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By Deborah Vietor
Have you ever felt something magical while experiencing an inspirational presentation, finding it life changing? Meet Brenda Viola, author, speaker and communications Guru.
Brenda spoke recently at a Rancho Santa Fe Toastmaster’s meeting, where she enlightened and entertained the crowd.
Her latest book How To Be Heard Without Screaming! describes how only 7% of communication is verbal, with vocal inflection, pauses and timing creating a huge difference. Each chapter of the book concludes with exercises enabling readers to practice skills illustrated in the book.
The Public Servants’ Survival Guide, her first book has many applications for work and life in general. These include:
- Teamwork: Asking for help at times while working together in a group.
- Rest: Rest in your soul and step away from drama, unplug and establish healthy boundaries, learn to say no.
- Levity: When things go wrong, this can make for a good laugh, creating the best laugh.
These elements can resonate with all of us.
“Each chapter’s checkpoint shares strategies to change burnout behaviors and I teach this workshop nationwide, helping people re-connect with themselves and restore balance,” Viola said.
Viola begged for a tape recorder as a child as she loved “interviewing” her friends. Though her dream was to be the next Diane Sawyer, she landed a position with QVC as one of the original show hosts.
For years, working in corporate America as a VP of Marketing & Communications, she also provided public speaking. She also enjoyed a career as a news anchor and reporter. She now provides one-on-one executive and life coaching, as well as public speaking, the cornerstone of her work.
“If there is a dream in your heart, you must pursue it,” she says.
This has become her mantra.
Brenda’s 2024 children’s book, Annabelle the Octopus is a collaborative effort with her sister Shirlee DiBacco, a gifted artist who illustrated the book. A poem Brenda wrote in the book exemplifies how when Annabelle struggles to become unstuck from coral and her shyness, she learns to ask for help, overcoming her obstacles.
Regarding public speaking, she says, “Care more about the people you are talking to than worrying about what they think of you. The more prepared you are, the less scared you are. Free yourself up to just ‘be.’”
Viola wants her audiences to feel seen, heard and loved. She shares the same sentiment in her books.
Brenda Viola’s books are available on Amazon. Visit www.brendaviola.com to purchase books and email her at brenda@brendaviola.com to inquire about including her in your organization, workplace or conference to learn how to conquer life’s challenges.
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