Americans’ number one fear is public speaking, Number two is death. That means that, given the choice, most everybody at a funeral would rather be in the coffin than deliver the eulogy. It’s understandable. Kinda. We live in an age of scrutiny and surveillance; the NSA, so-called helicopter parents, the social media platforms that give the world more access to the vicissitudes of our daily life than ever before. But it’s something about being one facing many – being the only one speaking in a room full of silent people – that really makes people’s blood pressure spike. I had a friend once who bit her own lip bloody during a presentation. The problem is, the nightmarish sequence that plays out in our heads (involving a Rube Goldberg sequence of errors and humiliations and an audience composed entirely of Russian Olympic judges) can really get in the way of just standing in front of people and showing them what you have to offer. I am an actor, and I know what is does to me to be resonant and connected with my audience, to be more invested in my story than my fear of being judged. No newsletter, blog post, or youtube vid will ever have quite the same effect as your voice

Storytelling technique: We’ll work with both text and personal account to investigate the components of a compelling, engaging story using techniques including but not limited to operative words, visualization, objectives and point of view.

Improvisation: Don’t get tripped up or clammed up during interviews or Q & A’s, we’ll work to strengthen those muscles that help you feel confident, spontaneous, and comfortable.

Voice and Body work: There will be some rolling about and moving and breathing, don’t flee just yet, the purpose of this is to help you find your most grounded, supported self in both body and breath.