Friends,

In 2019, I did something scary. I decided it was finally time to conquer my fear of public speaking.

I began working with Hillary Rea, founder of Tell Me A Story, via her Crafting Your Personal Narrative workshop. The deep-dive workshop was a full-day intensive plus two group story labs so participants ended up with a story they could tell confidently.

Understand that this was a MASSIVE step for me to take. The fear I had around public speaking was enormous. So much so that I broke down in tears during the first part of the workshop - not something I expected to do in front of other professionals. 😬 The fear was real.

Luckily, I found myself in a safe space surrounded by others who got it. I got to know my fellow workshop mates and worked on my story to develop it over the span of my engagement with Hillary (lasting for about a month, or so, for that particular workshop).

By the end of it, I had what felt like a pretty good story! I had used this opportunity not only to develop a solid story, but to tap into the origination of my public speaking terror. "Terror" because it felt like I might just die from it. The kind of fear that paralyzes a person making them somehow forget how to speak altogether. The type of fear that makes you shake so much that you think you’ll fall over at any moment. Or the feeling where your face gets so hot and red that you just know your head is going to explode at any moment.

Honestly, the workshop was like a much-needed dose of therapy. I came away feeling much more confident and with a deeper sense of understanding about myself.

Fast forward to a week or so after the workshop ends. Hillary reaches out to ask if I'll tell my story at her live storytelling show. Wait, WHAT?! Me? No way – there's no way I could possibly! 😨 Her proposal was completely unexpected. I didn't know what to say... I had done my talk in front of a few other workshop attendees who I began to feel comfortable with, but a live audience?! People I didn’t know? Eeep!

I felt my face get hot as the fear bubbled up again. But, instead of saying I'd think on it or pass (my usual response to any public speaking opportunity), I jumped in and said, “YES.” I was SO SCARED! I had about 3 weeks to prepare, but nothing could get me ready for the terrifying moment of taking the stage. I just had to do it.

I’m so happy I did. Everything Hillary taught me came through. I was fully supported in that moment with everything I needed. Most importantly, I let it all go in the moment. I trusted myself and all I had learned. It felt great!

Watching the recording from that live show still gives me chills. I can see and hear the fear in my voice. I can remember how it physically made me feel ill in the beginning - you can see some of that when you watch it. But by the end of it, I felt so good. I DID IT! I slayed the dragon.

I am forever grateful to Hillary for all of this. For helping me to navigate something that was so terrifying. For helping me to build the confidence to be in front of an audience - something I've always had issue with. Even for the events and communities I host/run.

Without her help, I probably wouldn't feel as confident taking up space as I am today.

So, when Hillary approached me and Alex Hillman to see if we wanted to host one of her one-hour virtual workshops via Work In Progress, it was a no-brainer. As an added bonus, I'm thrilled that my experience is coming full circle and that I have the honor and opportunity to host Hillary. ✨

Attendees are in for a treat. The knowledge and insight Hillary shares during her workshops are invaluable. It can be so difficult talking about ourselves and "what we do." Hillary’s Crafting Your Five Word Life Story workshop will help.

We still have a few tickets and there’s still time to reserve your spot! Grab them now for $35 - ticket pricing increases to $40 after 7/17. Learn more about the event and Hillary here. ​

Get Tickets

...and if you'd like to watch a very nervous me speak about the events that led to my fear of public speaking (teaser: being slightly ahead of the pack, the Pizza Hut Book It reading program, Ramona the Great, and an 80s classroom), here it is. 😉

While I'm still a bit nervous speaking in public (including hosting online events like this), I have all the tools I need (thanks to Hillary) and I can't believe I'm saying this... but now, I sort of enjoy the excitement and anticipation. It's wild how things can change!

See you next week for Crafting Your Five Word Life Story!

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Conquering those fears,

Nicola
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