August Newsletter:Summer Sizzle For Your Speaking Skills


In this Issue

  • Public Speaking and the Kindness of Strangers
  • Add Some Summer Sizzle to Your Speech
  • Fun Stuff From My Fabulous Friends

Confidence Quotes for Summer

“Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.”

~Benjamin Franklin

“If things go wrong, don’t go with them.”

~Roger Babson

“I’ve developed a new philosophy… I only dread one day at a time.”

~Charlie Brown (Charles Schulz)


What’s Happening Over At The Blog?

Happy Birthday, Tony

Shy About Speaking Up in Public?

Beverly Sills: The Queen of Confidence

No Nerves Allowed on the Next Food Network Star

 

Are you enjoying your summer? Are you taking time off to just goof around? Well, I’m not!

I’ve been writing up a storm (because of Jeff Herring’s Article Marketing Class, re-doing my blog (as a result of being in Yaro Starak’s Blogging MasterMind, performing a lot (that’s me in the photo singing with my jazz boys at Upper Fourth) and preparing for several speaking and singing gigs coming up in September.

But I’m not complaining. I’ve been having a great time with this summer madness. And I’m really looking forward to refining my confidence chops in September when I’ll be speaking and singing for some pretty important audiences. Ah, piece of cake, right?

Speaking of confidence, I’ve got some “hot” tips for you on how to spice up your summer speeches, plus an article on how your audience can be your best ally when you feel like you’re melting into a pitiful blob on stage. Not that that will ever happen to you, but just in case.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Nancy

Public Speaking and the Kindness of Strangers

Have you ever had a speaking disaster where you felt you were losing your mind in front of an audience and there was nothing you could do about it?

“Wow, there are so many eyes looking at me!” That was the first thing she said, our speaker for the morning. She was obviously nervous. She shifted her weight from foot to foot, fidgeted a bit, and then started talking about her subject. She didn’t get very far before she stopped and said, “Geez, I’m nervous. I had no idea there would be so many of you.” At this point, she seemed to lose her train of thought. She looked down at her notes but it was as if they weren’t there. “Man. Okay, let’s see if I can figure out what I’m saying…”

Just when it seemed that she would unravel before us, her audience rescued her. They jumped in with questions about her subject, even though she hadn’t said much about it yet. Any time she reached a place where she didn’t know how to proceed, someone from the audience would ask another question.

She got through her 20-minute presentation by answering questions. If the audience hadn’t swooped in like they did, who know what would have happened. And because they swooped in, I left that meeting thinking, we really can rely on the kindness of strangers.

We forget all too easily that people are basically kind. Audiences are generous and pretty easy going. They want you, the speaker, to do well and feel comfortable. So much so that they are willing to help you out in any way they can.

But only if you let them.

Read the rest of this article here.

Add Some Summer Sizzle to Your Speech

Hey, since it’s summer, why not add a little sizzle to your next speech?

Now, I don’t normally give you suggestions on content — on what to actually say in your speech — because I feel strongly that that needs to come from you. It’s your message, not mine. But here are a few “accessories” to add a little spark and fun.

Add the 7 “S’s” of Spicy Speech Writing to your speech and have some fun!

1. Surprise!

Even if you don’t like surprises your audience will. How can you surprise them as they sit there listening to you patiently? It can even be something simple like giving away a prize. You could even conduct a mini game show where you ask a question and the first person to answer wins a prize. Use props, sound effects or movements that are wacky and unexpected, but still fit in with the “theme” of your speech.

2. Sensuality

How can you engage all the senses of your audience? A friend of mine does this by taking her audience on a visualized journey in which she describes a certain scene in vivid detail, including the sounds, smells, textures and sights. Another way is to actually have something they can touch or even smell. Kind of like show and tell. Their sense of hearing and sight are engaged by listening and looking at you, but can you spice it up by including props, photos, or by wearing an elaborate costume? Use music. If you’re telling them about your trip to Brazil, can you cue up some Brazilian music?

3. Simile & Southern Sayings

You know what a simile is, don’t you? It’s a figure of speech in which two very different things are compared in order to describe something. For instance, “her hair was like silk” or “the news hit me like a bucket of cold water.” The use of simile can spice up your speech because it adds imagery and the unexpected. Another form of simile shows up in southern expressions, like, “He was dumber than a sack of hammers” or “I was a sober as a preacher on Sunday,” or “she was two fries short of a Happy Meal.” These add a little humor and fun.

