My name is Val, and I’m a public speaking strategist and coach helping leaders, professionals, and purpose-driven speakers show up with confidence, clarity, and impact—without the fluff, filler, or panic sweats. Inside Off the Cuff, my weekly email, you’ll get exclusive tips, sneak peeks at new trainings and resources, and first dibs when new programs or workshops open up. Join now—because confident speaking doesn’t happen by accident–It happens Off the Cuff... and On Purpose.
Stillness signals self-trust
Hi Reader,Most people move more when they feel unsure. In fact, nervous speakers speed up, fidget, and fill every gap with words — because silence feels risky. What confident communicators do is the opposite. They pause. That’s self-trust — the willingness to pause without panicking. This is true whether you’re speaking in person or online. Stillness tells people: nothing needs to be proven right now. The moment you feel the urge to rush, fidget or pace back and forth, stop. Try staying still for one full breath instead. ~ Val |
Val Erickson–Public Speaking Coach
My name is Val, and I’m a public speaking strategist and coach helping leaders, professionals, and purpose-driven speakers show up with confidence, clarity, and impact—without the fluff, filler, or panic sweats. Inside Off the Cuff, my weekly email, you’ll get exclusive tips, sneak peeks at new trainings and resources, and first dibs when new programs or workshops open up. Join now—because confident speaking doesn’t happen by accident–It happens Off the Cuff... and On Purpose.
Hi Reader, Most people add words when they feel unsure. It shows up as one more sentence, extra explanation or clarifying something no one asked for. But in presentations that matter, something different shows up. People who know what’s at stake speak less. They stop sooner and trust the point to land. Not because they have nothing more to say — but because they know what actually matters. Authority isn’t volume. It’s knowing what matters. If you want to see what this sounds like in practice,...
Hi Reader, Last week, Emily S. asked if confident speakers are just naturally polished. My response: "No!- they're disciplined" A lot of work looks effortless from the outside. Confident speakers, polished creators, people who seem calm and clear every time they speak put the work in and ... What we usually don’t see... is the discipline underneath it. Clarity shows up as subtraction and confidence shows up as restraint— fewer words, clear and strategic silence (a.k.a pauses), and solid...
Hi Reader, Most people don’t struggle with speaking because they don’t know what to say. They struggle because they don’t get to practice out loud, in front of real people, and in a space that feels safe. This Monday, I’m opening The Lab — a live, low-pressure space to practice speaking out loud, or observe first, if that is more your vibe. 🗓 Monday, Dec 22⏰ 3:00 pm MST You don’t need a speech.You don’t need to be “ready.” If you (yourself or with a buddy) would like to join us, you can find...