I shook like a leaf the whole time and had to choke by tears when I admitted I feared my mother’s disapproval of my mothering. I spoke for nearly 10 minutes and relied almost exclusively on my notes.

But, I did it. I put myself out there.

I brought my dream board (though I basically hid it behind me and refused to allow anyone to get too close – which is a little better than behind the dresser where I keep usually keep it when people come over, so no one will know quite how ambitious I am).

I never want to do …read more

This is what stage fright looks like.

This is what it looks like when you have stage fright, but you do it anyway.

Even I can’t figure out why I have stage fright. It’s inexplicably bizarre. I am great in a crowd, I’m an engaging conversationalist in a group, I have something to say here every single day and I have no problem raising my hand or volunteering in a classroom setting.

What is my problem with preparing something and speaking in public?

I’m giving my first Toastmasters speech tonight. I’m blanking out and have nothing prepared, and I have butterflies in my stomach …read more

So, I L-O-V-E-D speaking at BlogHer in July. (Ask again, please!) It really awakened the idea that public speaking is something I’m naturally good at and would like to pursue.
Then I’ve gotten good feedback about my performance and that’s built my confidence.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to public speaking events and felt and urge to have the podium for myself.
The only problem is stage fright.
Marcus Buckingham, leading professional coach says we should pay attention to how we feel when we do certain tasks.

The adrenaline I feel before I speak in public is both nauseating and exhilarating. That …read more

Did anyone watch Barbara Walter’s interview with Charlie Gibson on ABC last night?

I wanted to weep with gratitude for what she’s done for women.

After watching old clips of her most famous interviews with some of the most powerful leaders, infamous criminals, and biggest stars of the world Charlie asked Barbara about her interview style.

Barbara’s interview style, in my opinion, could be characterized as feminine. She does not interview like a man. She hardly ever asks direct or confrontational questions. She is very demure and passive in her body language and behaves in a word, like a “Lady.”

That’s the secret to …read more