High Awareness, High Performance

High Awareness, High Performance:

Stress combatting strategies for confident communicators

Walking into a presentation or conversation can be difficult and uncomfortable. Since you can't control what the audience thinks or feels, there are many ways in which it can go off track. No wonder it can be hard to maintain confidence in these moments.

What if confidence in these situations is about having a plan, one that will harness your ability to stay grounded no matter what happens?

The goal in this workshop is to normalize stress responses by acknowledging we all have them, and that by identifying our own stress style, we can build a practice to combat our stress response and free ourselves to confidently make the best choices for the situation.

BONUS! All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win one of four copies ofThe Motivated Speaker! (Must be present to win)

Director of Training and Coaching,Articulation

Acacia Duncan trains speakers to captivate their audiences with purpose, precision, and passion. She helps leaders, CEOs, and experts to transform complex ideas into communications that shift perspectives and inspire action.

In one-on-one coaching, small group settings, and workshops for 400+ people, Acacia equips professionals with tools for communicating confidently and persuasively. She also elevates company cultures by creating innovative training programs for businesses.

In addition to being the Director of Coaching and Training at Articulation, Acacia is a founding Company Member of Available Light Theatre. She is a professional director and actor who has performed in over sixty plays and three feature films. Her decades of experience -- on stage and off -- have taught her how to bring out the creativity in every collaborator.

Before joining Articulation in 2016, Acacia spent 14 years as a corporate coach and trainer in the retail sector. She graduated from Miami University with degrees in Theatre Performance and Economics, studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and received her coaching certification from Erickson Coaching International.

Acacia lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, Matt Slaybaugh. She is a hiker, a baker, a dog lover, and a life long Trekkie.

Connect with Acacia:LinkedIn

Read the book:The Motivated Speaker

Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here.

Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work.

It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact.

This event is included for free with a . If you need assistance, please email us at

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