Wanna Do Some Learnin?
Want to “Pick Dhaya’s brain?” Ask her advice? Get professional insight into performing/writing/storytelling? You have come to the right tab. Dhaya –that’s me y’all–is a storyteller, comedian, and public speaker. And I –me again– also teach, coach, and lead workshops.
Oh also, it does cost money, but that’s ok, I’m worth it.
What People Say:
Here is what some folks say about me:
I had already seen you as an emcee at the Moth and so I knew that you were going to be smart and funny, but I was very impressed with your pedagogical style. As background I studied education at Harvard. And as an educational consultant I have observed more than 400 hours of classroom teaching in the Bay Area. I also taught creative writing at CCSF for 7 years. So I recognize the amount of work that goes into teaching and creating a successful classroom environment.You built on individual assets, while also providing a risk-taking atmosphere so that people could go beyond their comfort-zone. It was really impressive. Thank you!
–Nada Djordjevich, Executive Director of Gibson & Associates
“I was very nervous and self conscious. In the class, you demonstrated that each individual has a unique type of style and that one needs to put time and effort to find and maximize their strengths rather than worry too much on their weaknesses. You were energetic, witty and approachable in class. You gave positive feedback to motivate one’s unique style. I also liked the personal anecdotes and advice you gave from your experience as a performer. I really enjoyed the class, it was fun and I feel more comfortable going on stage. Thank you!
–Suhas Akshar Kumar, Innovation Software Engineer at Schneider Electric
“I never thought of myself as a creative person until I learned how to tell my story. Taking your class helped me realize that I have a lot to say and I should always say it. I will always appreciate that lesson.
–Frances Fu, Development & Communications Coordinator at Chinese Progressive Association
The best way to learn to tell jokes, perform a story, or to speak in public is to try and fail in front of strangers (while still noticing what you did well). This requires the willingness to keep trying even when it is hard to notice what worked (trust me something did work)!
Sometimes you need help along the arduous journey.
Workshops:
I teach public speaking and storytelling workshops for corporate and non-profit clients. Clients include professional performers (MUNI Diaries), students (University of Michigan, Stanford University) corporate folks (Adidas Corporation), (Reebok Corporation), (Intuit), non-profits (Youth Speaks) and open classes where anyone can attend (Mill Valley Public Library).
If you would like to hire me to teach a class, here are some best practices I have learned from my experience:
• Audience: I aim to have at least 10 people in the class and limit classes to 12.
• Timing: Workshops can be day-long, a few hours, or over a weekend.
• Outcomes: Participants will leave with a bit, story, short talk.
Coaching:
I am available for one-on-one coaching. Clients include individuals at corporations (Facebook), government (San Francisco Board of Supervisors), and regular folks (emcee a gala, give a toast, speak on a panel). I am available to coach on public speaking, storytelling emceeing/hosting, and appearing on-camera.
If you or your organization would like to hire me for coaching, here are some best practices I have learned from my experience:
• Invest Time: The coaching relationship best evolves over 3-6 sessions.
• Efficient: If you only need one session we will coach for 3 hours.
• Fun: I won’t make you cry. I’m not that kinda coach. This is about identifying what works for you and finding your voice. There are a LOT of bad performers, emcees, and other speakers. I will tell you honestly if there is a major problem or perhaps I notice your fly is unzipped. I won’t let you fail.
Adapting stand-up comedians' material with the help of a business english tutor for the English-speaking audience
02 January 2023
What led you to discover your artistic voice? "I've always been the shortest person around. I have always been unique. My family is an immigrant. I was raised in a Cleveland suburb and the South. English wasn't my first language. I had to learn English from scratch. Afterward, I worked in Silicon Valley and the banking sector before I started stand-up comedy. I even worked with a business English tutor in order to have a high position. An online language course helped me become more fluent in the language..."
