Recently on Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne B. Ryan found themselves in an unexpected experiment.
On the same week — without planning it — they each stepped onto a live stage.
Jerome was in New Mexico at the Duke City Story Slam.
Julienne was in New York City at The Moth.
Thousands of miles apart. No coordination. Same instinct.
If we’re asking others to tell their stories live — we’d better be willing to do it ourselves. What followed was a powerful reminder of why presenting LIVE still matters.
The Courage to Show Up
There’s something different about standing in front of human beings — not muted squares on a screen, not a webinar chat box — but actual breathing, laughing, reacting people. Jerome described scanning the room before beginning his story. Human faces. Smiles. Breath.
Julienne braved New York traffic, found herself in a packed room of strangers, and realized halfway through the night that simply showing up was the win.
That’s the first lesson of presenting live:
You don’t wait until you’re fearless. You commit — and then you grow into the courage.
Structure Creates Safety
Both events had something crucial in common: guidelines.
Themes. Time limits. Clear expectations. And that structure did something powerful — it created safety.
When audiences know:
- How long something will last
- What kind of story they’ll hear
- How participation will work
They relax. The same principle applies in leadership presentations, corporate workshops, and conference keynotes.
If there are no guidelines? Create them.
Jerome often tells audiences:
“For the next five minutes, I’m going to tell you a story. I only ask that you remove distractions during that time.”
Five minutes feels manageable. Clear expectations build trust. Trust builds engagement. Structure is not restriction — it’s reassurance.
The Power of Quick Wins
One of Narativ’s core storytelling principles is easing people into participation.
Not every story has to be epic.
Not every moment needs to be dramatic.
Julienne calls it giving people “quick wins.”
A small reflection. A simple memory. A short response.
When someone realizes, “Oh — I just told a story,” their confidence grows.
That confidence compounds.
In live settings — especially within intact corporate teams — there’s often a fear factor. Stepping outside your professional persona feels risky.
But when the environment is thoughtfully held, and the steps are manageable, people lean in rather than shut down.
The Difference Between Virtual and Live Energy
After years of muted Zoom rooms and faceless conferences, both hosts were reminded of something essential:
You can feel a live audience.
You hear breathing. You hear laughter build and spread. You see someone elbow the person next to them in recognition.
That chemistry feeds the presenter. It’s a feedback loop of energy that cannot be replicated digitally.
And yet — the skills are the same. The principles transfer.
Three Essential Reminders Before You Go On Stage
Jerome distilled his live experience into three simple practices:
1. Look at the audience
They are human. Not enemies. Not judges. Humans.
2. Feel your feet on the ground
Physical grounding interrupts anxiety spirals.
3. Take one intentional breath before speaking
Breathing regulates pace, tone, and presence.
Anxiety often shows up in one of two ways:
- Talking too fast
- Freezing or over-pausing
Both disconnect you from your audience.
Breath reconnects you — to yourself first.
You Cannot Get Your Own Story Wrong
Perhaps the most liberating insight of the episode: If the story happened to you — you cannot tell it wrong. You are the authority of your lived experience.
You’re not performing a script.
You’re not defending data.
You’re sharing truth.
That mindset shift dissolves perfectionism. And when you stop trying to be perfect, you start being present.
See the Audience as Friends
Julienne shared one of the most transformative lessons she learned before her first keynote: You can see the audience as potential enemies — or as potential friends. That choice changes everything.
When you choose friendship:
- Your tone softens
- Your body relaxes
- Your curiosity expands
Connection becomes the goal — not performance.
Why We Practice What We Teach
At Narativ, storytelling isn’t theory.
It’s lived.
If we’re asking leaders to step forward — to speak honestly, to take risks, to build connection —
We go first.
Whether you’re:
- Leading a team meeting
- Delivering a keynote
- Pitching a new initiative
- Or giving wedding vows
The principles are the same:
Create structure.
Build safety.
Start small.
Breathe.
Own your story.
And most importantly — show up.
LISTEN to the podcast HERE
If you’re ready to step onto your own stage — live or virtual — Leadership Story Talks Live returns every two months. Bring your team. Bring your voice. We’ll help you build the confidence to use it.
Because presenting LIVE isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection.
Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off – Use code NARATIV → Register Here
Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.
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