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Create. Inspire. Serve!
October, 2013 |
| A Note from Andrea Beaulieu Dealing With the Pressure to Perform We've all been there. The big presentation is coming up and you're feeling a little nervous. There's a lot riding on it and you're not sure you're up to it. Maybe you've extended your reach beyond your current comfort zone. Whatever it is, you're feeling the pressure to perform. I feel your pain. I've been there many times in my professional and personal life. Just this past month, I spoke on six different occasions. Every one of those presentations was important to me and to the audience members. They didn't want to waste their time and investment. I wanted to deliver valuable information in a way that was clear, interactive and entertaining. And let's face it, when you're a coach, and one of your areas of expertise is speaking, the pressure is on! I felt butterflies for one speech in particular -- a group of CEOs. Even though I work one on one with CEOs on a regular basis, I'd heard this group could really challenge you. So I prepared and rehearsed and did everything I could to get ready. I felt a little anxious because I wanted to not just meet, but exceed their expectations. I hoped I would be good enough. Ugh! That old thought. What does that mean -- good enough? You can't really define it because it has nothing to do with your actual performance. It's grounded in feelings of insecurity, and if we're willing to admit it, shame. All of us have those from time to time, especially when we're stretching beyond our old comfort zones. So, I took some of the steps I share with you below in the Creativity Tip on how to deal with the pressure to perform and bring your best to your presentation. Then I knew I was ready. On the day of the presentation, I arrived early and started setting up. One by one, the participants arrived, which was wonderful! I had the chance to meet them individually and find out what their interests were. After the meeting planner arrived, and we handled a few technical glitches, we started. The group was small -- maybe five or six people. I went into my open and gave them an idea of the agenda, then asked what else they wanted to know. Turns out, a lot more! I altered my agenda and spoke extemporaneously to cover a couple of their requests. But guess what? I didn't have to worry. I knew the material. I had the experience and ability to meet their needs, cover my material and answer their questions. They were incredibly receptive and jumped right into an interactive activity to create a story on the spot and do it with emotion. Their story was hysterical and we all laughed out loud! The presentation turned out even better than I had planned or could have imagined. Learning how to deal with the pressure to perform is an important step in our professional evolution. I'm happy to share my journey and hope you'll share yours with me! Enjoy!  |
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October 13, 2013 Featured Vocalist West Valley Center for Spiritual Living Peoria, AZ
November 7, 2013 Workshop Presenter "Tell Your Story for Impact and Investment!" 21st Annual Nonprofit Conference on Sustainability Strategies ASU Lodestar Center Phoenix, AZ
I hope you'll join me at the ASU Conference on Sustainability Strategies. You can still register for this information-packed conference. Here's the link: ASU Conference I'm teaming up with ASU with a Story Coaching Bootcamp! I'm just thrilled to work with ASU to offer Tell Your Story: A Performance Coaching Bootcamp, through the ASU Lodestar Center in Late Spring 2014. Watch for more information at the November conference and on my website.
Quit Quaking in Your Boots the Next Time You Speak! Get your copy of: Seven Simple, Sure-Fire Strategies to Step Into Your Authentic Self and Move From Stage Fright to Stage Presence, Power and Purpose!
Simply go to my home page, AndreaBeaulieu.com, and sign up for this ezine and Your Daily Ah Ha! and you'll receive a copy of my tried and true techniques.
When You Need Extra Support: Authentic Leadership Executive Coaching As a leader, you set the tone, the direction, and the strategy. It is imperative you have theinformation and support you need to do your personal best, and enable your team to do theirs. We all have blind spots. If yours are getting in your way and you're ready to move into a higher level of self-awareness, effectiveness and enjoyment, coaching may be for you. Here are some of the areas we would cover:
Let's talk! Contact me at [email protected] or 602-769-3674.
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| Creativity Tip: How to Deal with the Pressure to Perform
Whether you're making a presentation to your boss, or speaking in front of 500 people, the pressure to perform can rear its ugly head. Why do I say ugly? Because that pressure can push any of us over the edge into anxiety and create the very problems we want to avoid!
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Client Success Story By Barbara McNichol Barbara McNichol Editorial Services When Andrea first came to me several years ago with the idea of doing a workshop together -- Get Your Story Straight on the Stage and on the Page -- I was hesitant. I'm an editor. At that time, I had been spending most of my time in front of my computer editing books. But, the idea intrigued me. I wanted to interact face to face with people, and expand beyond my editing services. Maybe this would be the way. As it turned out, it was more than that. 
What started out as a joint venture blossomed into my own Wordshop -- How to Strengthen Everything You Write -- which I nowpresent several times a year. Not only did I get out from behind mycomputer and meet new people, I now have a new stream of income! I canpresent my expertise in a whole new format, and I'm so much morecomfortable on the platform than I was. It's also opened up whole new market with joint venture partners. I thought I'd be working with authors to help them learn to write better, but am finding good reception among business professionals, too.
