Over this last week, I've been working on a speech that I’ll be presenting to a tech association next month.
In the past, I would have written out my speech word for word and re-read it over and over, hoping that would help me feel prepared. But it never worked. When it came time to take the stage, I’d fumble over my words or forget key points in the spotlight.
That’s when I knew I needed help. Back in 2019, I started working with Keith Bailey, a public speaking coach, who completely transformed how I approach public speaking through the power of storytelling.
Instead of relying on detailed scripts, Keith taught me to practice my stories aloud and use one-word associations as cues to remember key points.
Now, I record my stories on my phone when practicing. Listening back helps me identify what to cut, what to expand on, and how to refine the flow. This method has made public speaking far less stressful because there’s no need for word-for-word memorization—just a focus on hitting the key points.
I still get nervous at the beginning of a speech, but that fades quickly because I’ve practiced and feel confident in my message.
The tools Keith shared were so impactful that I partnered with him to create a course designed specifically to help people prepare for job interviews.
If you want to take your interviewing skills to the next level, I’m offering a free consultation for interview coaching where we’ll focus on storytelling techniques that will help you connect with your interviewer and leave a lasting impression.
Ready to feel more confident in your next interview? Sign up for your free consultation here.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and help you nail your next interview!