds

Jul 26, 2017 | Communication,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Are You Striking the Right Tone?

Jul 12, 2017 | Communication,  Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace?

Jun 23, 2017 | Presence & Presentation,  Public Speaking & Presentation Skills