4. Sing!

Being a singer myself, I love to just throw in a song or a phrase of a song if it is relevant to what I am saying. People love it because it breaks up the monotony of talk, talk, talk and audiences appreciate anyone who has enough guts to sing a little, even if they can’t sing in tune. In fact, the worse you are, the more entertaining it can be for your audience. Just be sure to give it your all.

5. Self-Effacing Humor

My friend Jim always starts his speeches by making fun of himself in some way. It could be about how he’s dressed or some embarrassing thing that happened to him that day. He does this because it breaks that initial tension he feels when first gets up there and starts talking, and it gets the audience laughing right away. Besides, audiences tend to engage with someone who is not afraid to laugh at himself in public.

6. Significant Moment

Can you share a moment in your life that holds a lot of significance for you? Something that woke you up or changed your life? By sharing these moments or stories, you create an atmosphere of intimacy and trust, and people love to feel inspired by the experiences of others.

7. Story, Story and More Story

Stories are like salt and pepper. They should be your most dependable and highly used spices when it comes to creating your speeches. People love hearing stories. It must be in our DNA because we have been fascinated with story forever. Use stories to illustrate your points and your audience will be enraptured.

Let the 7 S’s of spicy speech writing zip up your speech this summer.

Want to read some more articles like this one? Check out my blog.

Fun Stuff From My Fabulous Friends

The Public Speaking Blog

The great thing about having a blog is that you meet other crazy bloggers who have similar interests and passions. Well, one of my blogging buddies is Eric Feng of The Public Speaking Blog.

Eric is a professional speaker who writes with passion and honesty about EVERYTHING related to public speaking. Now, Eric and I have our differences of opinion from time to time, but even when we’re arguing, it’s clear to me that his heart is always in the right place. He only wants to be of service to people who want to sharpen their public speaking skills.

The best way to get a taste of what Eric is all about is to sign up to receive his email newsletters (http://blog.ericfeng.com/). I’ve been reading and enjoying them for months now, and I’m very impressed by how prolific Eric is when it comes to sharing what he knows. You can sign up at his blog. Let me know what you think.

——————————————–

If You Are Interested in Skyrocketing Your Internet Business…

Okay, I don’t’ normally talk about business stuff in the e-zine, but if you are wanting to attract more business through the internet, you will want to know about this.

Take it from me. I have spent thousands of dollars in classes, coaching and other education in an attempt to build my business online. Most of it has been a total waste of time and money.

But now I have found a program that is paying off! It’s the Article Writing and Marketing telecourse by Jeff Herring, The Article Guy. Ever since I started doing what Jeff taught me, I’ve experienced a significant increase in the number of people signing up for my e-zine as well as people contacting me to ask about my programs and products.

I only wish I had found Jeff sooner!

Jeff teaches you how to radically boost your business by writing and submitting articles to article directories. Then he shows you how to take those articles you’ve already written and turn them into information products that you can sell to your clients.

So, if you like to write and want to discover a fun, rewarding way to attract new business and create some valuable information products, sign up for Jeff’s Fall course, Article Writing and Marketing Secrets.

Happy writing!

As always, I sincerely appreciate you making room in your emailbox for this e-zine. I hope you find it valuable and fun to read.

Hey, what would you like to see in this ezine? What do you want to know? If you could ask any question about speaking or performing in public and receive the perfect answer, what would that one question be?

Let me know by dropping me an email at nancy[at]unconditionalconfidence[dot]com.

Or if you’re having too much summer fun to even think about such things, that’s okay. I’ll catch you in the Fall!

Confidently yours,
Nancy Tierney

P.S. If you know someone who might enjoy receiving the “Becoming Fearless” ezine, would you forward this ezine to them? Or better yet, tell them to hop on over to my website and sign up for a copy of their own.

I appreciate your help in spreading the word.

nancy tierney

 

 

Happy Birthday, Tony!

tony-bennett-bh01.jpgToday is Tony Bennett’s birthday. He’s 81, and I am so in love with him.

I’m listening to him now. He’s singing, “Keep smiling at trouble, for trouble is a bubble, and bubbles will soon fly away…”

Sing it, Tony! You are the MAN!

Why am I so in love with Tony Bennett? Maybe because as a singer who is now 50 years old, I find it extremely encouraging to hear someone sing so damned well at age 81. But it’s more than that.

