Question 1

Does it work?

Accepted Answer

Only with a committed effort! Work diligently in manageable steps, show up even when you'd rather not, and you will see dramatic results. You either develop the habit of facing your fear or avoiding it. you will be doing things you were unable to do the session before and making a deposit in your co

Question 2

How long does it take to get better?

Accepted Answer

There is a direct correlation between your motivation and commitment and the speed with which you see results. Your patience and diligence will be rewarded; but, in this race, the tortoise beats the hare.

Question 3

Will it get rid of my anxiety?

Accepted Answer

The goal is learning to accept and function with the anxiety, and appreciate your accomplishment. Fortunately, with practice, you gain confidence that you can function with the fear, and anxiety does eventually dissipate.

Question 4

If I get comfortable in the group, which is a safe environment, how will that help me in the real wo

Accepted Answer

This program helps you expand your comfort zone by understanding your fears and building public speaking and social skills. As you grow, you'll be encouraged to tackle new challenges, such as Toastmasters, acting classes, or community group participation.

Question 5

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

An initial investment of $425 for 10 sessions. Upon completion, you can renew at a substantial discount for the subsequent block of ten sessions.

Question 6

How many times per week do I attend?

Accepted Answer

You’re welcome to attend any class during the week. Most come once weekly, but more frequent attendance can accelerate progress, especially before a big event. Consistency is key sporadic attendance hinders growth, while overdoing it may cause burnout. The best approach is steady participation.

Question 7

I don’t have much anxiety, just wanting to increase my skills.

Accepted Answer

Whether or not you experience public speaking anxiety, we’re committed to helping you become a dynamic, effective speaker. After each exercise, you’ll receive expert, targeted feedback to refine your skills and improve every aspect of successful communication.

Question 8

I’m not a native English speaker

Accepted Answer

We service the entire globe and a high percentage of our participants are not native English speakers who manage to thrive in our program.  An accent is not a liability unless listeners cannot understand you, in which case we will advise you to seek accent reduction training.

Question 9

How many instructors are there?

Accepted Answer

We have two instructors: Charles di Cagno and Kyra Smith. Mr. di Cagno, who founded the program in 1990, was Director of Public Speaking and Social Anxiety at White Plains Hospital Phobia Clinic (1990–2010). Ms. Smith, with us since 2005, succeeded him as Director from 2010–2015.

Question 10

I keep hearing about the workbook. What is that?

Accepted Answer

The workbook is your roadmap for the course, with exercises arranged from basic to advanced. You'll progress step-by-step at your own pace, building skills and momentum as each exercise builds on the one before it.

Question 11

What if I want to renew?

Accepted Answer

You are guaranteed a 30% discount off the regular rate on all future renewals.

Question 12

How long have the students I saw been coming to classes?

Accepted Answer

The course is ongoing, with beginners, intermediates, and advanced participants at every meeting. Those tackling advanced exercises started just like you—they committed, attended consistently, and built their skills and confidence over time. With the same dedication, you can achieve it too.

Question 13

How long does it take to get good?

Accepted Answer

Progress varies by individual, depending on the severity of the issue and commitment to improvement. However, most attendees see remarkable progress within weeks. This shift in perception often drives them forward, accelerating their growth and boosting their confidence.

Question 14

How long does it take for my anxiety to go down?

Accepted Answer

The best approach is to expect, allow, and accept anxiety while progressing through the training. Focus on functioning with manageable anxiety, understanding it isn't an insurmountable obstacle. As you gain confidence in performing despite fear, your anxiety will naturally begin to fade.

Question 15

My voice shakes

Accepted Answer

Trembling voice is a common symptom of public speaking anxiety, and we address that head on. You will be trained to pace yourself, pause, breathe deeply from the diaphragm and speak on the exhale, and thus generate more resonant and powerful vocal output.

Question 16

My face turns red

Accepted Answer

Blushing can be embarrassing, but progress is possible through manageable steps. Expect and allow mild blushing, focusing on the task at hand. As your skills and confidence grow, anxiety decreases, making blushing less likely or bothersome. Plus, a reality check on how others perceive it can ease yo

Question 17

I’m okay one on one, but…

Accepted Answer

You’re ahead of the curve, showing no fundamental issue with communication—one less area to address. In group settings, anxiety can disrupt thought organization. Here, you’ll learn to pause, gather your thoughts, and articulate clearly, which will boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

Question 18

I lose my train of thought

Accepted Answer

Blanking is a common fear, often causing panic and obsession over avoiding it. While it can’t be guaranteed, proper guidance and practice will help you visualize and organize thoughts, reducing blankouts. As your skills and confidence grow, overall anxiety decreases, making blanking less likely.

Question 19

I’m worried about how I look or how I am doing

Accepted Answer

Self awareness is a double edged sword.  It is beneficial to be aware of adherence to your message, and the skill set.  It is self-defeating to scrutinize every nuance of your output and to have a "people pleasing" concern with how it is being received.

Question 20

Do you do private training?

Accepted Answer

Private training is offered by appointment, and is advised for those experiencing elevated levels of anxiety keeping them from attending group classes, or those who require more intense training for a specific issue or upcoming presentation.

Question 21

I need to leave early, or I’ll get there late

Accepted Answer

We welcome busy professionals and understand time constraints. Partial attendance is better than missing class entirely. However, we encourage members to be good citizens—staying to support peers ensures everyone benefits from a full audience for maximum practice, exposure, and experience.

Question 22

What if the exercise is too easy?

Accepted Answer

You proceed through the course in manageable steps.  If an exercise is too daunting we step back, or bypass it if it is not challenging enough.

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