Even though I had the expertise to create a Wordshop, I had no idea how to start. I needed a way to put it together. During our first coaching session, we worked on the intro for my Wordshop. We came up with the phrase that has become the foundation of my presentation: "Is what I say what I intend to convey?" It will stay, and I know I can always come back to Andrea for a creativity boost, honest feedback, and moral support. I can genuinely say working with Andrea as a coach and a colleague has rejuvenated my business and, being self-employed, my life, too. I presented my Wordshop at this year's National Speaker's Association annual conference in Philadelphia, which I consider to be quite an honor. This would not have happened without Andrea's coaching expertise and support. I recommend Andrea as a coach for all experts and businesspeople who want to stretch beyond their current limits to reach higher levels of excellence and professionalism. Barbara Barbara McNichol Editorial provides expert editing of articles, books and book proposals for authors, speakers and entrepreneurs. To learn more about Barbara's services, visit www.BarbaraMcNichol.com |
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Park Central Toastmasters!
I have been a member of this chapter of Toastmasters International since 2005. It is one of the largest Toastmaster's chapters in the country, but that's not why I attend. I attend because not only do I have a place to try out new ideas and rehearse in front of a nonthreatening audience, I experience an abundance of heartfelt goodwill, sidesplitting humor and authentic caring and compassion. I learn something every week and look forward to these early morning gatherings. As one member says, it's the best entertainment value at 7 a.m. you'll get all week!If you're interested in being my guest, just give a holler. There's no obligation. We meet at 7 a.m. (yes I said a.m.) on Tuesday mornings in the conference room at the YWCA, 755 E. Willetta, Phoenix, AZ, 85006. Click here for more information: Park Central Toastmasters |
Tales of Transformation and Artistry!
I've expanded this section to include tales of transformation and artistry from a wide variety of sources. I'll still write stories about organizations doing good work, of course! I also want to share interesting articles and links I've found. I hope you enjoy these playful romps on the wild side!
In this issue, I'm sharing an article in Greater Good, the Science of a Meaningful Life, written by Daniel Goleman. The article is titled, Are We Losing Our Focus?
Are we? Click on this link to find out: Are We Losing Our Focus? |
Looking for a Vocalist? I'd love to entertain your guests at your next event with your favorite song and a selection of contemporary, light jazz and country favorites!
New Video Release!
One Heart, One Mind
by Andrea Beaulieu and Richard Palalay
I'm beyond thrilled to share the video Richard Palalay and I produced to share our new song, One Heart, One Mind. We had a lot of help from friends. Richard Gehrke and Robert Zusman contributed their stunning photography. Richard Gehrke and Jim Pfingst helped us learn how to use IMovie -- that was a stretch for me, I can tell you!
Click on this photo to see our video. I hope you will share it. Let's get this message out there!
 One Heart, One Mind A moment (actually 5 minutes) of musical delight for only $.99!
Richard and Andrea have come together to create heartfelt and uplifting music that is emotionally and spiritually exciting and reminds us of our connection to one another.
One Heart One Mind is a song for our time. The song begins with Richard's poignant solo piano intro that draws you in with its simple and evocative mood, setting the stage for Andrea's exquisite and stirring vocals. It picks up tempo and takes the listener on a transcendent orchestral and choral journey filled with hope and happiness. Interested in hiring Andrea to wow your audience at your next event? Contact her at [email protected] or 602-769-3674. |
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As an executive speech coach, story performance and presentation skills coach, strategic brand message consultant, and authentic leadership executive coach, Andrea Beaulieu combines her abilities as a speaker, writer and performer to coach her clients to be powerful presenters and tell their stories with enthusiasm and passion.
She has graced numerous stages as a professional speaker, singer and actress. She knows the ins and outs of working with an audience and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her clients, helping them capitalize on the power of the platform and avoid the pitfalls.
Andrea has trained hundreds of individuals and groups in speaking and presentations skills. She has worked with numerous C-level individuals at international and national organizations over the course of her career, crafting speeches and other communications materials including editorial, branding and marketing communications. She assists individuals and organizations to get to the essence of their purpose, values, and goals and deliver them powerfully and authentically in the world.
As a professional speaker, Andrea has shared her expertise and inspirational stories with diverse audiences including the Women in Intel Network, Scottsdale Healthcare, the American Academy of Family Physicians Women's Health and Physician Wellness Conference, Northern Trust Bank, and the Association for Financial Professionals of Arizona, among others. Additionally, she has performed on hundreds of stages in various venues, and traveled with the international organization, Up With People, singing and dancing at Super Bowl Halftime, the Indianapolis 500, and Bob Hope's Birthday Party.
Prior to starting her business, she served as director of public relations for Ramada, Inc., as the executive director of two nonprofits, and in management and creative positions with a public relations agency, a national retail company, and an emergency medical standards organization. She is the recipient of numerous awards including The Art of the Show First Place from the International Association of Exhibition Management and the Copper Quill Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators.
Andrea has received certifications from the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) in Facilitation Training and from the Chemical Awareness Training Institute in Student Assistance and Support Group Facilitator Training. She is an Advanced Communicator Bronze with Toastmasters International. She has a certificate in Transformational Life Coaching from the highly esteemed, nationally accredited Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Tempe, Ariz., completing an intensive 100-hour course. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Mass Communications from Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz. |