Public Speaking Archives

Loren Raye, founder of I Teach Speaking. (Credit: Courtesy of Zachary DeLoach) Loren Raye spent 13 years working as co-host on radio shows like “Elvis Duran and The Morning Show” on New York City’s Z100, and Boston 103.3 AMP Radio’s “The TJ Show.” But Raye lost her job when Covid first swept into the U.S., suddenly becoming a stay-at-home mom in the process. Raye spent the next three years trying to figure out her next move, until at last, an idea came to her: She would use her expertise in public speaking to grow kids’ confidence and find their voices through classes she’d design. Enter her business, I Teach Speaking. Today, the Basking Ridge, New Jersey, entrepreneur is helping children while relishing the scheduling freedom she now enjoys as an entrepreneur. Editor’s Note: I Teach Speaking has been named to The Story Exchange’s 2024 list of 10 Brilliant Business Ideas. How is your business different from others in your industry? The vast majority of public speaking and communication coaches work with adults, or within corporate settings. I absolutely love working with kids, and while I have certainly worked with adults on occasion, my mission is to empower children, specifically, to find their voices and become the leaders of tomorrow that we so desperately need. Tell us about your biggest success so far. Becoming a mother. I have always wanted to be a mom (even if there are some days I wish I wasn't one). But my daughter is the coolest, most amazing 5-year-old on the planet. She's brilliant and kind (if exhausting!), and every day I feel so proud to be her mother. On a professional level, I’ve won two Gracie Awards for "Outstanding Morning Drive Personality," which I received while co-hosting “The TJ Show.” I'm incredibly proud of that. For a long time, I defined success as being a big fish in a big pond – hosting morning radio in top 10 markets. It wasn't just about money. It was about the notoriety, the impact I could make, and the idea that I was winning the rat race. After losing my job, I define success as being able to sleep in when I want, being there for my daughter, husband and family when they need me, and making money doing something that makes me genuinely happy. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? Letting people know my business exists, and trying to create a steady stream of income from it. I've used local Facebook pages to bring in about 90% of my clients, but I want to max out my schedule every semester. Right now, I'd say I'm only about 60% full. But just two days ago, I signed off on my very first digital marketing campaign, and I'm really curious to see how it goes. Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions? When I was pregnant, my dad had a stroke. Luckily, he has since recovered, but it was obviously a very stressful time in our lives. About a year later, I lost my job, and we moved back to my hometown so we could be closer to both of our families. Being able to control my own hours has been such a beautiful silver lining. I can run out for lunch with my dad in the middle of the day. I can snuggle with my mom in her new townhouse when I need a hug. I can be with my daughter when she needs me. This is flexibility I had never known with my other jobs, and I know – now, more than ever – that this time with my parents is finite. So I'll take every single minute I can get. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Truly, honestly believe in your product and service. It's not worth the exhausting hours and self-doubt if you're not fully invested. Also, get yourself an awesome business manager, whether that's a mentor or a family member. I joke that my husband is my unpaid CFO, because he helps me with so many financial decisions for the business. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? I've never once held a class and felt like crap afterwards – I have always found happiness while teaching my students. So if and when there are days where I don't want to dress like a grown-up and teach kids for four hours, I remember that there's yet to be a day where I've disliked working with them. And that gives me what I need to show up! What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days? “Beez in the Trap” by Nicki Minaj and 2 Chainz. Who is your most important role model? It's cliche, but it's my mom. She was a teacher for 37 years, and helped create my curriculum with me. She's an incredibly resilient person, having lived through losing her mom at 36, a divorce, and the loss of a husband. At the age of 69, my mom packed up her entire house and left New Jersey, which is the only state she had ever called home. She moved her whole life to Boston to be closer to me and help us raise our daughter. Throughout, she's been kind, smart and consistently optimistic. I am so proud to call her my mom. ◼ Instagram: @iteachspeaking Share your story! Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-upWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

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Public Speaking

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The ‘Fear Factor’ in Leading Meetings

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