Alice can you give me some insight on a presentation challenge I’ve encountered. When presenting at a conference, what techniques can I use to effectively handle interruptions while staying focused and on track with my planned message?

I just got off a call with a student.She asked me something I didn’t expect. “Do you always come prepared to a meaning?" In other words, do I always follow my method? I said no. Sometimes… I don’t use the structure I prepared.I read the room. I feel the energy. I trust my intuition. And that’s where it gets uncomfortable. Because in high-pressure situations, we’re taught to stay in control. Follow the plan. Stick to logic. Don’t deviate. So choosing intuition feels risky. It means saying: Today, I will show up as myself… even if it doesn’t go as planned. And that’s hard. Because structure gives you certainty. But intuition asks you to trust yourself without guarantees. Here’s what I’ve learned: Prepare deeply. Have your structure. But when something shifts in the moment—a question, a reaction, a feeling— don’t ignore it. Your intuition is not the enemy of clarity. It's what makes your communication real. Not everything can be controlled. And not everything should be. @Linda Li

I've wondered for a long time how people readily speak up in group settings, whether casual or professional, and in which situations it might be advantageous to remain quiet. Is there a difference between speaking up to fuel the ego vs. sharing one's unique voice to remembered when it counts? What's a good approach to take to practice speaking up when it matters most?

Because most people don’t fail from lack of effort.They get stuck… and then they disappear. I’ve done it too.I didn’t know what to ask. So, I said nothing—and quit. I don’t want that to be you. If you have: • An important meeting coming up • A presentation you’re preparing • A moment where you don’t know what to say Post it in Q&A. You don’t need the perfect question. You just need to show up. That’s how you stop freezing.That’s how you start improving—fast.