This is a supportive community where people can learn to speak from the heart as their authentic selves. The goal is to empower each other to learn to present in a way that flows naturally from your heart and from your grounded presence, without notes or memorization or a need to be a persona.

You will learn how to have an intimate conversation with a large audience by connecting with each person in the audience at a deeper level. In the process, you will learn how to honor your fears of public speaking and learn the lessons that come from overcoming your deepest fears. (For most people, public speaking is almost the scariest thing imaginable.) You will learn to be more vibrantly human and alive and blossom into your true voice.

The techniques of Relational Presence are wonderful for allowing the real you to come through and teaching you how to relax and be yourself in front of an audience.  Stage fright and anxiety are greatly reduced. You learn to be comfortable in the NOT KNOWING - being in a state of ALLOWING from which words and creativity flow effortlessly.  Amazing and beautiful work, moving and connected to stillness and all there is.

This group has been mentored by Speaking Circles International founder, Lee Glickstein, founder of Transformational Speaking.  It is an official Speaking Circle led by Eric Atwoood, Certified Speaking Circle Facilitator. If you can, please purchase Lee Glickstein's book Be Heard Now! Tap into Your Inner Speaker and Communicate with Ease.

Here is Eric Atwood'sbiography:

I recently relocated to Atlanta from San Francisco. I have a passion for writing, people, making a difference and Speaking Circles. My professional background is in Communications. I have lived in seven countries.

As a Speaking Circles facilitator, I know how important safety, support and positive regard are for groups of this sort.

My goal is to be a public speaker who shares my experiences, ideas, writing and work with people worldwide. I have been involved in Speaking Circles for five years, with brief introductions to ToastMasters and the National Speaking Association.

We meet at a retreat setting in nature.  If it's nice outside, we take the meeting outside which is lovely.

Tamara Barhar LMT, HTCP started this group as a Speaking Circle Peer Support Group, mentored by Lee Glickstein, founder of Speaking Circles International.  She is a co-leader for this group.  She is an advanced level bronze speaker at Toastmasters,  competing at the regional level.  As a presenter, she is experienced in leading and facilitating circles and workshops in complementary and holistic health fields. .