I have 2 primary joys as I coach Next Step clients. One is meeting new friends, getting to hear their heart-beat and reading/hearing their messages. The other is equally sweet, and it’s working with old friends over and over.

Today I’d like to introduce my client and friend Charlotte Angles. Charlotte was one of my first clients way back when. She has contracted for several services, and we’ve just finished working together again. Charlotte wanted a “second brain” and accountability as she developed a new retreat, so we customized a service for her.

When we were done, I asked her some questions, and I’d like to share the interview with you today!

 

1.  Why did you first decide to sign up for coaching services with Next Step Speaker Services? 

I attended She Speaks and received a ton of great information at the conference! However, it was so much that I wasn’t quite sure where to start or what to do next. I quickly became overwhelmed and felt instantly behind…on everything. Next Step Speaker Services is a great name for what you do because you helped me design the next steps I needed to take to make my ministry more accessible. You helped me organize all that great information into attainable goals.

2. What is the most valuable thing you’ve gained from working with a speaking coach?

A dear friend who understands the heart of teacher. You understand the burden I have to handle the Word of God with carefulness and accuracy—and how this can sometimes paralyze a me into watching a cursor blink for hours on end. Before spending time with you, I thought this experience might be an indication that I wasn’t really cut out for speaking ministry. You helped normalize these feelings and many other speaker anxieties I had thought were just exclusive to me.

3.  You’ve signed up for multiple services, and I’ve loved getting to know you so well! What made you come back? 

Every time I get off the phone with you, I think to myself. Ok, yes, I can do this. You help me think through ideas—especially when I may be stuck on a particular point in a message. Recently, I’ve discovered the invaluable benefit of having scheduled accountability sessions for message preparation. Knowing I had a weekly appointment with you made me set aside necessary time to study and write my messages.  A week before my last speaking engagement I felt ready and relaxed. No last minute writing or cramming. It was wonderful! 

4.  I got a sad email from a woman who hired a different speaking coach and said, “It was a waste of money.” Hiring a coach isn’t the least expensive say to go; it’s true. Since you’ve bought several services, I’m assuming you feel Next Step has been worth the investment. What makes you feel that way? 

I trust you to tell me the truth—but in a way that doesn’t require me to run for a tourniquet. ha ha! You have my back and will you be honest with me when something I’m doing or saying might distract from the heart of my message. At the very least, you help protect me from making a fool of myself! But more importantly, you help me develop messages that clearly point to Jesus. 

5.  What has been your favorite part of working together?

You are an encourager. We laugh together. I always feel like a better version of the woman God created me to be when I get off the phone with you.

Thank you, Charlotte! Even coaches need encouragement and affirmation, so this interview blessed me beyond measure.

If you’re interested in speaker coaching or just curious about how it works, we can schedule a free consultation call. Just read the information on the Request Information page and fill out the form. I’ll be back in touch quickly to schedule our time.

Amy