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MISSION
I want to transform the way people approach their fear, their anticipation of presenting, their crafting of their talk, their prep and performance. Uncovering the attitudes and unhelpful beliefs that prevent individuals from thriving and addressing them head on is a critical part of this process.
My desire is that my clients would view sharing their words as an exciting opportunity rather than a fate worse than jumping out of a plane, being covered in spiders or death.
Amanda
at Bell Rock in Sedona, AZ
NERVES and me:
I was very shy as a child. Avoiding drawing attention to myself, I lost myself in my books and art projects. Gradually, I became more extroverted and began to enjoy performing. I loved the experience of making others laugh, the rush of performance and I found the craft of acting fascinating.
However, while in grad school for acting, I started struggling with performance anxiety. I kept thinking that if I received more and more training, my confidence would go up and my nerves would calm down. Alas...
Post grad school, I was performing in plays, commercials and films. During the run of one particular new play, things became very uncomfortable for me. At first glance, everything was great! The show opened - I had a comedic part that was a fantastic fit for me, wonderful audience response and terrific reviews.
However, every day before the show, I was overcome with stomach pain. Taking antacids didn't ease my distress. I decided that I must have ongoing food poisoning. Yet, my husband was eating the exact same things as me and was perfectly well. Hmmm..
After suffering in agony for much of the run of the play, I finally had to admit to myself, that despite the fact that I had years of training and performing under my belt, I had STAGE FRIGHT.
WHAT?!?
This terrible feeling of butterflies punching me in the stomach was robbing me of my joy.
I also realized that the process of managing performance anxiety was its own skill set, separate from the acting training I had received.
Determined to face this STRESS head-on, I read all I could and experimented with various strategies, many of which were immensely helpful.
So, I get it! I've been there!
I am excited to share what I have learned with you, so you won't hate butterflies and will not allow fear to limit you.
Amanda Hennessey, MFA
Amanda loves to empower people and transform the way they approach and experience public speaking.
She has coached scientists, entrepreneurs, executives, activists, lawyers, doctors, students, brides, grooms, writers, artists, a mountain climber, and even a top dog trainer. She has clients who have appeared on Dr. Oz, American Test Kitchen, and
The Today Show.
Amanda is the author of Your Guide to Public Speaking - Build Your Confidence, Find Your Voice, Inspire Your Audience. This book was released on May 14, 2019! It is currently available where books are sold - including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
She is also the founder of San Diego Public Speaking. Amanda spends time on both coasts coaching individuals and leading workshops. She is a proud member of the Boston Chamber of Commerce and the North San Diego Business Chamber.
In addition to founding Boston Public Speaking, Amanda is also a co-founder of and teacher at Boston Acting Classes. She runs this with her very talented husband, Art. She has also taught at the Film/TV Department at Boston University's College of Communication, New York Film Academy and The Huntington Theatre Company. Amanda received her MFA at the Actors Studio Drama School. She has acted in films, plays, and commercials.
Amanda is also the founder of Inhabit You, an innovative new program that shifts habits in a playful and creative way.