As I rose from my chair, I could feel sweat collecting at my temples and in my armpits. My chest thumped so quickly I was sure the room of my colleagues could hear it. As I uttered, “Welcome,” my voice began to quaver and I tried to put my attention equally on suppressing my desire to cry and reviewing everything I had learned in my public speaking classes in high school and college. Speak directly to each person in the room. Take a deep breath between sentences. Use your hands to bring your message from your body to your audience. But all I could bring to mind was a vision of my fourth grade self—standing at the front of my classroom—drooling and slurring words as I tried to get through my first current events report. I’m twenty-three years old chairing a friggin staff meeting, I chided myself. I’ve spoken to thousands of people as a motivational speaker. I should have this. But I didn’t.
Have you ever walked into a room and felt so nervous you thought surely you’d vomit in your mouth?
Does the thought of conflict feel like a machete going straight into your heart?
Have you ever wanted to share how you were feeling but kept mum for fear of ruffling feathers and being disliked?
Do you have a powerful story or message you’re yearning to get out in the form of a keynote, seminar or workshop?
Are you ready to stop the 24-7 chatter in your head so that you can hear your authentic voice and take deliberate and successful action from it?
If you answered YES to any of the questions above, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Particularly if you are a woman.
Although women have bypassed men in college attendance and graduation, we’ve still got a LONG way to go, baby. We’re 47% of the paid labor force, yet us gals are making a piddly $.75-$.79—depending on which survey you’re down with—to the dollar for equal work. We hold JUST 15% of executive officer and board positions. 1/6 of us have survived sexual abuse. 99.999999% of us look in the mirror and see what’s wrong rather than what’s right.
But rather than focus on the problem, I’m hungry to focus on the solution. That’s where Step Into Your Moxie comes in. It’s comprised of one-on-one speaking coaching, face-to-face and virtual communication intensives, and forthcoming live events and a yearlong MasterTreat™.
So What the Heck is “Moxie”?
Originally patented as medicine in 1876 by Dr. Augustin Thompson, by 1884 it was bottled as our nation’s first soft-drink and served at soda fountains for people who wanted to be endowed with “rugged individualism.” It’s still available from specialty soda vendors today, though now moxie is thought of more as a quality than a beverage. It is synonymous with being daring, having courage and taking risks. There is even a Moxie Girlz doll for young women who want “Positive attitude and confidence. The courage to go for it. Energy in everything you do.”
Although there is no shortage of women and men who have modeled moxie—or products promising to imbue us with the stuff—for the next generation, stepping into our moxie isn’t necessarily easier today than it was just over 100 years ago.
How I Roll
I’ve discovered through my own speaking journey, from working with my women’s studies and public speaking students, and through coaching and leading trainings for thousands of women and men that while I can “teach” what “good” communication looks like, simply learning what “to do” rarely creates and sustains change. I can most impact the people I work with by partnering with them to establish where they want to be in their communication and then working backwards with them to develop the mindset, skills, behaviors – and most importantly – personal story of self that is necessary to close the gap.
With over 10-years experience as a public speaker and educator living and teaching heart-centered, high-impact communication principles, I’m committed to helping you find your authentic voice, sculpt your dynamic message and share your power with the world. Here’s how…
From Mediocre to Moxie: Solo Speaking Bootcamp
If you don’t feel like you have fully embraced your moxie and are finally ready to let go of the reasons—ahem—excuses, real and self-imposed, let’s jam together in your own personalized bootcamp.
