Speak Easy event hosted by Brian Lafontaine
WELCOME TO SPEAK EASY
A public speaking event disguised as a secret underground club for your voice.
Founded by actor, comedian, and coach Brian Lafontaine (hi, that's me), Speak Easy was created for anyone who's ready…or almost ready…to step up to the mic.
Maybe you're preparing for a keynote. Maybe you're refining a personal story. Maybe you've got a big presentation coming up. Or maybe you're simply tired of letting fear make the decisions.
Whatever brought you here...you're in the right room.
Tucked in a secret theatre inside a video store (seriously), Speak Easy blends the atmosphere of a classic speakeasy with the encouragement of a room full of people who genuinely want to see you succeed. It's intimate, welcoming, a little unexpected, and unlike anything else you'll find in Charlotte.
Because here's what surprises almost everyone who walks through the door...
No one is here to judge you.
They're here to cheer for you.
To laugh with you.
To celebrate your courage.
To remind you that finding your voice doesn't require perfection—it simply requires showing up.
SHOW UP. MESS UP. GROW.
That's what Speak Easy is all about.
TAKE THE STAGE. WE'VE GOT THE REST.
We intentionally limit each event to just five speakers, ensuring every participant gets meaningful time on stage, personalized feedback from Brian, and the full attention of a supportive audience that's invested in your success.
Whether you're polishing a keynote, practicing a difficult conversation, testing new material, or giving your very first speech, you'll walk away with practical insights you can use immediately—and the confidence that only comes from actually doing it.
Not quite ready to step into the spotlight?
Come as a spectator. You'll be amazed how much you learn simply by watching others take the stage, receive coaching, and discover that they're capable of far more than they imagined. Many of our speakers started exactly where you're sitting.
MORE THAN A STAGE
Some people come to Speak Easy to become better speakers. Many come back because of the people.
Over the years, Speak Easy has become a community of entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, professionals, and everyday people who believe every voice matters and that growth happens faster when you're surrounded by people willing to be brave alongside you.
You'll leave with practical tools, fresh confidence, and a renewed belief that your voice deserves to be heard.
EVENT DETAILS
Doors open at 6:00 PM for conversation and connection before we begin at 6:30 PM.
After our speakers wrap up, we stick around to celebrate, continue the conversations, and enjoy the company of people who understand what it feels like to take a risk.
Beer, wine, coffee, and light refreshments are available for purchase in the VisArt Café.
SHOW NOTES
Tickets: All sales are final. Please be sure you're able to attend before reserving your spot.
Speaker Rotation: To keep the stage fresh and create opportunities for new voices, speakers from the previous month's event are asked to join us as spectators the following month before returning to the stage.