I still get nervous before I speak in public. It's true! Something about the unknown of the audience, the pressure of being expected to have all the answers, and the heat of that metaphorical - and sometimes literal! - spotlight. Being nervous is normal (even for professionals) regardless of what anyone tells you. Think about all the celebrities who have battled debilitating stage fright - Barbra Streisand, for example.

But I have to tell you - and I think Barbra would agree with me on this one - once I get up on that stage, any lingering apprehension is replaced with pure exhilaration. It's actually an amazingly empowering feeling. It's actually - believe it or not - fun!

Some public speaking training will try to drill the fear out of you, maybe give you a list of restrictive rules to follow, or provide you with coping mechanisms to "get through" the process. I think they're missing the point.

My goal as your public speaking coach is not to help you endure the experience of speaking in public; it's to help you truly enjoy it.

Together, we'll figure out the nature of your fears and anxiety; find what works in helping you assuage those fears; build your confidence; and cultivate your own, self-assured style of public speaking. We'll also work to develop a keener appreciation for the relationship between audience and speaker.

More than just an opportunity to convey information, public speaking is an opportunity to engage in a fascinating conversation. Granted, a little one-sided . . . but a conversation nonetheless. And while they may not actually speak back to you, your audience responds with a glimmer of the eye, a nod of the head, a smile - maybe even laughter. Best of all, they respond with hearty applause.

Over the many years I've been helping individuals tackle their personal challenges, the biggest lesson I've learned is that there is no single, universal solution. Even though people share some of the most unusual - and some of the most commonplace - issues, there really is no "right" solution that works for everyone.

That's why I work closely with each of my clients to uncover their unique strengths and challenges. Then we develop a customized plan together. While my Master's degree in Education and Bachelor's degree in Theater certainly inform my approach, I think that what makes me a different kind of speaking coach is the fact that I'm not looking to eradicate your fear; I'm looking to harness it and make it work for you.

I'm here to help you learn something about yourself, to bolster your self-confidence on the stage and in your life, and to have a little fun along the way!