I had a dear friend say to me one time, “you know Deb you can ask for help… it’s not a sign of weakness and in your case, it might be a sign of strength” I know I looked at her like she had two heads – a sign of strength to say you need help – I’m a little slow on that concept…you’re going to need to explain. So, she proceeded to tell me that as much I as like to help others and find a sense of community or friendship or profit from my time well spent… that […]
Public Speaking
What will you do?
Well it’s bound to happen, and it did…. I fell down some steps as I was going off the stage to write something on the whiteboard. It happened so quickly, and I went down hard and hit my head against the wall and my backside on the steps and my shoulder took the brunt of the fall. Probably one of the worst things that can happen to a speaker – in the middle of a 2-hour session is to fall down. Luckily, I was able to regain my composure and as I quickly stood and said, “well now that I […]
May all your dreams come true… even the ones they laughed at
I recently came across a phrase that made me smile when I thought about it… because the truth it holds can be life changing. May all your dreams come true…even the ones they laughed at. There is something about this phrase that captures me… maybe it’s because I’ve had 1000 dreams, thoughts and ideas that I’ve tried or have pursued – some to success and some that are still in my attic and a few that are just sweet memories… but let the record show that at least I tried. I hear a lot of polite snickering when someone verbalizes […]
Business, Politics and Pageants Have a Lot in Common!
For many years I was a rock star pageant interview coach…I know I know your probably surprised to know that at one time I was one of the Southeasts top pageant interview coaches for Miss America, Miss USA, Little Miss, the Rodeo queens, the cow queens and watermelon queens and the list goes on… at one time I had more winners on the stage than any coach in the Carolina’s and probably the Southeast. But what’s interesting – as I learned early on… it’s really not me but by coaching my clients to dig deep within themselves and learn to […]
Aspire to Inspire before you Expire…
I was sitting with friends and we were chatting about our morning rituals – what is the first thing you do in the morning when you get out of bed… Some folks head straight for coffee pot or put on their running shoes and go for a quick run some stay in bed and read emails or hit the snooze button. I head straight to the shower so I can get dressed to be ready for the day. Being self-employed, for more years than I can remember, I learned early on to get up and get going and get ready […]
Why You Gotta Be So Mean?
“Get your big fat a__ in here” those are the words a client of mine recently heard from her grandmother. I can only assume the grandmother didn’t measure the damage of her words. I’m sure grandma thought she was being funny. She wasn’t. Weeks later my client can repeat that stinging phrase that hurt to the bone and the worst part is now every time she looks in the mirror, she will hear those words from the person who is supposed to show unconditional love – the grandparent. We all know that people says things to hurt – on purpose, […]
Acknowledge With Graciousness – Deb’s Ah-Ha Moment
If you have ever heard me speak you probably know this story of an Ah-Ha moment in my life – which I will never forget. A number years ago I was speaking at a conference for judges and lawyers and the luncheon speaker was a lady from a presidential administration (I didn’t care for) and from what I had seen of her tenure I was also unimpressed by her and was not interested in hearing her speak. I only went to the luncheon to eat the free chicken lunch – then I was going shopping. Unfortunately, I could not exit the room before […]
Deb Sofield Launches Weekly Newsletter
Log onto my website https://debsofield.com and view my online newsletter – which was turned into a blog and a podcast. Speak Without Fear, it is a excellent source of news, notes and tips for public speaking. You can sign up on my website to receive my monthly newsletter. My goal is to help you become the best you can be – personally and professionally…because if you’re going to speak – you might as well be heard! Learn more about me at: https://debsofield.com