Storytelling is an art—but sharing your story on stage can feel terrifying. The nerves, the eyes watching, the pressure to deliver—it’s enough to make anyone stumble. The good news? Confidence doesn’t come from winging it. It comes from preparation, focus, and mastering the beginning and ending of your story. Start Strong: Nail Your Opening I ran into Mike Mahony the other day. He works at Pixar Animation Studios, and I met him after his brother Dave took my storytelling work

You know that feeling. Your heart speeds up. Your throat tightens. You open your mouth to speak—and suddenly your voice cracks, rushes, or disappears altogether. You know what you want to say. You’ve practiced it in your head a dozen times. But when the moment arrives—whether it’s a meeting, a story, an interview, or even a personal conversation—your body doesn’t cooperate. The good news? Speaking confidently isn’t about “being fearless.” It’s about knowing what to do you spe