In this episode of Penny for Your Shots, I had the pleasure of chatting with Victoria Chai, a communications coach and founder of Chai Connections Coaching and Consulting. Victoria’s mission is to help women entrepreneurs find their authentic voice and communicate with confidence, whether they’re networking, presenting, or simply stepping out of their comfort zone. From navigating cultural differences to overcoming public speaking fears, Victoria’s journey is as inspiring as it is practical.

The Journey to Authentic Communication

Victoria’s path to becoming a communications coach began with unexpected lessons during her time in Japan. Teaching English in a small town, she faced challenges that pushed her to grow her public speaking skills.

"Most nervousness isn’t visible unless you tell people you’re nervous," Victoria shared. "Learning to lean into imperfection is what helped me connect with others."

Helping Female Entrepreneurs Overcome Fear

Victoria works predominantly with female entrepreneurs, many of whom face self-doubt and fear about public speaking.

"We’re often our own worst critics," she said. "But your story is worth telling. You matter, and your voice matters."

Her coaching focuses on building confidence through practice, experimentation, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process.

Workshops for Confidence and Clarity

Victoria offers a variety of workshops, both in-person and online, to help women refine their communication skills. Key areas include:

• Crafting an Elevator Pitch: Turning an introduction into an engaging story.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Using posture, tone, and eye contact effectively.
• Digital Communication: Adapting your message for emails, DMs, and social media.

"Confidence comes from practice, and practice should feel fun and exploratory," she explained.

Her interactive workshops provide a safe space for women to experiment with their messaging and gain valuable feedback.

Practical Tips for Networking and Connection

Victoria offered a simple yet powerful tip for overcoming the intimidation of networking events:

1. Observe First: Attend an event to understand what topics and styles resonate in that space.
2. Prepare Talking Points: Have a few current events or topics of interest ready to discuss.
3. Start Small: Challenge yourself to connect with one or two new people and build from there.

"Approach networking as an opportunity to learn and connect, rather than perform," Victoria advised.

Finding Joy in Imperfection

Victoria’s approach is deeply rooted in embracing imperfection. She encourages her clients to see mistakes as opportunities for connection and growth.

"There’s no such thing as a perfect presentation. Your humanity is what makes you relatable," she said.

Victoria’s Go-To Drink: Prosecco with a Twist

When asked about her favorite drink, Victoria revealed her love for a classic Kir Royale—Prosecco with a splash of raspberry liqueur.

"It’s celebratory, light, and perfect for any occasion," she said, adding that it pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Join the Communication Sandbox

Victoria invites women to join her Facebook group, The Communication Sandbox, where she shares quick tips, interactive challenges, and insights to help members grow their confidence.

"It’s a place to play, experiment, and find your authentic voice," she explained.

Closing Thoughts: Your Voice Matters

Victoria’s message is clear: Whether you’re giving a speech, crafting an email, or chatting at a networking event, your voice matters.

Let’s raise a glass to finding your voice and communicating with confidence!

https://www.instagram.com/victoriachai1/ 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/the.communication.sandbox