He has a charisma that isn’t showy, over-the-top, or confrontive. He just is who he is, humble, sweet and so in love with what he is doing. He lets the song be the star, not him. Though there are those moments when he’s belting the bejeebers out of the final phrase of “For Once in My Life.” By the way, you MUST check out the duet with Tony and Stevie Wonder on the Duets CD. It is unfreakin’ believable.

All of that and he sings so beautifully. As he’s aged, his voice has gotten a little husky around the edges but it only makes him sound more real, human and believable. But hey, I am sooooo biased. An infatuated fan.

But my infatuation aside, Tony teaches us that being real without any flash, pomp or antics is what real charisma is all about. Authenticity is the essential ingredient in charisma, otherwise it’s just superficial shenanigans. He also is a great example of someone who is so in love with his “message,” which is every song he sings, that he always bows to the meaning and nobility of each song, letting that be the thing that comes above all else. Just like your message, your offering of information or even entertainment needs to be the focus or “the star” of your speech or show.

Or maybe I just needed an excuse to share with you my crazy love for Tony and so I’m trying to make it relevant to the subject of this blog. But I don’t think so. I don’t fall in love too easily. And there is a reason why Tony Bennett is still selling records and singing to sold out crowds.

Happy Birthday, Tony! Thank you for the music. And the lessons in real charisma.

Add Some Summer Sizzle to Your Speech

sunHey, it’s summer. Time to lighten up and add a little sizzle to your next speech.
Here are some light-hearted suggestions:

The 7 “S’s” of Spicy Speech Writing

1. Surprise!

Even if you don’t like surprises your audience will. How can you surprise them as they sit there listening to you patiently? It can even be something simple like giving away a prize. You could even conduct a mini game show where you ask a question and the first person to answer wins a prize. Use props, sound effects or movements that are wacky and unexpected, but still fit in with the “theme” of your speech.

2. Sensual

How can you engage all the senses of your audience? A friend of mine does this by taking her audience on a visualized journey in which she describes a certain scene in vivid detail, including the sounds, smells, textures and sights. Another way is to actually have something they can touch or even smell. Kind of like show and tell. Their sense of hearing and sight are engaged by listening and looking at you, but can you spice it up by including props, photos, or by wearing an elaborate costume? Use music. If you’re telling them about your trip to Brazil, can you cue up some Brazilian music?

3. Simile & Southern Sayings

You know what a simile is, don’t you? It’s a figure of speech in which two very different things are compared in order to describe something. For instance, “her hair was like silk” or “the news hit me like a bucket of cold water.” The use of simile can spice up your speech because it adds imagery and the unexpected. Another form of simile shows up in southern expressions, like, “He was dumber than a sack of hammers” or “I was a sober as a preacher on Sunday,” or “she was two fries short of a Happy Meal.” These add a little humor and fun.

4. Sing!

Being a singer myself, I love to just throw in a song or a phrase of a song if it is relevant to what I am saying. People love it because it breaks up the monotony of talk, talk, talk and audiences appreciate anyone who has enough guts to sing a little, even if they can’t sing in tune. In fact, the worse you are, the more entertaining it can be for your audience. Just be sure to give it your all.

5. Self-Effacing Humor

My friend Jim always starts his speeches by making fun of himself in some way. It could be about how he’s dressed or some embarrassing thing that happened to him that day. He does this because it breaks that initial tension he feels when first gets up there and starts talking, and it gets the audience laughing right away. Besides, audiences tend to engage with someone who is not afraid to laugh at himself in public.

6. Significant Moment

Can you share a moment in your life that holds a lot of significance for you? Something that woke you up or changed your life? By sharing these moments or stories, you create an atmosphere of intimacy and trust, and people love to feel inspired by the experiences of others.

7. Story, Story and More Story

Stories are like salt and pepper. They should be your most dependable and highly used spices when it comes to creating your speeches. People love hearing stories. It must be in our DNA because we have been fascinated with story forever. Use stories to illustrate your points and your audience will be enraptured.

Let the 7 S’s of spicy speech writing zip up your speech this summer.

Public Speaking and the Kindness of Strangers

“Wow, there are so many eyes looking at me!” That was the first thing she said, our speaker for the morning. She was obviously nervous. She shifted her weight from foot to foot, fidgeted a bit, and then started talking about her subject. She didn’t get very far before she stopped and said, “Geez, I’m nervous. I had no idea there would be so many of you.” At this point, she seemed to lose her train of thought. She looked down at her notes but it was as if they weren’t there. “Man. Okay, let’s see if I can figure out what I’m saying…”

Just when it seemed that she would unravel before us, her audience rescued her. They jumped in with questions about her subject, even though she hadn’t said much about it yet. Any time she reached a place where she didn’t know how to proceed, someone from the audience would ask another question.

