Voice Over Fear

They used to say, “Never let them see you sweat.”
Turns out … sometimes they’re going to see it anyway.

No one tells you that public speaking is part preparation, part courage, and part trying not to visibly sweat.

This photo was taken moments before stepping on stage, when a very small fan was doing the most and my nerves were fully present.

But showing up matters more than sounding perfect.

When you’re talking about affordable housing ... about stability, dignity, and systems that impact real lives ... the message is bigger than a missed word or a shaky moment.

I’ve stumbled.
I’ve lost my place.
I’ve questioned mid-sentence whether I was making sense.
And still, the conversations are needed.

So if you’re hesitating to speak up because you don’t feel “ready,” don’t wait.
Be present. Say the thing anyway.

Affordable housing is too important to stay quiet over a flub.
Or a little sweat.
Just pack the mini-fan and get going.