Me and public speaking. Now that's a relationship that went from stand-offish to a snug embrace.

Me and coaching? That was love at first sight.

I found coaching first, as a client.

I thought I wanted to reinvigorate my career as an editor, but the more I received coaching, the more I felt a growing desire to become a coach myself. Where had I known such safety in conversation? Where had I felt so accepted for who I was, just as I was? Where had I so honored my freedom of choice? Where had I tapped into such courage and joy for my life?

Nowhere else.

Coaching was love, pure and simple. And so I became a coach.

Wanting to be a coach and business owner who inspired change propelled me to face my fear of speaking in public.

Until then, I had been so terrified of public speaking that I never did it. Not at my dearest friend's wedding, and not ever at work—even when it was an honor to have been asked. I couldn't bear being the center of attention.

Discovering Relational Presence as taught at a Speaking Circle freed my self-expression in new ways. Here was acceptance and safety—in front of people! 

When had I ever felt comfortable in front of a group? When had I experienced such vulnerability and yet so much inner security at the same time? When had I ever known the moving impact I could have on a group of people? When had I ever had FUN in front of a group?

Never before.

Relational Presence, too, was love. And so I became a teacher of it.

Now that I had skills as a coach and as a Relational Presence practitioner—and some newfound confidence as well—it was time to step out and let my own True Voice be heard.

I was surprised when a couple asked me to be their wedding coach. They wanted me to coach them at their wedding reception, in front of all their guests! 

Wow . . . I would need to put my best foot forward professionally, all while being a center of attention.

The person I was before would have flat out refused. The me whose True Voice had found freedom of expression and inner security was gratified to be able to say yes—and to have fun doing it.