She got through her 20-minute presentation by answering questions. If the audience hadn’t swooped in like they did, who know what would have happened. And because they swooped in, I left that meeting thinking, we really can rely on the kindness of strangers.

We forget all too easily that people are basically kind. Audiences are generous and pretty easy going. They want you, the speaker, to do well and feel comfortable. So much so that they are willing to help you out in any way they can. But only if you let them.
Read more

Articles

 

Fabulous Articles!

 

The Myth of Mistakes

Mistakes are like the boogy-man. They are a myth. They exist only because we’re afraid of them.

 

The 20-Second Connection: It’s Not WHAT You Say.
It’s HOW You Say It

“Why does that happen to me? I don’t get it?”My friend Trisha. She just got back from a dinner party.“It’s the weirdest thing,” she continues, “Someone will ask me, “What do you do?” and it’s as if they just asked…

Part II: The 20-Second Connection: What Do You Say?

Remember last month’s post about how to answer the question, “What do you do?” What, you don’t remember! Well, rather focusing on WHAT to say, I wrote about HOW to say it. But today, let’s talk about how to script…

Part III: Did You Make the Connection?

Time for a pop quiz! You remember those, don’t you? When your teacher would surprise you with a quiz that you were in no way prepared for? If you had any control-freak, perfectionist qualities, you dreaded those pop quizzes! Well, in…

When You’re Feeling Nervous, Let It Move!

The time is getting close. Any minute now, someone will introduce you. You will make your way to the front of the room and speak to a group of people who are anticipating your every word. As you wait for…

Diva Secret #1: You Can’t Care What Anyone Else Thinks

I recently wrote a Special Report that I’d like to share with you. It’s called “The Diva’s 7 Secrets to Speaking or Performing With Confidence, Ease and Charisma.” I’ll be posting these Secrets one by one over the next few…

Diva Secret #2: Focus On The Fabulous!

Diva Secret #3: Be Yourself

Diva Secret #4
You Can’t Make a Mistake Because There Is No Such Thing!

Diva Secret #5: Connection Comes Before Content

Diva Secret #6: Allow Your Audience to Be Who They Are

Diva Secret #7: You Gotta Have Fun!

The Summary & Appendix to The Diva’s 7 Secrets

Why Public Speaking Experts Should Shut Up And Sit Down!

I couldn’t stop squirming in my seat. Every word out of his mouth made me fidget with frustration. It was all I could do to not shout out loud, “Please shut up and sit down!” I was at a conference…

Public Speaking – How to Beat the Epidemic
of Not Enough

Danger! There’s an epidemic infecting the majority of the population of America. Maybe the world. No, I’m not talking about avian flu, or malaria or hyperopia. I’m talking about the Epidemic of Not Enough.The symptoms to watch for are: a…

Contact


Contacting Unconditional Confidence

Have a question?

Do you want to know more about upcoming Unconditional Confidence trainings?

Or maybe you just want to email me to say “Hi!”

Please email your request to Nancy Tierney (That’s me!) and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
nancy [at] unconditionalconfidence.com
(707) 824-5604
708 Gravenstein Hwy. North
Box 167
Sebastopol, CA 95472

Fun Stuff

Fun Stuff

Public Speaking Resources

Speaking Circles International
www.speakingcircles.com
I incorporate several of the Speaking Circle principles in my own program because they are so good!

Toastmasters International
www.toastmasters.org
Now, I don’t go to Toastmasters because I don’t like their “rating” system, and I don’t recommend it for people who are scared stiff of speaking in public. But if you’re just a little nervous and you want to hone your skills, you might really like joining a local Toastmasters group.

National Speakers Association
www.nsaspeaker.org
When you’re ready to become a professional speaker.

Books

Confidence & Fearlessness

Fearless Living
Rhonda digs right in to the heart of fear in the beginning chapters of this book. She knows what she’s talking about. This book gets a little thick and sticky when she starts talking about the “how” of it all, the Wheel of Fear and the Wheel of Freedom, but the essence of this book is right on.

