The Real Speaking E-Letter is an occasional article by Gail Larsen with insights and information to support your power as a speaker and communicator.

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Real Speaking Transforming in 2010 + new view on fear of speaking

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Inspiring Quote on Being Scared to Speak:

“I was scared and I told myself, ‘If you don't rise to the occasion the best of you will die. And the rest of you will not amount to anything. Then I was scared to be a coward!’ " Watch Lily Yeh at Bioneers move from fear to flow as her passion kicked in.
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The legendary Chinese blessing and curse “May You Live in Interesting Times” has been both pervasive and invasive this year. The clarion call to expansion as a result of the response to Transformational Speaking published by Random House/Celestial Arts and Brilliance Audio was met by an equally clear call to contraction when I broke both my legs in May!

Indigenous wisdom would suggest that the breaking of bones is a call for shattering of old patterns, and there’s nothing like an enforced sit (perhaps the Universe foisting a needed meditation practice on me in spite of myself ) to inspire deeper thinking. I’ve achieved clarity on many issues that were up for me; hence the changes that are coming to the fore for 2010. Essentially, I am expanding my work through trusted associates and contracting my travel to practice what I preach: extreme cherishment of our precious, worthy selves!

Here’s what’s up:

1. The Real Speaking® work focused on public speaking that I have offered to groups of six is being renamed Transformational Speaking beginning in 2010. My last Real Speaking® class is offered December 3-6 in Santa Fe. In 2010, the first Transformational Speaking class is April 22-25 on Whidbey Island, WA. Santa Fe and Whidbey Island will continue as my program locations. And while the $2500 tuition will not increase (and hasn’t in seven years while costs have been rising), accommodations will no longer be included. As always, no-interest financing is available to support you in responding to the call in these “interesting times”!

2. Introductory programs in Transformational Speaking will continue at Retreat Centers and Universities in the U.S. and Canada. These include Hollyhock Retreat Centre and Royal Roads University in British Columbia, Omega Institute in New York, Esalen in California, and Whidbey Institute in Langley, WA.

3. New Real Speaking® Certification Program (Level I) is set for January 18-22 to support personal expression through heart-centered communication and courageous conversations. Over my years of coaching Real Speaking, I’ve seen that the foundational work, whether or not it is applied to public speaking, liberates people to a place of self-trust and authenticity that is literally life-changing. This Level I program is being launched to expand the interpersonal aspects of heart-centered communication and conversation central to the Real Speaking model. If you’re in Santa Fe or nearby, join us for free evening workshops with our new trainers Jan. 18-21! And watch the Real Speaking website in early 2010 for classes near you with our six trainers in the U.S., Canada, and possibly Australia. Certification is by application and open to those who have completed a Real Speaking training.

4. I am taking a mini-sabbatical in Santa Fe from December 7-early April. In addition to my upcoming certification work with the Real Speaking trainers, my body is asking for this restorative time and my muse is asking for spaciousness in my schedule for a new level of expression that is seeking form. At the moment, it seems to be about how we remove the old story so completely that the better story can find solid footing. (Solid footing . . . hmmmm . . . well, most of us know the daemon, or guardian spirit of our creativity, as a trickster as well as an inspiration!) The result could have a practical application to how we navigate this wild and crazy world of internet marketing that has us on edge as we push our own learning edges. If, like me, you’ve found yourself in overwhelm with hundreds of emails you want to explore “someday” and numb to the richness of your own life as a result, stay tuned for a better story.

5. My Whidbey Island home, Kindred Spirits, is now listed for sale. I found this amazing home after searching for nearly 18 months and now find I want a simpler life. (Brace yourselves for those big soul-searching birthdays.) Do you know of someone looking for a wonderful Seattle area water view home with the potential for workshop space and/or co-housing to be the perfect new owner and steward for this beautiful property? Please put them in touch! Click here for an overview.

The final Real Speaking class this year is in Santa Fe December 3-6. This is the last class where shared accommodations will be included at no charge. Santa Fe in December has always been a favorite class for me, holiday lights on the Plaza in this 400-year-old city, and the Bobcat Inn where we meet decorated Southwest style. There are two openings.

Best wishes as we navigate these interesting times. May you shatter the old patterns that no longer serve – and may your breakthroughs come easily without breaks!