<p>#256: Have you ever felt the thrill—and terror—of speaking in front of an audience? Public speaking can cause a whirlwind of emotions in seconds!</p><p>In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the art of public speaking– how to manage nerves, the crucial role of preparation and feedback, and practical tips to help you speak with confidence.</p><p>I also talk about…</p><ul><li>My experience transitioning from corporate public speaking to full-time podcasting</li><li>Tips for feeling comfortable in front of an audience</li><li>Overcoming the fear of being seen and heard</li><li>The difference between being a good talker and a good speaker</li><li>Tactical strategies for finding public speaking opportunities</li><li>Moderator tips for speaking effectively at events</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Resources:</p><ul><li><a href="https://balancedles.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to my Substack, Balance with Les</a></li><li>Come to<a href="https://citywinery.com/new-york-city/events/balanced-black-girl-live-3t3o1x" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Balanced Black Girl Live</a> on Oct 21st in NYC.</li><li>Episode 253:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0UyGZaz7zcKr7TW6rS4FE1?si=2vzuSYqdQ56HabcqKTZB6w&nd=1&dlsi=083568cc79634922" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> How to Win at Life: The Mindset Shift You Need to Level Up</a></li><li>Episode 247:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zy6A3F3jorIC7mnIxpaa3?si=ulGjVq3pRZeP6772z30BJA&nd=1&dlsi=7737342471c342ad" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> How to Stop Caring About What Other People Think</a></li><li>Episode 227:<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LGhkYhe6jumChCYFJirI1?si=T-NcDtkoQ5mUTIM1xDaEMg&nd=1&dlsi=b121e7792b934aa3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Manifest Dream Opportunities, and Navigate Life’s Pivots with Kirsten Ferguson</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Keep in touch with Balanced Black Girl:</p><ul><li>Watch on YouTube<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BalancedBlackGirl/videos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @BalancedBlackGirl</a></li><li><a href="https://shop.dearmedia.com/collections/balanced-black-girl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shop limited-edition Balanced Black Girl merch</a></li><li>Follow on IG:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @balancedles</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/balancedblackgirlpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@balancedblackgirlpodcast</a></li><li>Follow on TikTok<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> @balancedles</a></li><li>Visit our website at<a href="http://balancedblackgirl.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> balancedblackgirl.com</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Sponsors:</p><ul><li>Shopify | Get your online business up and running with Shopify. Sign up for $1 per month trial period at<a href="http://shopify.com/balancedblackgirl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> shopify.com/balancedblackgirl</a>.</li><li>Thrive Market | Save time and money by shopping with Thrive Market. Visit<a href="http://thrivemarket.com/balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> thrivemarket.com/balancedles</a> for 30% off plus a free $60 gift.</li><li>Nutrafol | Get results that you can run your fingers through! For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to<a href="http://nutrafol.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> nutrafol.com</a> and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.</li><li>Smartwater | Smartwater alkaline will keep you hydrated throughout your active life– whether you’re running miles or running meetings. To try it out visit<a href="http://drinksmartwater.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> drinksmartwater.com</a>.</li><li>Paleovalley | Paleovalley Organ Complex is oderless, tasetless, and contains 3 nutrient dense organ meats (liver, kidney & heart) from grass-fed cows, where most organ supplements contain just liver. Go to<a href="http://paleovalley.com/balancedles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> paleovalley.com/balancedles</a>, or use code BALANCEDLES at check out for 15% off your first purchase.</li><li>Philadelphia Cream Cheese | Philadelphia makes everything creamier. Visit<a href="http://creamcheese.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> creamcheese.com</a> for recipe inspiration and to purchase Philadelphia Cream Cheese so you can start adding it to your recipes at home!</li></ul><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>