August’s Newsletter: Nervous before speaking?
19 Sep 2025
A simple 4-step technique to instantly ground you !
If you know me, you know that my favorite way to calm public speaking (and ANY) nerves is 4-7-8 breath exercise.
BUT many people don’t like holding their breath for 7 seconds. That’s why I want to show you another equally powerful tool: Square Breathing, also known as Box Breathing. It’s an incredible technique for quickly reducing anxiety and finding your focus.
Watch the video, try it out, and let me know which one works best for you!
This Time Last Year I Stepped on the TEDx Stage… Now 91K People Have Watched in Just 4 Months!
When I first watched Simon Sinek’s original TED talk years ago, I quietly set myself a goal: one day, I would give one too.
My motivation wasn’t about fame or recognition. I wanted to help people look and feel more confident — and a practical technique I’d learned through years in the theatre, one that anyone could use to communicate with greater ease and presence.
In just a few months, more than 91,000 people have watched my talk. That number is humbling. But what’s even more important to me is the impact: messages from people around the world who feel encouraged and equipped to speak with greater confidence.
When we think of iconic TED talks — Brené Brown, Sir Ken Robinson, Simon Sinek — it’s tempting to believe their success was instant. In reality, their influence grew steadily, over 10, 15, even 20 years.
A TEDx talk does not transform life overnight. What it does create is momentum. The energy around me has shifted. I’ve been approached by new clients locally and internationally. I’ve gained more credibility and recognition in my field. It has been a meaningful reminder that sharing ideas can quietly open doors we never expect.
And perhaps most importantly, I feel an even deeper sense of gratitude — for the work I get to do, for the people who have supported and challenged me along the way, and for the opportunity to continue helping others find their voice.
Work hard? – Vacation Mandatory!
As a public speaking coach and actress, my schedule can get pretty intense. But this summer has been a powerful reminder of how important it is to press pause, recharge, and reconnect with the people who matter most.
My summer has been a whirlwind of beautiful moments. From visiting my parents and sister in Washington D.C., to feeling the energy at a professional tennis tournament, and spending time on Long Island with dear friends, it has been a season of connection. The joy continued when one of my oldest and dearest friends came to visit me with her family.
Now, I’m finding myself at the beach on the stunning Tuscan coast with the Italian side of my family. It’s in these moments of travel and quality time that I find my balance and renewed energy. As much as I love my work, it’s these personal connections that truly fill my cup and give me the foundation to show up fully, both on stage and in life.
I hope you’re all finding your own ways to enjoy the summer and make time for what truly matters.
Remember my mantra, awareness is power!
That’s all folks!
– Elia
PS – If this info was helpful, please pass it on to someone else who could find it beneficial!