What’s your story for 2025

Let me hear your story for 2025.

I’m not a fan girl of resolutions so no pressure here.

But I LOVE a sticky story.

So tell me…

What was the moment or time in your life when you were unafraid? Rebellious? Undeterred? Spirited? Plucky? (ooh, I like THAT one!)

That time when you believed ANYTHING was possible. When you didn’t care what your hair looked like. When you took a picture BECAUSE it would last longer …in your photo album.

Back in the day when your “inner” voice WAS your voice. That voice who said, “Heck, Yes! (you were too young to curse) Let’s do it! I’m in! That sounds fun! What’s next?”

When you allowed yourself to imagine the possibilities.

For me back in the day, I was all about just hanging out for hours with a bestie, when we would spend the day imagining the characters we would dress up as, with whatever we had in our closets. That was it. That was the day.

Nah…time to move on from those dreams of who you wanted to be.

But wait...there is a wee bit of insight you might get from that kid in you.

That bolder voice inside you (or perhaps the voice of someone who believes in you) who says: “You can do that. Lead the discussion. Facilitate the panel. Be the guest speaker. Be the keynote.”

You CAN show up with all the gutsy, bold, undaunted, gritty, spunky spirit that is still very much a part of who you are and is waiting for you to say, “Yes, I remember you.”

That “inner” voice that was once YOUR voice. It’s still there. It’s dying to get out there.

Wherever you are in your journey, keep listening to the deepest most authentic part of you. Find those moments to let it bubble out. And connect.

It’s 2025. What will you say? How will you say it? Will you hold back?

Let me hear from the big bold you.

I’m all in and willing to listen.

If you (or your team) are using too many filler words....

Um, do I DO really that???

I think team training should:

1.) Deliver customized & actionable tips, tools, and techniques that meet your needs to grow your business
2.)Deepen presence, authenticity, empathy, engagement, and connection among team members
3.) Be FUN!

Here’s a tiny nibble of my approach (with a tip included) for a common challenge…

Click on the link below…Enjoy!

That wasn't funny...

Actors are trained to tap into the energy of an audience. In a live performance, there is nothing more magical than that dramatic moment in a play when performers and audience members are holding their collective breath.  That moment when an actor hears an audible gasp from the crowd.  And all are wondering…what will happen next?  How will she respond to that remark?  Will he stay or go?  

Or that moment in a comedy, designed by a skilled playwright, to elicit laughter from the audience.  And night after night the audience howled.  Except for the night, when you held onto your next line, anticipating the laughter, but it didn’t come.  Bummer.  That was supposed to be funny. 

In drama or comedy, actors sense all of this.  In a live performance, actors and audiences are in it together.  Part of the magic of live work is that every show is different from night to night.  Sometimes in subtle ways (only a few people gasped) sometimes in big ways (dead silence at the punch line, and they ALWAYS laugh at the punch line.)  Either way, actors take it all in, and adjust their actions, physical movements, and internal responses.  Either way, we move the story forward.  Either way, we are most present when we take in what the audience is giving us.

As an actor on the business stage, leading that meeting or making that presentation, are you adjusting your content (your script aka what you say) or actions (your delivery aka how you say it) based on what you are receiving from your audience? In a virtual presentation, it can be tough to know if your message is landing.  But if you are the one leading, presenting, or on stage…if you are the one everyone showed up to listen to…you have to own the room and find a way to check in.  One of the easiest ways to do this?  SLOW DOWN.  Craft your pauses. Give your audience an opportunity to respond.  Listen.  Perhaps adjust your content and intention.  Then…move the story forward.  

If you're plowing through your presentation and focusing on getting to the end of the meeting, your clients and colleagues are likely not engaging in your story.  Instead…make your presentation about your audience and what they need.  Louder, faster, and funnier may be the tried and true method for comedy.  But this actor can tell you, one rule for all occasions does not always laughter make.

Wishing you moments of connection and guffaws with colleagues and clients,

Julie

Story Slam

“Yes!” is what you will be saying too when you take a leap of faith and put your story out there because EVERYBODY HAS A STORY TO SHARE....seriously a story slam should be on your bucket list. I've been fortunate to participate in quite a few and I've always found the audiences supportive and the other story tellers inspiring. Stories tap into our emotions, and affirm how our human, face to face interactions create memorable and lasting connections. Make 2020 your year to venture out of your comfort zone. 
#NoRegrets #SharpenTheSaw
#SaturdayNight ‪#essexcountynj‬ #montclairfilm
‪#MakeAnImpact #Inspiration #PublicSpeaking #Entrepreneurship#BeTheBoss #OwnTheRoom #WomenInBusiness #ChooseConnection#DontPhoneItIn #BeOnYourStage‬

If you made a resolution to be a better listener in 2020, start with choosing to be curious. Listen as if you are willing to allow the other person to change your mind. Genuine curiosity about another's point of view leads to connection. 

#CareerGoals #SelfManagement #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipTraining#BeTheBoss #OwnTheRoom #PersonalDevelopment #WomenInBusiness#Inspiration #QualityOfTheWeek. #ChooseConnection #MakeAnImpact#DontPhoneItIn #InvestInYourTeam #BeOnYourStage #PublicSpeaking