Is there such a thing as an “authentic self?”

Though the phrase looks great on an inspirational poster, we are constantly in flux. You may act differently as a friend or a romantic partner, as a worker or a boss, or as a student or a teacher. We are all performing every day, and these performances should be embraced—they influence our lives in profound ways and can help us have richer experiences.

Drawing from philosophy and psychology, actor and public speaking expert Monica Viharo explores the roles we play in our lives and the performances all around us—and shows how to communicate confidently in all situations. This interactive discussion also introduces practice exercises for combating performance anxiety and being a confident public speaker.

Monica Cortés Viharo is earning a PhD in drama and has twenty years of experience as an actor and public speaking consultant. Viharo previously served as the Interim Director of the UW Speaking Center, and has taught workshops to help people overcome their fear of public speaking and hone their communication, networking, and business etiquette skills.

Viharo lives in Seattle.