Doreen Downing

Unmasking the Real You: 3 Ways You Might Be Hiding Your Authentic Self

by | Dec 14, 2023 | Authentic Speaking, Confident public speaking, Events & Programs, Fearless Public Speaking, Find Your Voice Blog, Leadership and Public Speaking, Mindfulness and speaking, Personal Relationships and Speaking, Public Speaking Anxiety, Public Speaking Coaching, Public Speaking Tips, Workshops for Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

Before I present what I believe are the three ways you might be hiding your authentic self, let’s first talk about masks. As youngsters, we learn how to create all sorts of masks, and these aren’t the kind that we make with colored paper, crayons, and glue. I’m...
When It Comes to Speaking, Are You an “Orchid” or a “Dandelion?”

When It Comes to Speaking, Are You an “Orchid” or a “Dandelion?”

by | Aug 4, 2021 | Authentic Speaking, Confident public speaking, Essential Speaking, Events & Programs, Fear of Speaking, Find Your Voice Blog, Public Speaking Anxiety

Two Types of Speakers What are you when it comes to public speaking, an “orchid” or a “dandelion?” I came across the “orchid” and “dandelion” concept when I listened to an interview with W. Thomas Boyce. M.D. talking about his book, The Orchid and the Dandelion: Why...
“I don’t know why I’m so afraid”

“I don’t know why I’m so afraid”

by | Nov 23, 2020 | Authentic Speaking, Confident public speaking, Essential Speaking, Events & Programs, Fear of Speaking, Fearless Public Speaking, Find Your Voice Blog, Inspiration to speak in public, Leadership and Public Speaking, Mindfulness and speaking, Personal Relationships and Speaking, Presence and public speaking, Public Speaking Anxiety, Public Speaking Coaching, Public Speaking Tips, Self Talk, Speaking to Groups

Recently, someone emailed me for advice on how to handle his fear of public speaking. I thought I’d share my response to him with you because it contains valuable tips on how you can handle your fear of speaking. Here is the response I wrote to him: The very first...