How to finish your next talk faster (without losing the magic)

What if giving yourself less time was the secret to achieving more?

Last October was absolutely incredible.

Fifteen entrepreneurs came together for our Unscripted Retreat in Denver, CO. to dig into who they are, how they show up, and how to own a stage.

Some had never held a mic. Others had been speaking for years. But by the end, everyone had a transformation.

This all happened after a virtual call and just two full days together in person. By the end of that short window, every single participant stood up and delivered a three-minute presentation that reflected their story, growth, and confidence.​Over those two days, we worked on presence through improv, explored how to communicate value through personal brand, and uncovered what makes each person truly unique.​One thing that I realized was when we give ourselves too much time, we start chasing perfect instead of progress.

We polish, overthink, and lose the spark that made the idea worth sharing.

Here’s the process I used during the retreat, and thought it might help you reach your next goal faster too:

Step 1: Before the event, we invited each speaker to share a rough draft or an idea of their talk as a starting point.

Step 2: On day one, everyone did what I like to call a “stumble through.” They got on stage and worked through their talk out loud while I gave live feedback. It was messy and real, and it helped them see their message more clearly.

Step 3: On day two, we focused on transitions, because the magic is in the transitions and a transition can make or break the experience. Some used a mic, some didn’t. Some entered from different places, adding variety and energy to the flow of the event.

Step 4: On the same day, we had a dress rehearsal, which means that all of the speakers were asked to treat it like the real thing. Unless there was a major hiccup, they were directed to move through it. Some people had to stop because they were too in their heads. That became an opportunity to remind them to trust themselves, and to speak from the heart instead.

Step 5: Finally, the showcase. A live audience raises the stakes and heightens the experience. When you’re witnessed, something shifts. You find a new level of presence and connection that only happens in the moment.

Watching each person rise reminded me why I do this work. When you’re seen, you grow. Not because you’re ready, but because you showed up.

If you would like to craft a presentation, share your story, or own the room, I’d love to help. Feel free to find a time in my calendar to connect.