I want to talk about a fear that so many of us share. The fear of saying the wrong thing, whether it's while giving a toast, speaking up in a meeting, or addressing a large audience.

I share some practical tips on how I’ve learned to conquer those nerves and speak with confidence by following three key steps: prepare, practice, and perform.

We’re all public speakers in our own way, and most of the time, our worries about making mistakes come more from our own thoughts than anyone else’s expectations.

By focusing on the importance of our message and allowing ourselves a little grace for those inevitable moments of imperfection, we can make a meaningful connection with any audience.

Here are my insights and encouragement to help make your next “say a few words” moment a little easier and a lot more impactful!

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

• Prepare, Practice, Perform: Build confidence by identifying your three key points, practicing them, and delivering with energy and sincerity.
• Everyone Listens Differently: Remember, you’re really speaking to each individual, not a monolithic audience. Nobody knows what you were "supposed" to say, so be authentic.
• Mistakes Are Fleeting: Said the wrong thing? Keep going. Every conversation is a chance to clarify your message, so don’t dwell on perfection.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

lillian@lillianzarzar.com

LinkedIn

Facebook

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Copyright 2025 Lillian Zarzar

Mastering Communication: Jim Canterucci on Change Leadership and Driving Effective Workplace Conversations

If you’re looking to sharpen your communication skills, understand the value of coaching, or simply become a more effective leader in your personal and professional life, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

I’m thrilled to share a conversation with my dear friend and colleague of over 30 years, Jim Canterucci, immediate past president of the National Speakers Association of Ohio and the president and CEO of Transition Management Advisors. Jim has devoted his career to helping organizations lead change through the power of communication, and his insights have been invaluable, not just to me, but to countless business leaders.

In this episode, Jim and I talk about the true nature of effective communication. Why it’s so much more than just talking, and how it lies at the heart of great leadership and genuine connection. We discuss the struggles leaders face in conveying their vision, the importance of critical thinking behind the words we use, and the new challenges we all encounter in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Jim also gives us a preview of his upcoming keynote for the Communication Mastery Conference at the Integrated Education Center in Dublin, OH, sharing practical strategies that anyone in business can use to move beyond routine conversations and actually inspire change.

A few points that really resonates:

Communication is More Than Just Talking

As Jim shares, being able to talk isn’t the same as being able to communicate effectively. True communication requires empathy, clarity, and tailoring the message for the listener—not just “speaking in headlines” and hoping for understanding.

Leadership = Communication

Whether you’re managing a $25 million change initiative or just announcing a parking lot update, leaders must communicate with context and intention. Jim emphasizes that leading change is less about managing and more about guiding people through clear, consistent messaging.

Practice and Self-Awareness Make the Difference

Even the best communicators, like professional speakers, work at their craft daily. Practicing critical thinking, soliciting feedback, and sometimes working with a coach are key to continuous improvement (even Tiger Woods has a coach!).

Moments

00:00 Introducing Jim Canterucci: Communication Expert

04:25 "Change Leadership in Action"

07:47 Effective Leadership Communication Essentials

12:49 Degrading Communication Through Gibberish

16:40 Encouraging Detailed Expression

18:26 "The Power of Asking Questions"

20:38 "Encouraging Critical Thinking Anew"

26:17 Enhancing Everyday Communication Techniques

28:13 Enhancing Communication for Business Success

32:25 "Value of Communication Coaching"

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

lillian@lillianzarzar.com

LinkedIn

Facebook

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the...

Drama. What creates it? Why does it show up in our lives? And most importantly, how our emotions fuel the narratives that play out every day?

I explore the powerful idea that emotions are energy in motion, swinging us from one extreme to another, and share practical wisdom for finding balance amidst life’s ups and downs.

Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone navigating emotional waves, this episode will help you rethink the ways you create and minimize drama in your own life.

Key Takeaways

• Drama is Driven by Emotional Imbalance: When we let emotions like infatuation and resentment swing us from one extreme to the other, we’re more likely to create drama in our narratives.
• Accountability Prevents Workplace Drama: Simply announcing a project or expectation isn’t enough. Drama arises when there’s no clear accountability—assigning responsibilities and following up makes a world of difference.
• Gratitude Brings Balance: Practicing gratitude keeps us focused and centered, minimizing the emotional swings that spark drama.

Connect with Lillian Zarzar

lillian@lillianzarzar.com

LinkedIn

Facebook

Lillian Zarzar is an international speaker, author and coach who specializes in helping you to overcome the barriers that block you from self-expression.

Lillian believes that the ability to communicate effectively is the foundation of personal growth. Without it, you can neither express what you want nor can you offer others your wisdom.

Lillian's desire is to help you tap into your wisdom and follow your purposeful course. With belief and dedication, you enhance your personal growth, you engage with others meaningfully, and you embark on your road to self-mastery.

Copyright 2025 Lillian Zarzar