From Director’s Chair to Spotlight: A Comedic Creative’s Speaking Evolution

Send Lauri a messageIn this episode of Soulful Speaking, Lauri welcomes back Emily, a seasoned creative professional with a wealth of experience in video production, marketing, and sketch comedy. Emily shares her journey of stepping out of the shadows of her directing role and embracing the challenge of being seen and heard. From navigating imposter syndrome to learning how to trust herself, this episode features valuable insights into what it takes to bring our authentic voices to the forefront. Along the way, Emily reveals how humor and vulnerability can be powerful tools in building connection, from marketing to public speaking. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling that call to step into the spotlight for the sake of their calling. TAKEAWAYS1. Embrace Your Weirdness: Connection in speaking and marketing comes from letting your true self show, quirks and all.2. Visibility Is a Muscle: Like any skill, being seen and heard takes practice. If it feels uncomfortable, that’s a sure sign you’re strengthening the new muscles. 3. Trust the Process in speaking (and in life.) 4. Humor Builds Trust: When it’s a part of your brand that aligns with your values, comedy is a great tool for creating rapport and building trust with your audience.5. Vulnerability Invites Connection: People are more likely to connect with you when they see your imperfections and honesty.6. Balance is Key to Creative Preparation. Be prepared, but don’t overthink. Balance your inner director and creator as you weave together preparation with the freedom to flow in the moment. 7. Silence is Powerful: Embrace pauses in speaking to create impact and allow space for deeper connection.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