Ever ask “How was your day?” and get “fine”? We dig into why that question stalls and what to ask instead to unlock real stories, richer details, and genuine confidence. With strategist and storyteller Anna Tran, we explore the simple shift that changes everything: listen first, then guide with curious questions that help kids hear themselves think.

We talk about transforming shy voices into self-assured communicators by making storytelling a daily ritual, not a performance. Think eye-level conversations, calm pauses, and prompts that open doors: What made you feel proud? Who surprised you at lunch? What did you learn that you didn’t expect? As children narrate their day, they practice structure, recall, empathy, and clarity—the same skills leaders use in boardrooms. We also draw parallels between coaching teams and parenting: when we ask better questions and avoid rushing to fix, kids develop agency and problem-solving muscles that last.

Social media hovers over modern childhood, so we tackle how to build offline self-worth before the likes arrive. We share ways to spot unhelpful thought patterns, create healthy digital boundaries, and ground a child’s identity in effort, kindness, and contribution. Practical tools make it doable: a family gratitude jar for tough days, a one-minute story round after dinner, and a rotating “listener-leader” whose job is to ask follow-ups before anyone gives advice. Along the way, we trade honest stories—from sibling dynamics to classroom debates—to show how small habits become lifelong confidence.

If this conversation sparks an idea, try one prompt at dinner tonight and watch what unfolds. Subscribe for more practical tools on confident communication, share this with a parent who needs a fresh question, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Welcome to Speak Out Stand Out — the show where we build confidence in our future, one voice at a time. I’m your host, Elizabeth Green.

I grew up shy, so I know firsthand how life-changing it can be when someone helps you find your voice. Now, I get to help kids and teens do exactly that — and this podcast is a place to share those tools with you.

Each week, I talk with experts and inspiring guests about simple, practical and tangible ways to help the young people in

Thanks for listing! Be sure to check out the show notes for additional resources including a free public speaking lesson and 52 fun practice prompts. And if you enjoyed what you heard today, please give us a follow.

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