Public Speaking/Performing

Be Heard Now
This is where you start. Lee Glickstein’s book is a must read for anyone who wants to speak or perform with ease and authenticity.

The Likeability Factor

What does this book have to do with public speaking and performing?
A lot! I squirmed at the underlying premise that you need to be liked to be successful and happy, but the four main traits that Saunders talks about — friendliness, relevance, empathy and “realness” can be directly applied to public speaking or performing.

The Law of Attraction

Ask and It Is Given
Abraham is the authority when it comes to the Law of Attraction, in my opinion. But this material can be very rich and intense to read. You might want to start by listening to a recording of one of their workshops at Abraham-Hicks.

The Law of Attraction
Michael’s approach to the Law of Attraction is simple, straightforward and easy to understand and apply. A small but marvelous book.

The Feel Good Guide to Prosperity
Eva rocks! She has a fresh and lively approach to living the Law of Attraction and Deliberate Creation.

The Attractor Factor
While none of this information was new to me, I liked the way that Joe Vitale makes the Law of Attraction so accessible and easy for anybody to understand. His enthusiasm is uplifting and fun, and he has some amazing personal stories in this book.

Websites, Blogs & E-zines With Great Speaking Information

Tom Antion’s Great Speaking Site
www.antion.com
Tom is a kick! Besides being a funny guy, he has been teaching speakers how to be great speakers for years!

River Ways
www.riverways.com
Carla has a great e-zine newsletter and be sure to sign up for her “ABC’s of Presence in Public Speaking” (http://www.riverways.com/public-speaking-tips.htm)

Public Speaking for All
blog.ericfeng.com
While I don’t agree with everything Eric says, he says it so well that I almost don’t care! This blog has a ton of excellent articles, ideas, and helpful information. Eric is so generous with what he knows, and he is a wonderful writer.

Friends Whom I Love to Tell Everyone About Because They Are Talented and Fabulous and Fun

Red-Hot Copy
www.red-hot-copy.com
Need a Red-Hot Copywriter? Want to learn about how to make your copy do it’s job? Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero is your girl!

Andy Wibbels — The Original Blogging Evangelist
www.andywibbels.com
Andy got me hooked on blogging. (Why, Andy, why?) He also made me fall in love with him. Not in a mushy, romantic way, but in an idol-worship kind of way. I guess I’m a sucker for a guy who can write with mesmerizing energy, humor and snarky style.

Book Yourself Solid
www.bookyourselfsolid.com
Think Big Revolution
www.thinkbigrevolution.com

Michael Port is insane. The above sites represent only a small fraction of what he offers to coaches and solo entrepreneurs. I’ve listed these because they offer tons of free information that is first-rate, but I also highly recommend any course or program Michael offers. But be prepared to commit yourself and take action!

Sharilyn Horne Business Concepts
www.sharilynhorne.com
How do you like my site? Well, Shari designed it. She knows how to create anything I want for my site and she does it with creative brilliance. Check out her site, her blog and her portfolio.

What People Are Saying

What People Are Saying about
Unconditional Confidence

“This was by far one of the best classes I’ve ever taken, bar none! It was a life changing experience. Thanks, Nancy.”

Tom Montan
Copperfield Books

“Nancy did an amazing job of teaching me how to be “comfortable in my own skin,” and how to connect with the audience. This is stuff you just can’t get by reading a book. You’ve got to experience it.”

Jeanne Eilers
Recreation Specialist

“By working with Nancy one-on-one, my fear was transformed into fun. I used to feel nervous and self-conscious anytime I had to speak in front of a group, but after working with Nancy and her Unconditional Confidence training program, I really have a good time anytime I get to speak or give a presentation. Nancy taught me how to find my own authentic way of speaking with people, a way that allowed me to be genuine and at ease while making a powerful connection with the people in my audience. As a result, all my communications, not just my public speaking, are more effective and satisfying now.

But best yet, my work with Nancy allowed me to become more confident in every area of my life, not just in public speaking. The tools, processes and support she provided fueled my own insight into what was holding me back and how to set myself free. Without a doubt, the Unconditional Confidence program has been one of the most empowering experiences in both my personal and professional life.”

Craig Ahlswede
Staff Resources Inc.

“Working with Nancy and her Unconditional Confidence 6-week training allowed me to experiment, express and enjoy with new abandon. I was able to work at the edge of my fear while feeling completely seen, celebrated and held. The grip of negative beliefs unraveled and lost their power. Energy, desire and inspiration flowed. My own teaching practice has deepened, and my students are benefiting from this work as well.”

