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The Confident Communicator

Speaking Tips

How to stop letting others take credit for YOUR ideas

Welcome back to our Virtual Communication Series: Let’s Get Virtual, Virtual! During one of our FREE workshop/fundraisers last week, Jess asked this brilliant question: “What should you do if sometimes when you suggest something, it doesn’t get fully acknowledged, but then a few minutes later, someone will make that exact same suggestion and for some…

If your voice feels tired or strained, try THIS.

At our recent Virtual Communication Skills Workshop, one of the participants asked: “I find that teaching via Zoom puts a lot of strain on my voice and causes hoarseness, is that common?” Answer: YES. That’s extremely common–and easily preventable! If you’ve been wondering why your voice feels more tired or hoarse after back-to-back Zoom calls,…

Hand Gestures: How to Make Sure You’re Using Yours Effectively!

It’s the age old question: “What on earth do I do with my hands when speaking! How much is too much? Am I even doing it right?” In fact, “I don’t know what to do with my hands” is such a common concern that this month’s 3-part video series is made up of clips from…

The 3-letter-word that’ll ALWAYS help you paint a clear picture for your audience

Welcome back to Part II of this month’s 2020 Vision series. Last week we talked about goals and getting clear on which skills YOU need to develop this year to tackle all your to-dos in less time with less stress. Missed it? Snag that free goal-setting worksheet here. TODAY, I’m breaking down the #1 secret to…

Inside a client session: How to get the info you need without defending your competence

Ever feel defensive when someone tells you you’re not doing something correctly? Especially when you’re new to the game or to a particular challenge and you’re trying really hard to figure it out? Or how about when you’re making an argument, and someone starts poking all sorts of holes in it? Is your impulse to…

What to do when people tune out or look skeptical when you’re talking to them

Earlier this week, I was asked a VERY important (and common!) question: “What do you do when you’re talking to people and it seems like they’re tuning out or just not picking up what you’re putting down?” Have you ever experienced this? Or wondered what to do about it? If so, you’re not alone (I’m…

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I’ve taught thousands of big-hearted go-getters how to communicate more clearly, confidently and authentically when it matters most—from business owners to leaders (and emerging leaders) in every field

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Take Free Quiz

Step 1 of 11

How would the people who love you and know you best describe you?(Required)

You’re very in tune with yourself and those around you.

You tell it like it is and never beat around the bush.

You're creative and have a knack for making people think outside the box.

You’re perceptive, quick-witted, and love to make others laugh.

Which GIF describes how you usually feel just before a high stakes situation, like presenting to an important group?(Required)

Which GIF describes how you WANT to feel just before a nerve-wracking conversation or or presentation?(Required)

You’re at a party where you only know a couple of people. Where could we find you?(Required)

I’m getting into a spirited debate with a stranger about a current event and what it implies about human nature.

I’m teaching the host how to cool down wine faster—wrap the bottle in a damp paper towel before popping it in the freezer! (You’re welcome).

I’ve wrangled control of the sound system and am encouraging people to queue their favorite songs so we can belt out our favorite hits together.

I’m chatting with new friends about what we each do for work... before moving on to exchange podcast and TV recommendations.

You have an idea for how to solve an issue your team has been dealing with. What’s holding you back from sharing it?(Required)

I need to think of a clever way to pitch this, so that people are genuinely excited about the idea.

I want to look at all our data first. I don’t wanna propose a solution if it’s half-baked, that’d be a waste of everyone’s time...

I know this is a solid and creative solution, but I’m worried it's a little too out there for my team. What if they don’t get it or think it’s too “idealistic?”

I’m worried I might step on some toes by proposing this idea. I want to test it out on a colleague or two first and see what they think before pitching it to the group.

Picture this: half of your team feels strongly about one strategy for a project, but the other half insists that there's another (better!) path forward. The deadline is looming and tensions are rising, but you *have* to come to a collective decision. What’s your first instinct?(Required)

Let’s take a minute to hear everyone out and see if we’re closer to a compromise than we think.

Let’s diffuse the tension by highlighting the progress we’ve made so far, then encourage cooperation to take it to the finish line.

Let’s consider the facts and go with the smartest, most efficient solution.

Let’s zoom out and remember our ultimate goal, then let's decide which course of action will get us there.

You suspect a friend is going through a difficult time, but you’re not totally sure… they haven’t said anything about it, but they also haven’t been their usual self lately. What do you do?(Required)

Tell them that you sense something's up, and remind them that you’re always here if they wanna talk or vent about any of it...

Ask them how they are and then get quiet and listen.

Send them something funny to cheer them up, like a jumbo wine glass that says “I am woman, hear me pour” on it, with a note that says “figured you could use an extra glass...”

Wait for them to say something—it’s their business, they’ll share if and when they’re ready to.

Think of your current professional goal—maybe you’re itching to switch career paths, get promoted, or grow your own business. Which of the following concerns is playing on loop in your brain?(Required)

I know I want to engage people at a higher level, but I’m afraid I won’t be respected enough to be taken seriously.

I need to research and prepare more. If I don’t have everything mapped out, I’ll open myself up to unnecessary risk.

I know I have what it takes to be great at this, but I’m afraid of putting myself out there and getting rejected.

I’m worried that I don't have the time, resources, or know-how to turn my dream into a reality.

Which frustrating piece of feedback do you hear most often?(Required)

“You’ve given us the details, but you need to explain why they’re important in the grand scheme of things.”

“You’re coming across as overly-rehearsed— ditch the script and trust that you know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re undermining your own points—quit being so hard on yourself and try speaking with more confidence.”

“Your big ideas are great, but you need to be more realistic and consider the practical constraints of each project.”

What do you want to be *known for* professionally?(Required)

I want to be known for empowering people and creating a safe space for them to be true to who they are.

I want to be known as a go-to source for clear, reliable information—someone who’s adept at keeping everyone on-track and in-the-know.

I want to be known for lifting people’s spirits and making our work together something we’re all excited (rather than obligated) to do.

I want to be known for driving innovation and inspiring people to work toward a common purpose.

Last thing - let's get your email so we can send you your results!

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Speaking Tips

Practical tips and frameworks to help you speak like a pro, but sound like yourself.

Mindset Hacks

Techniques to help you dial down nerves, build self-trust, and express yourself with more confidence.

Advice For Teams

Empower your team to build leadership presence and elevate their communication skills.

Case Studies

Hear from real-life Self Spoken students who overcame fears, roadblocks, and old habits to step into their next-level selves.

Freebies to

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01

Presence playbook

Presence Playbook

Got a meeting or presentation coming up? Want to show up with less nerves, undeniable presence, and a game plan for articulating yourself clearly? Let me send you my "Presence Playbook"—it's designed to help you do just that.

02

5 tricks for being more clear & succinct any time you speak

5 Tricks To Be More Clear & Succinct

03

How to Outline any presentation in 5 simple steps

Outline Any Presentation in 5 Simple Steps

“Brenne is a life-changer. These are skills that everyone needs in order to navigate today’s challenging work environments. Also, the fact that I got to do something for myself and make the time… it was a really worthwhile thing to do, and I can’t wait to continue learning with this community!”

ileana M.
Pressence Under
Pressure student

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