This Moved Me

"I know I need to cut some of my talk… but I hate to lose any of this material. It's ALL important to me! How do you decide what to cut?"

I say a lot in my workshops and with my clients that you know you're getting to the good stuff when it really hurts to edit your talk. "Edit until it hurts." Ok, it hurts! It hurts! Now what?

Listen in!

Happy New Year!

One of my favorite ways to end the year is to ask the simple question, "What's something that's moved you this year?"

This year I asked the question to my family as we gathered together at my parents' cabin in Wisconsin. (They really had very little choice in the matter - thanks, Fam!) The responses varied - from the simple to the sweet to the sad and complicated. Another year in the books - and another chance to reflect.

Today is a This Moved Me Mash-Up!

I'm bringing together two performers who have lived out their talents in very different ways, but who share a connection to the field of persuasion and public speaking.

One is a mime turned entrepreneur who leads trainings on organizational and business development.

One is an actor turned coach who started a business training actors.

WHAT?! I know. So I thought it would be fun to bring these two together for our first-ever TMM Mash-up.

"Sally, I hate Q&A's! Help!"

Haha, I thought this would be a good one to start with on my Q & A episode.

Ok - I hear this one a lot. I know, I know - it's improv vs. your scripted scene. It's unpredictable, can be scary - and oh my goodness, what if I get challenged??

Here are a few things that might help:

Once upon a time, there was a savvy business woman. She tried to write a talk, but the words wouldn't come. Every time she sat down to write her talk, it didn't work! What to do, What to do? Well - listen up:

Angela Lussier is an award-winning speaker, founder of Speaking School for Women, author of three books, speech coach and host of Claim the Stage podcast. Recently, I had the pleasure to be a guest on her podcast (Episode 23 called "Hairy Authenticity" - I know, I love the title too!). Angela's mantra is "Stop waiting. Start creating." She inspires her listeners to take the most important, often-feared, first step towards their calling, and to keep going.

Angela, I am thankful for this very important, timely conversation with you! We have a great opportunity and responsibility to use our voice and empower other women to do the same.

Vikas Narula is an entrepreneur, influencer, and owner of Keyhubs. He has perspectives on life that helps others see things that are most important. We talked about how speakers can overcome the disconnect between themselves and their audience by understanding the power of influence and connection. We shared our thoughts on the importance of creative expression and the core concepts that transform speakers to influencers. Vikas, thank you for sharing such compelling and optimistic insights!

David C. Mann is an acclaimed speaker, award-winning theater artist, and presentation coach. David has a way of grabbing and holding his audience's attention with his honesty, energy and humor. It is evident from his interactions and presentations that he has a great understanding of human intricacies. He helps people overcome the hurdles in their mind, guides them in practical ways to find their "inner human" and inspires them to keep telling their story.

David, thanks for bringing so much of yourself to this interview.