I was supposed to be taking notes during Julie Ria's "Before I Speak" workshop. Instead, I kept thinking about every L&D professional I know who's struggling with the same thing she described.
You know that feeling when you're about to facilitate a workshop and your stomach drops? When your computer crashes mid-presentation and you want to disappear? When you're more focused on not looking foolish than actually helping people learn?
Yeah, that feeling.
Julie created her entire methodology because she kept "falling apart in front of audiences." Her computer died during a 60-person presentation. She had to call her boss for help. Sound familiar?
But here's what transformed everything for her - and what should transform everything for us in L&D.
Above is the full recording from Julie's workshop. Below are my takeaways - because her "Before I Speak" method isn't just about conquering stage fright. It's about transforming how we show up for our learners.
Your training anxiety is a learning experience problem
Julie Ria dropped something powerful that every L&D professional needs to hear. She stood in front of that crowd and said the thing we're all thinking: "I kept finding myself falling apart in front of audiences."
Here's what hit me - and what should concern every learning team.
When you're nervous, distracted, or ego-driven during training delivery, you're not just having a bad day. You're actively undermining learning outcomes and program effectiveness.
Julie created her "Before I Speak" method after her computer died mid-presentation to 60 people. She had to call her boss for help. Sound familiar? We've all been there.
But here's the transformation: Julie shifted from self-focused panic to service-focused presence. And that shift changes everything for L&D professionals.
Your learners can feel your energy (even through virtual training)
During the workshop, Julie said something that should be printed on every trainer's desk: "My energy in this moment matters. All of you will know it if I'm in a bad mood or if something happened five minutes ago."
Your learners can tell when you're:
