It's the summer of '82. I'm standing in a holding area at Shea Stadium, ready to stride out to the pitcher's mound and sing the National Anthem - a huge opportunity for a fledgling performer new to NYC. Butterflies beat against each other in my churning stomach. A few steps away, a crusty, seasoned old groundskeeper watches me through slitted eyes. "Did you know Robert Goulet forgot the lyrics to the National Anthem?" he says with a grin. "Good luck out there." And then he opens the gate and beckons towards the waiting microphone.

I walk out onto the field, his words ringing in my head... "Robert Goulet forgot the lyrics..." I look up and see myself projected on a gigantic screen, my tan marks showing above my strapless red dress. I look very young, and very scared. When I reach the mic, I turn around to face a stadium filled with over 33,000 baseball fans. They are all waiting for me to open my mouth and sing. And so, I do:

"Oh Say Can you See..." My voice is tiny, unamplified in the still summer air until suddenly, after almost a full-second's delay, it slams back at me, massive in the echoey sound system. The sound delay is distracting, but I forge ahead: "what's so proudly we hailed..." Out of nowhere, the groundskeeper's scratchy voice hisses in my ear, a little nagging imp: "Robert Goulet forgot the lyrics..." And suddenly, it happens: "Whose bright stripes and broad stars..." I sing. Bright stripes and broad stars? AUUUUUUUUGH! And in that moment, I know I've gone and done it: Just like Robert Goulet, I have forgotten the words to the national anthem. In front of 33, 000 people, not to mention a televised audience. I manage to get through the rest of the song, my face burning, my heart slamming against my ribs, and stumble off the field. Alive. But oh so shaken.

Now, why am I telling you this story? Simply to say, I've been there. I've fallen on my face, time and time again, in front of countless audiences, on countless stages, blindsided by stomach-kicking fear. Just like you.

But here's the difference between you and me: I've learned, through my experience and training as a professional performer, speaker and workshop facilitator, to make peace with my fear. I've learned tools and techniques to harness that fear and use it to my advantage, so that I can be relaxed and present and in the moment, no matter what obstacles I encounter. Because, as every great actor knows, only when you are relaxed and truly present in the given moment can you communicate effectively, powerfully and persuasively.

SPEEK was born out of my passionate desire to share what I know and help you embrace your fears, so that you can bring more of yourself to your spoken words-whether you are singing the national anthem in front of 30,000 strangers or speaking to a prickly client. Your voice and your words are powerful: Let me help you make the most of them.