Fran Carbanaro
Singer, Voice Teacher, Performance Coach

“I am Nancy Tierney’s biggest fan. After working with her for just two months, I gave the best presentation of my career at an industry conference. As a result, I was invited to speak at two more conferences, I attracted two new clients and eleven potential clients and I got a big head from all the compliments I received from my colleagues. I felt like a famous movie star!

Nancy’s coaching gave me permission to take risks, think outside the box and have fun. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”

Tom Boyd
Boyd & Nicholas

“I feel a renewed energy and I’m really going for it! This is, without a doubt, due to what I learned in the Unconditional Confidence training. I used to feel this weight as our presentation date approached, but now I’m really looking forward to it…which is an amazing change for me. Nancy, you are awesome!”

Angela Rush
The Healthy Community

“Nancy Tierney is a FABULOUS teacher when it comes to public speaking and performing. She is by far our most popular presenter at the Volunteer Center where she has been presenting an Unconditional Confidence workshop to members of the nonprofit community for several years. Class participants write glowing evaluations about her sessions and how her trainings have changed their lives. Thank you, Nancy, for your wonderful energy, style, and confidence!”

Jean Bertelsen

Director of Non-Profit Resources
Volunteer Center of Sonoma County

“Unconditional Confidence turns public speaking on its head! This is a very unique approach. After taking the six-week class, I am so much more comfortable with just being myself and being free to not tie myself to a prepared speech. I realized that I can tell a good story and I can capture an audience by just being who I truly am.”

Su Lin Mangan

“Because of Nancy’s exciting approach to confidence, I was able to let go of my old ‘not good enough’ story. This change allowed me to manifest more sales of my CD that resulted in radio airplay on a 24-hour jazz station. Even though I am a coach who is being coached by another powerful coach, my work with Nancy contributed a big piece to my emotional and psychological healing.

Her own fearless communication, her willingness to be vulnerable, honest and open, her humor, her heart and her brilliance all stand out for me.”

Sherle Stevens

Jazz Singer, Photographer, Coach
www.liveonsky.com

“This workshop helped me to move through my fears and barriers so I could actually, for the first time, get up and speak in front of a group. And because of what I learned here, it was actually fun!”

Linda Stettler
Life Challenge Solutions

“In just a few short sessions with Nancy, I moved from slumping around, digging myself ever deeper into my “I don’t know what I want to do and I don’t interview well” hole into finding my place at the table in the perfect job with kindred spirits. Nancy helped me claim my power, my passion, my Pele within. I learned how to trust my voice and connect with myself and others even while feeling anxious. Nancy also taught me some simple techniques to not only voice my big dreams but live them. And she was available to coach and encourage me all along the way.

“Best of all, we laughed long and loudly with each other. I am so grateful for the light and life that Nancy shares with me and the world.”

Debra Kelly

Programs & Products

Programs and Products
from Unconditional Confidence

Transform your experience of speaking or performing from one of dread and anxiety to one of confidence, ease and fun.

The “Become the Star You Are” TeleClinic

a free monthly TeleClinic

Do you have a question or two about how to speak or perform with confidence, ease and your own kind of creative charisma? Well, come to this monthly TeleClinic and get your questions answered!

For more information and to register (it’s free!), go here.

“Engage Your Audience:
How to Create an Authentic Connection in All Your Communications”

$22 US

This CD gives you “The Three Be’s”, three powerful tools that will allow you to immediately be more effective, engaging and at ease in all your personal and professional communications. Listen in the car on the way to work and let the magic begin! Enjoy making a delicious, satisfying connection with your audience, whether it’s an audience of one or one thousand.

Buy Now

“Gimme Confidence Quick!
A Crash Course in Speaking with Confidence, Clarity and Ease In Any Situation

A Six-Week TeleClass

$250

In 6 weeks, you can be feeling super-confident any time you open your mouth to speak in any situation. Need to ask your boss for a raise? Want to feel comfortable and at ease on a first date? Want to give that business presentation with confidence and charisma? Sign up for “Gimme Confidence, Quick!” TeleClass and you will receive Power Tools and Techniques that will have you feeling fearless fast! This is going to be fun!

Dates: Starts March 1, 2007.

“The 20-Second Connection:
How to Create Conversation, Curiosity and Connection Every Time You Answer the Question, “What Do YOU Do?”

