Claim the Stage: A Podcast About Public Speaking and Speaking Up

Today's episode is a mini farewell episode. I'm taking the summer off from the podcast! I know I've done this before, and now I'm doing it again. It's also a permission slip for you to say no to more things so you can take more time for yourself and the things you want to be doing. Where can you pause, quit, or otherwise say NO THANKS and bow out? Hopefully today's episode will giv

You shared something personal. You allowed yourself to be judged and get feedback. You did something scary in front of other people. And now... You have a vulnerability hangover. How do you know? You’re saying… OMG I did that wrong I overshared My speech was boring I was the worst in the group I totally bombed that I can never go back there Everyone else was so much better Wh

Struggle with how to start your speech in a way that grabs your audience's attention? Have a hard time wrapping it up succinctly? Today's episode is for you! I share a few strategies you can use again and again to start and end your speech on a strong note. No more rambling, apologizing, or worrying - just use these tips and your presentations will always shine! Learn more about Sp

You've probably heard "less is more." This statement couldn't be more true when it comes to public speaking and crafting a powerful talk. On today's episode, I break down the three ways to keep your speeches simple and effective. They are: If I could only tell someone three things, what would they be?  When storytelling, use vivid details, but don’t get lost in unnecessary

Wondering if it's too late to get started as a professional speaker? Today's episode is for you! Maria Romano is the founder of True Love Knots. She started her business in her 50s after her husband, Frank, passed away. She got back into the dating world and discovered it was dramatically different. Today she coaches people on how to be successful at dating and found her passion. M

Have you been dreaming about speaking on bigger stages, taking your expertise to more audiences, and getting paid for your expertise? If you're wondering if you're ready for this step, this episode will help you decide. Learn the five secrets to becoming a paid speaker and then check out my new course, Speaking School for Women, launching next week. Sign up for our mailing list at

Have you ever found yourself saying this before a presentation? "What if I’m boring? I’m afraid everything I say everyone has already heard."  If so, you are definitely not alone! Instead of focusing on having the most unique ideas, what if you focused on giving advice that is tried and true, and in your own style? On today's show, I share three ways to bring your own bril

If you want to build a business as a speaker, coach, or author, getting visibility will make all the difference. Visibility is also important if you're trying to build a personal brand as a leader in your field. But how do you get visibility if you're just starting out? On today's show, Amanda Berlin, PR expert, shares how to DIY your PR so you can get yourself out there. She says

Do you consider yourself to be a pretty good public speaker? Maybe even a great speaker? It's possible you're getting the job done, but there's always room for improvement. As you'll hear in part four of our four part series with Speaker Sisterhood club leaders and members, today's guest came to our clubs to make small tweaks with an eye on big changes. My guest today is Kathy Vine

Today's episode is part three of a four-part series with Speaker Sisterhood club leaders and members. I put this series together for you because I'm always asked how Speaker Sisterhood is different than Toastmasters, why it's only for women, and what you learn if you sign up. On today's show, I interview Jennifer Cummings Hillery, Speaker Sisterhood member and club leader. Jen shar