About HeartFelt Speaking

HeartFelt Speaking delivers public speaking coaching via one-on-one sessions, workshops for organizations, and online courses for intimate cohorts (coming soon!). Wondering if we may be a fit to work together?

  • If you have a big talk coming up and need help with maximizing engagement and impact…
  • If you struggle to explain what you do, or to crystallize what you want to do next…
  • If you won’t let self-doubt or Impostor Syndrome undermine your speaking anymore…
  • If you want to learn how to craft and deliver a powerful, story-rich speech…
  • If you get anxious just thinking about public speaking and need tools to master your nerves…

Then you’ve come to the right place.

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Smarts

PhD in Communication
Published scholar
Research lover

Heart

Former preschool teacher
Avid volunteer
Consistent "This is Us" crier

Humor

Long-time improviser
Sporadic sketch comedian
Three-time stand-up

Introducing Dr. Laurel Felt

Glasses. Smile. Silly hat.

Little did Cousin Bev know, when she came over with vintage haberdashery to enjoy a tea party with my toddler, that the photo she snapped would CAPTURE MY ZEITGEIST.

I’ve got a killer lexicon and a self-deprecating sense of humor.

I’ve been wordsmithing my friends’ and relatives’ writing since I was a kid.

I’ve always loved stories and telling them onstage.

I am a former:

  • star of community children’s theater (debuting at age 8 in a memorable turn as Zoompa the Oompa Loompa);
  • champion of high school public speaking;
  • darling of collegiate improv; 
  • maverick Toastmaster; and 
  • kooky public speaking instructor of 250+ beloved USC undergrads.

I believe that our biggest, most important ideas are the hardest ones to put into words. Why? Sometimes it’s because we’ve been living with them for so long that we’ve lost the ability to simplify them for others; sometimes it’s because they matter so much to us that taking them on and sharing them out feels _absolutely terrifying_.

That’s why we have to do this together.

And how lucky am I that I get to know you, support you, learn from you, write with you, and share pride in the success and impact of your talks?

“My job, my joy,” is something I say, not only because it’s euphonious (gotta love alliteration) but also because it’s true. Come work with me. It’ll be fun. 🙂 

See Laurel Work

USC

Lecturer

Teach business communication
on campus
and online

Senior Fellow

Leverage my expertise in children's media, play, and learning

Coach

Obviously

Mom

Best job ever

What People Are Saying

Laurel was tremendously helpful in preparing me for a promo video that I made for my business. I'm an educator and comfortable speaking to groups, but having to be articulate and focused on camera was intimidating to me. Laurel was able to help me organize my thoughts in such a way that I felt confident and comfortable in what I had to say, as well as giving me little tricks to look relaxed while being filmed. I am so glad I sought out her services -- she's great at what she does and made the process fun.
Leah Paul
CEO, Sweet Potato Music
I had a session with Laurel Felt today and after she left, I thought to myself...How do I raise enough money to keep her coming back here every single week?! She’s that good! Laurel is an expert at sifting through your words to find the big gold nuggets! I highly recommend Laurel!​
Cyndi Otteson
Candidate for LA City Council CD 14

Hear Laurel Speak

Explaining how improv unlocks 21st century learning (+ rocking a baby bump) 

Improvising a presentation based on someone else’s never-before-seen slides!

Interrogating whether mass media enriches our minds or melts our brains 

Your big ideas are worth sharing.

Get Started