Have you ever stood in front of a crowd or even just a Zoom screen and felt your heart race, palms sweat, and words vanish from your mind? You’re not alone. Public speaking is one of the top fears people share, but as Houston entrepreneurs and community leaders discussed in a recent episode of The Connector’s Edge Podcast, the secret isn’t about speaking at people it’s about breathing life into them.

 

That phrase breathe life into your audience isn’t just a nice sentiment. It comes directly from the root meaning of the word inspire. To inspire means to give breath, to lift up, and to energize those around you.

 

When applied to business, speaking, or even everyday conversations, it changes everything. Instead of trying to “get through” a presentation or “sell” your product, you focus on creating genuine connection. And in Houston, a city that thrives on relationships and community, connection is everything.  

 

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The Heart of Connection in Houston Business

 

Michelle Vilseck, founder of Signature Stages joined hosts Marian LaSalle and Ricki McKenna on the podcast to share insights on how speakers—and entrepreneurs—can engage their audience on a deeper level. Her advice was simple but powerful: stop centering yourself and start centering them.

 

Think about the last time you sat through a talk where the speaker kept saying “I did this, I did that, here’s my story.” It may have been interesting, but did it connect with you? Contrast that with a speaker who asks:

• “Have you ever been put on the spot and felt your mind go blank?”

• “Do you remember a time when you felt misunderstood or overlooked?”

• “Have you faced that moment when you knew you had to change but didn’t know how?”

Suddenly, it’s not about the person on stage—it’s about you, your memories, and your experiences. As Michelle explained, weaving the word you into your stories is one of the fastest ways to build trust and connection.

 

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A Practical Trick to Calm Your Nerves

 

Marian shared her favorite strategy for dealing with stage fright: ask your audience a question right at the start. Not only does it shift the attention away from you, but it also gives your brain a chance to calm down. Human beings are wired to answer questions. The moment you ask one, your listeners start thinking about their answer, which buys you a few seconds to breathe, relax, and settle into your flow.

This small adjustment transforms nervous energy into audience engagement. Instead of dreading the spotlight, you create a conversation even if you’re the only one with the microphone.

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Why This Matters for Houston Entrepreneurs

Houston is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse cities in the country. From tech startups in Midtown to family-owned restaurants in the Heights and construction firms in Katy, small businesses power this city. But one common thread unites them all: the need to connect.

Networking events, local meetups, and online communities are everywhere in Houston. If you want your business to stand out, it’s not just about what you sell it’s about the stories you tell and the connections you create.

Michelle and Marian touched on an important mindset shift that’s especially relevant for Houston entrepreneurs: Who, not how. Instead of asking, “How can I do this all myself?” the better question is, “Who can help me get there faster?” In a city built on collaboration, referrals, and partnerships, this shift can take you from struggling solo to thriving with support.

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The Ripple Effect of Speaking

Ricki McKenna, co-host and creator of Ricki’s Kitchen, shared how even teaching cooking became a way to inspire and connect. For her, food was the vehicle, but the real outcome was education, encouragement, and healthier living. The same principle applies to any Houston entrepreneur: whether you’re a coach, contractor, or consultant, your product is important but the way you connect is what people remember.

And here’s the beautiful part: one genuine connection can ripple out into dozens of new opportunities. A speaking engagement might bring you your next client. A networking conversation might introduce you to a new partner. A single moment of inspiration might spark lifelong loyalty.

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Bringing Passion and Intuition Back Into Business

One of the most powerful takeaways from the conversation was this: listen to your intuition. Too often, entrepreneurs get caught up in doing what “the experts” say, following rigid marketing strategies, or chasing trends that don’t feel right. Michelle shared how she finally realized she didn’t need to master sales herself she needed to partner with someone who loved sales. That one shift freed her to focus on her true passion: helping speakers transform their impact.

Ricki echoed this sentiment with a reminder that passion is contagious. When you do what lights you up whether it’s teaching cooking, coaching clients, or building websites your energy pulls people in. In a city as dynamic as Houston, authenticity stands out.

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Final Thoughts: Houston Thrives on Connection

If there’s one lesson from this episode of The Connector’s Edge Podcast, it’s this: success in business isn’t about standing alone it’s about standing together. Houston’s entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders already know this. We thrive on referrals, word-of-mouth, and authentic relationships.

So, the next time you’re in front of a group whether at a local networking event, on a Zoom call, or even at a family gathering remember these takeaways:

• Ask questions. It calms your nerves and engages your audience.

• Use “you.” Make your stories about them, not just about you.

• Focus on who, not how. Find partners, collaborators, and connectors.

• Follow your passion and intuition. It’s your greatest business advantage.
  
  

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