Breath by Breath: Transforming Fear into Creative Expression

Send Lauri a messageWhat if public speaking wasn't a performance but a genuine conversation?In this coaching-focused episode, Lauri works with seasoned creative Emily McGregor, who’s spent 20+ years directing, producing, and leading teams in video sketch comedy and marketing. Despite her confidence behind the camera, Emily struggles with stepping into the spotlight herself. Lauri helps Emily tackle her inner critics though practical tools that ground the voice. Together, they explore how breathwork, alignment, and being intentional can transform performance anxiety into genuine connection. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just finding your voice, this episode offers profound insights to amplify your presence and impact.TAKEAWAYS: Know Your Masks: Our sometimes overused strengths, like humor, can become "masks" that hide our true selves. When you know your masks, you can begin to release them. Stop Performing and Start Connecting: Reframe speaking as a conversation with your audience, inviting connection instead of striving for perfection.Intention is Powerful: Set simple, clear emotional intentions to harness  your energy and unleash your presence when speaking.Align Your Body and Breath: Rediscover your natural expressive self by releasing tension and reconnecting with your innate charisma.Quiet the Inner Critic: Recognize and balance your inner stage mom or director so they become constructive rather than controlling.About Emily: Emily is a seasoned creative with over 20 years of experience in video sketch comedy, marketing, and leading dynamic teams. As the founder of PenguinCat Creative, her copywriting agency, she has crafted hundreds of high-converting marketing funnels and campaigns. Her work has helped bestselling authors, top influencers, eCommerce giants, and industry-leading coaches achieve remarkable success—selling out events, tripling membership signups, and exceeding launch goals.Previously, Emily served as VP of Production at Comediva, a comedic content studio, where she wrote and directed viral videos amassing millions of views, created branded content for major brands like Pepsi, and even sold a TV show to Amazon.Today, she leverages her vast marketing expertise and scrappy filmmaking background to produce entertaining, high-value ads that deliver outstanding results for her clients.Connect with Emily:penguincatcreative.comscrappyads.io Soul Sucker QuizTake the Soul Sucker Quiz to learn which Soul Sucker screams the loudest in your mind so you can release them from being in charge and set your voice free!https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/ The Speaker Alter Ego QuizTake the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/ Support the showThank you so much for listening!Take the free Speaker Alter Ego Quiz to find out which protective mask is hiding your wild, untamed radiance. https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/Follow me on:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@voicematters9646