To Share or Not to Share?

Share your experience

Today’s post is the essay form of a recent speech I gave at a Toastmasters contest. Keep reading or watch the video below. Video not viewing? Click here to watch on YouTube. To share or not to share? How much to share? To whom do you share? Who cares if you share? If you have…

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[Public] Speaking is Easier With the Right Support

motivational sticky notes

Last week my husband and I grabbed a sandwich and drove out to the tip of Hull, MA to sit by the water, take in the city views and unbeknownst to us, check out the cargo ships up close and personal. At one point we witnessed this giant tanker getting guided through the narrow channel…

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Are you Afraid to Be Seen?

promote yourself

I was on a Zoom call last week with Alice (not her real name) talking about a fundraising event she’s hosting in October. As she explained her vision for the day: Women gathering Panel conversation and/or mini workshops on leadership Handful of vendors I noticed she had taken herself entirely out of the event. So…

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Stop Stifling Your Personality

Personality

It’s so much easier to network, speak, sell (whatever “self-promotional” interactions feel awkward) when we DON’T have to hide our personality, creativity & ideas. Our personality & way of seeing the world is what makes us stand out in business. Especially in a crowded industry (aren’t they all crowded these days?) And yet, that’s exactly…

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Stacey Shipman a Guest on the Talking Toastmasters Podcast

Talking Toastmasters

Podcasting. Using volunteer roles to build speaking & leadership skills. Networking. Bringing energy to your vision as a leader. I got to talk about all that and more on the Talking Toastmasters podcast hosted by Angela Nuss. The conversation is relevant for anyone who wants to gain insights on how to: Network more confidently Inspire…

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Imposter Syndrome & Communicating Your Value

Imposter syndrome has come up a ton in recent conversations and got me thinking about my own experience with it. Over the years, I somehow became an “expert” in communication skills and ended up coaching leaders on everything from how to tell a better story to how to run a meeting to facilitating their team…

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Words Have Power: Say Something Worth Repeating

words have power

Amanda Gorman, the 22 year old, Harvard educated, first ever National Youth Poet Laureate, and youngest inaugural poet is getting a lot of praise and publicity after Wednesday’s inauguration. If you didn’t hear her spoken word poetry at Wednesday’s inauguration, you can tune in here or watch below. She displayed all the P’s: Presence, poise,…

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Hiding Behind a Label Or Letting Your Personality Show?

Hiding in a Box

  Labels hide our personality. Unless taped to a package with my name and address and delivered to my front door, I don’t like them. You know, words like: Introvert Extrovert Coach Consultant Techie Etc, Etc, Etc The Problem With Labels Labels lead us to tell a story that may not be true. Not sure what I mean? Here are…

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Are You Putting Good Karma into the World?

Good Energy

  Last week, I took an online yoga class on Facebook through Burning Wheel Yoga (located in Medfield, MA. I’ve never been to their studio and am enjoying their online classes.) And at the end of class the instructor, Jordan, talked about Karma Yoga. And, even though I’m a certified yoga teacher and avid practitioner,…

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Are You Making a Good Impression When You Speak?

Are You Making a Good Impression When You Speak?

  Making a good impression when you speak is vital if you want to be memorable for the right reasons. The following anecdote is a true story. Names and details have been left out to protect those involved. Last week I heard and saw something professionally upsetting. Here is the short version: A speaker took…

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