Meg Bucaro Communications

Last speeches of the semester are done, and I am so proud of these students!

This class reminds me that confidence is not something we wait to feel.

It is something we build.

🎯 By showing up.
🎯 By practicing.
🎯 By working through nerves.
🎯 By getting a little more comfortable being uncomfortable.

Public speaking is not about becoming fearless. It is about learning how to move forward with more clarity, courage, and control.

Nerves are not the enemy. They are just energy that needs direction.

Chicago gave us a little taste of what is coming this week… literally.

I was grateful to attend a preview of the Taste of Chicago, one of the city’s most iconic events and such a perfect reminder of what this city does best:

Food.
Culture.
Community.
Energy.
(And yes, wind that humbles everyone equally during photo time.)

This year feels especially exciting as Taste returns to a five-day format, bringing even more visitors, business, and cultural experiences back into Grant Park.

A big thank you to and for the invitation. It was wonderful to hear from Mayor Brandon Johnson and DCASE Commissioner Kenya Merritt about what is ahead for Chicago...and why this city continues to be one of the best in the world! 👊🏻 🐻⬇️

Bonus: I got to enjoy it with , who was equally victimized by the wind.

Weather was hot.
Drinks were cold.
Food was delicious.
People were amazing.

Obviously, Chicago. 😜

I have an “All Hell Breaks Loose” rule for speaking.

If the tech fails…

If my notes disappear…

If the room shifts…

If the plan goes sideways…

I ask myself one question:

What are the TWO anchor points I absolutely need this audience to hear?

Not twelve points.

Not every brilliant detail I prepared.

Two. Then I pepper in the details as needed by those two points.

Because when all hell breaks loose, clarity keeps you calm.

Those two anchor points help you stay organized, stay on message, and keep serving the audience, even when the conditions are less than ideal.

High-stakes presentation?
Team meeting?
Difficult conversation?
Client pitch?

If the plan falls apart, your anchor points keep you from falling apart with it.

These questions do two important things:

They help you learn whether the role is actually a good fit, and they show the interviewer you are already thinking beyond getting the job, you are thinking about succeeding in it.