How do you answer when someone asks you, “What do you do?”
Would you like to answer with confidence and enthusiasm?
Would you like to give an answer that elicits endless questions and insatiable interest on the part of your listener? Sure you would!
And I know you would like to walk away from that conversation knowing that you made a great connection with whomever you were speaking.

Sign up for The 20-Second Connection!

“Scaredy-Cat No More!
Speaking With Confidence”

One-day Live Workshop

$150

After this live one-day workshop, you will have the Power Tools, experience and support you need to start skipping down the path complete confidence, ease and authenticity whenever you are expressing yourself. Limited to twelve people.

Dates: TBA

“Speak Out and Show Off with Unconditional Confidence”
A Six Week TeleClass

$600

In six weeks or less, you can feel completely confident and have the time of your life every time you speak, perform or express yourself in any way. This 6-week TeleClass gives you the Basic Power Tools and Processes that will allow you to discover your own unique way of feeling fearless and free any time you are expressing yourself in any way. Includes the Unconditional Confidence Guidebook and CD’s, loads of personal support and professional coaching plus unlimited email/phone support.

Dates: TBA

Unconditional Confidence: Bone-Deep
An Advanced Six-Week TeleClass

$600

In this TeleClass you move beyond the basics into knowing, in your bones, your own unconditional confidence, creative freedom and magnetic power. Includes weekly training sessions, the Bone-Deep Confidence Guidebook and CD’s, and loads of personal support and professional coaching plus unlimited email/phone support. This class is tailored to meet your individual needs and goals relative to your self-confidence in all areas of your life.

Dates: TBA

Private Coaching

All of the above programs are offered on a one-on-one coaching basis for those of you who don’t have a schedule that allows you to be a part of an ongoing class. If you are interested in receiving one-on-one coaching, please contact me at nancy [at] unconditionalconfidence.com

***All group trainings are offered on-site for groups of six or more. To find out more about on-site trainings, contact Nancy at nancy [at] unconditionalconfidence.com

Be sure to sign up for “Becoming Fearless” to receive announcements about upcoming trainings as well as confidence-boosting information. Register at the top of this page!

Delivery Method

All products will be delivered by U.S. Mail unless otherwise stated in the product description. Please expect 10-14 business days for delivery. Guidebooks and audio products will be delivered electronically unless requested otherwise by the customer.

Return/Refund Policy

View our complete return and refund policy.

For Customer Service:
service [at] unconditionalconfidence.com
(707) 824-5604

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
about Unconditional Confidence


What makes Unconditional Confidence different from any other program dealing with stage fright or anxiety?

What practices or schools of thought is the program based on? What tools are included and where do they come from?


I don’t have time for a long, drawn out program. I just want to have confidence now! Can your program do that for me?

I don’t really have stage fright. I just want to feel more spontaneous and authentic when I am speaking. Can your program give me what I want?

You say these programs are fun. How can that be? I’m scared just thinking about it!


Do you offer a money-back guarantee?


What makes Unconditional Confidence different from any other program dealing with stage fright or anxiety?
There are many approaches to transforming stage fright, from psychotherapy to medication to hypnosis. The Unconditional Confidence program is unique because:

1. It’s holistic, which means that it addresses all aspects of your experience: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

 

2. It is tailored meet to your own needs and goals. Not everybody faces the same symptoms or reasons for feeling  doubt, fear or anxiety. Nor does everyone learn in the same way. The Unconditional Confidence program is flexible so that it can meet your unique and individual needs and goals.

3. You are not required to attend meetings or group practice sessions in order to get the most out of this program. Some programs base their effectiveness on your attendance of meetings in order to practice, like Toastmasters or Speaking Circles. While Unconditional Confidence program encourages you to find opportunities to express yourself in group situations, it’s not necessary in order to benefit greatly from the program.

4. This program is about developing real, honest to goodness confidence in every area of your life, not just in your self-expression. We focus on self-expression through speaking or performing,

but everything you learn in this program can be applied to any area in your life where you would like to feel unconditionally confident and free
. We are going for the real thing here: undeniable, bone-deep confidence in who you are, not just what you do.

5. It allows you to be you. This program is not about becoming a clone of some super star motivational speaker or the next Bette Midler. It’s not about learning prepackaged techniques and gestures and ways of presenting yourself. It’s about you finding your own genuine, authentic way of expressing yourself.

