Noshing With Amy Ayoub – August 19, 2021

Ira's Everything Bagel

Founder, The Zen Speaker

This week, Ira spoke with Amy Ayoub, founder of The Zen Speaker, a public speaking coaching company based in Las Vegas. She helps clients share their stories, find peace behind the podium, and move audiences to action. In this elocutionary episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel, Amy talks about her passion for public speaking and helping others conquer their fears; why you should not mistake a speaker who is comfortable with being compelling; the difference in communication styles; connecting with an audience; the importance of realizing that the audience isn’t judging you, you are judging you; your role in getting information to the audience; being authentic; dealing with shame; and always remembering that the issue is communication.

In addition to coaching, Amy’s background includes being appointed by various Nevada Governors and Senators to four state and federal commissions. She was the first female appointed to the Athletic Commission, better known as the boxing commission.

In February 2013, Amy testified before the Nevada State Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committees, using her personally inspiring survivor story in support of Assembly Bill 67, which increased penalties for those convicted of sex trafficking.

Her life story is one of resilience, inspiration and accomplishment and has prompted Culture Dog Films to create a recently-released documentary, The Zen Speaker: Breaking the Silence, that is resonating with anyone interested in turning their personal adversity into personal triumph.