Not sure what to explore? You can:
- Dynamize your networking (i.e., develop your 15-30 second introduction, create your arsenal of juicy and non-douchy questions, rehearse the art of “moxie talk”—formerly known as “small talk” and practice using body language that fosters connection and collaboration)
- Spruce up your interviewing (i.e., figure out your best response to “Tell me about yourself,” construct winning answers to questions you are likely to be asked, avoid top interviewing pitfalls and develop your secret weapon to make any employer or client eager to have you)
- Rehearse for a negotiation (i.e., structure how to make your ask—and get super clear on exactly what you’re asking for, distinguish what each key player needs from what they want, learn how to make everyone feel like they have the upper hand and decide if/how to “walk away” so that it leaves the door open)
- Craft the “difficult” conversation you have been avoiding with your honey, supervisor, child, friend or _____ (i.e., Ask that someone to “step up or step back”, articulate the boundaries you want to be upholding, give actionable feedback or speak your heart without inciting conflict or damaging a treasured relationship)
- Facilitate on time meetings that people can’t wait to attend because they have fun AND get action items accomplished (We can take a look at the particular dynamics of your staff, board, association, or PTA meeting)
- Develop an authentic and winning media presence (i.e., Craft snappy and engaging talking points, rehearse your interview responses, develop on-camera banter, gain control over your non-verbal communication and demystify the media experience)
- Birth a presentation, workshop or keynote that highlights your WOW Factor and over delivers on audience expectations (Note: While in 1 session we can plant the seed and give it a nice helping of sun and water, it usually takes 2-4 bootcamp sessions to develop a knockout, fully rehearsed offering)
How Does Bootcamp Work?
It’s easy peasy. You say, “Heck yeah, I’m ready to step into my moxie!” and you book yourself a 2-hour session with me. Bootcamp will be conducted by phone, via Skype or if you are in Las Vegas (or decide to come here) face-to-face. The price is $497. (For any additional bootcamp sessions you seek afterwards, the price is $199 per hour or $895 for 5, 1-hour sessions. I also work with a select group of coaching clients on an ongoing, monthly basis. If this is a good fit for us, we will discuss after Bootcamp.)
Keep in mind that you’re NOT paying for your initial 2-hours with me. You’re investing in the big moves you will bust in your communication AFTER our initial playtime together!
When you choose me as your partner in moxie, you get all of me—the wonky and the wonderful. The gawky, all gams-girl with the embarrassing tongue thrust as well as the 2000 Miss Junior America, keynote speaker and contributor to national TV and print media. Why? We’ve all got a bit of both of her inside of us. As your speaking coach, I’ll be a mirror for who you are when you speak from fear—when you are underwhelming, say the wrong things, never see the changes you suggest or just feel like crud after you’ve opened your mouth. I’ve been in your shoes. More excitingly, I’ve learned how to play nice with the fear, say the right (and true to me) things, create the life that I want and feel super blazing hot after I walk away from most conversations and presentations. So just as importantly, I’ll be a mirror for your moxie—and as a coach, your catalyst for getting there…your way.
My Promise
Moxie Bootcamp is 100% your time. You decide what moxie means to you. You determine how you will know when you have achieved it. You set the agenda. I take care of getting you toward the results you seek by empowering you to develop the mindset, behaviors, habits, strategies, tactics, messaging and action plan. While there are NO refunds for Moxie Bootcamp after purchasing, if for some reason you’re not completely satisfied with our session, at the end of it you let me know exactly why Bootcamp didn’t rock your world and then – and only then – you get 100% of your money back. (Note: If you are thinking about why our time together won’t blow your mind, though, it probably means Moxie Bootcamp isn’t a good fit for you! My moxie gals (and guys) see results because they show up ready to. And they understand that this short-term investment in themselves is a lifetime investment in their communication abilities and personal and professional success.)
Next Steps
After payment is received, within 1-business day you will receive via the email you purchased bootcamp an invitation from TimeTrade—my scheduling software—to book your 2-hour session within the next 30-days. Second, you will receive directly from me a questionnaire to return within 48-hours of our session so that I can show up clear on what you’re looking to take away. If for any reason you are not able to take advantage of your Moxie Bootcamp session, you can transfer it to another person free of a service charge.
So, what’s it going to be? More of the fear, self-doubt, “hard” work and action steps that keep you talking small? Or, are you ready to take a leap of ferocious faith and awaken to your powerful message, learn how to sculpt it and accept your responsibility—as someone who has the time and ability to even contemplate moxie bootcamp—to share it with the world?!
*Discover These Additional Step Into Your Moxie Programs*
Moxie Camp – A Playspace for Female Changemakers
Get on the priority registration list.
Influencer Academy – A 6-Week Virtual Coaching Program
Grab your seat in the inaugural cohort.
MasterTreat™
Coming October 2012
Want to start buffing up your communication muscles from the comfort of your own home? Check out The Speaker Workout to start taking action NOW.