6. It’s drug free, hypnosis free, behavior modification free, psychotherapy free, NLP free, dogma-free, and suffering-free.

7. It’s fun. I know, it’s hard to believe, but the journey gets to be as fun as the destination. Sometimes I am afraid to tell people that this program is fun because so many people think there’s no gain without pain. But what could be more fun than experiencing the joy of having what you want?

In this program we learn through our joy, inspiration, pleasure and upliftment, not our suffering. So, if you want a program that is hard and heartbreaking, this isn’t the program for you.


What practices or schools of thought is the program based on? What tools are included and where do they come from?
The Unconditional Confidence program is a distillation and expansion of four revolutionary schools devoted to the liberation of our human experience. Sounds mysterious, doesn’t it? Some of these “schools of experience” focus on confidence in public communication and performance. Others focus on becoming free of all that holds you back from joy and personal freedom.

For example,

Speaking Circles International

and the teachings of Dr. Ben Bernstein of Oakland, CA, are two sources of valuable information that are included in the Unconditional Confidence program. These systems focus primarily on becoming free, authentic, present and powerful when speaking or performing.

The teachings of

Abraham-Hicks

and the somatic principles of the

Lomi School of Somatics

are also included, and these schools focus on becoming empowered, creative, and free in every area of your life.

In my experience, not any one of these four programs alone, nor any others I tried along the way, were complete in and of themselves when it came to transforming fear, doubt and anxiety into confidence, ease and joy. That’s why I created the Unconditional Confidence program so that I could distill and expand upon the best of what these schools and other experts had to offer.


I don’t have time for a long, drawn out program. I just want to have confidence now! Can your program do that for me?
The Unconditional Program is practical and immediately applicable. You can put it to work for you immediately and you will feel a positive shift in your level of confidence and an increasing joy and satisfaction in all your communications. Right away.

If you’re looking for confidence quick, check out the “Gimme Confidence Quick” TeleClass and ebook. They are designed for people like you who don’t want a long program.

The 6-week programs are also pretty condensed but they are focused on creating a real, deep, internal shift in our level of confidence, creativity and charisma. If you want the real deal —  true, abiding, trustworthy, unshakeable self-confidence that is expansive, evolving and joyful — it takes a little time, focus, and practice.

Because everyone is different and has different needs, I designed Unconditional Confidence programs for the get-me-there-quick as well as the sure-and-steady. Some people just need just a few tools and a different perspective and they are off and running. Sometimes the dam that holds you back is paper thin, and one thought, one “ah-hah!” is all you need, and nothing can ever hold you back again.



I don’t really have stage fright. I just want to feel more spontaneous and authentic when I am speaking. Can your program give me what I want?
You betcha!

All aspects of the Unconditional Confidence program are directed towards you becoming more and more of who you really are as you discover and claim your authentic way of expressing yourself. You become deeply connected to your unique, wild voice that comes from your core and you realize that you can trust that voice to be there at any time.

My recommendation for you is either the “Stand Up and Show Off” six-week TeleClass or individual coaching sessions, all of which will give you the tools, experience and support you need to quickly become completely authentic and spontaneous in your communications. It just depends on where you are in your own journey towards creative, authentic self-expression.



You say these programs are fun. How can that be? I’m scared just thinking about it!
Ah, yes. This program is fun because 1) you feel safe right away 2) it celebrates who you are right now as well as who you are becoming, 3) it doesn’t focus on what’s wrong, rather 4) it’s about having and experiencing what you want, and what could be more fun than that? Plus, true confidence and self empowerment come from being connected to and identified with that essential part of you that is inspired, joyful, impulsive and full of fun!


But let me be clear. Just because the path is enjoyable and fun doesn’t mean it takes your concerns and goals lightly. On the contrary. I take your desire very seriously. But serious doesn’t equal suffering. Believe me, the path to freedom can be a joyous one.


Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

If you incorporate the Power Tools and Processes into your experience and receive the coaching offered in the Unconditional Confidence trainings and you still feel you are not experiencing more confidence, ease, and authenticity in your self-expression, then I will refund 100% of your money.

Any training that includes an Unconditional Confidence Guidebook of any kind are exempt from this policy.

The reason for this is that the Unconditional Confidence Guidebook and/or weekly sessions are transmitted via email or snail mail during these programs.  These documents contain years and years of extensive and expensive research, education, hard-earned personal experience that is just too valueable to give away.