Hacking the Fear of Public Speaking with Eduardo Placer
Eduardo Placer calls himself a Story Doula—which is exactly what it sounds like—a person who guides another through the process of bringing their own story to life. He facilitates this work through his company Fearless Communicators, where he has taken on the modest task of building a better world through public speaking. Eduardo believes we all have our own truth to tell, and he’s here to help us tell it. Below, Eduardo shares a little about his own truth.
What is the mission behind Fearless Communicators and how do you bring it to life?
We’re committed to elevating the diverse voices of those poised to make the biggest difference on the planet—we work with them on what they say and how they say it. Our signature program is called A Fearless Force: Public Speaking for Visionary Women Leaders where we work on crafting Signature Talks and then have them deliver it in front of a live audience in six days. I call it “getting shot out of a cannon.” We’ve done this program 15 times in New York, San Francisco, Tel Aviv, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
What is social entrepreneurship?
Social entrepreneurship is leading a business with mission and people over profit. That doesn’t mean that they are not interested in profit, it just means that their focus is on making a difference.
What has been the most pivotal moment in your life or career?
I was an actor with my dream job at the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. After two years with the acting company, I was not offered a contract for a third season. I sat alone on a beach in Oregon (which is beautiful by the way) and imagined having a conversation with the Artistic Director where I practiced grace, gratitude, and generosity. Weeks later we met and I thanked him. I knew in my heart that I was ready to step into my entrepreneurial journey, and not getting the contract was the perfect kick in the tush to move back to NYC and create what I was committed to creating.
As a story doula, what’s one universal piece of advice you can share?
Breathe!
What’s one thing you’ve learned through helping people tell their stories?
We all have the same fears. Whether you’re a Palestinian entrepreneur, an LGBT Activist in Kenya, or a woman business leader, the statistic is that 74 percent of people suffer from speech anxiety. I believe the other 26 percent is lying.
When you think of connection, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Truth — there’s no greater connector. When someone speaks the truth from their personal experience, we immediately listen and connect.
In what ways does your work make you hopeful for the future?
As a queer Latino man and actor, I was always struck that I didn’t see myself on stage or in TV shows and movies. I think the work that I do helps people step into their voice, recognize their power, and in turn create an opportunity for people in the audience to reflect and say, I HAVE A VOICE. I HAVE A STORY. I’M GOING TO SHARE IT.
You have 12 hours and free rein in Blank Studio—what do you do?
I would create a day-long event featuring all my Fearless Communicators. There would be keynotes, panel conversations, fireside chats, group movement, and embodied sessions. It would be epic.
What are 5 of your favorite resources right now?