Member since December 2025
Payal Mehta is a speaker, ICF-accredited (ACC) public speaking coach, and founder of Hearts on Sleeves Coaching. She helps professionals who struggle with speaking up—whether in meetings, presentations, or on stage—communicate with confidence, clarity, and authenticity without trying to sound like someone they’re not.
With over a decade of experience in Learning & Development at organizations including American Express and Gartner, Payal blends coaching with techniques grounded in acting and improv to help speakers feel more relaxed in their bodies, better prepared in their message, and more connected to their audience.
As an Indian American professional and trained actor, Payal brings a nuanced understanding of people-pleasing, self-editing, and the pressure to “get it right.” She is known for her warm, relatable style and practical approach, creating experiences where audiences feel supported, grounded, and empowered to express themselves more fully at work and beyond.
Besides vegan food, laughing at comedy clubs and reading an honest memoir, what drives Payal is the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing and a voice worth hearing. She cares deeply about fostering a supportive environment where individuals can learn to express themselves without fear. Her mission is to demystify public speaking, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of their background or experience level.
One of Payal's most memorable speaking experiences occurred at a conference where she conducted an improv game for a live audience of over 100 people! The participants really took their parts to heart, giving some oscar-worthy performances and afterwards participants were able to share their own learnings from the experience. Nothing is more gratifying to her than seeing learning happen in real time.
Payal's journey into public speaking began when she was a child working in the many small businesses her parents owned. Speaking up wasn't a choice! As she got older, she found her interests and career choices gravitated toward situations that put her in the spotlight or helping support others to do the same. Her professional corporate career lead her to becoming a Learning & Development professional. She is also a trained actor and credentialed coach from the International Coaching Federation.
Not every speaking moment can be scripted. This interactive session uses improv-based exercises and coaching techniques to help participants build flexibility, presence, and confidence when responding on the spot—without overthinking or freezing.
Best suited for workshops or highly interactive sessions; can be adapted for a keynote.
Speaking anxiety is common—even for experienced professionals. This talk introduces accessible techniques inspired by acting, improv, and coaching to help speakers regulate nerves, stay grounded, and connect more naturally with their audience in real time.
Can be adapted as a keynote or experiential workshop.
Confidence comes from preparation that supports you, not pressures you. Using a blend of coaching tools and performance-based techniques, this session shows speakers how to clarify their message, organize their ideas, and prepare in a way that builds calm and confidence.
Available as a keynote, workshop, or working session.
This talk helps professionals communicate with confidence while staying authentic. Drawing on techniques grounded in improv, acting, and coaching, participants learn how to be more present, clear, and self-trusting when they speak—without forcing a persona that doesn’t fit.
Can be delivered as a keynote or interactive workshop.
One of Payal's most memorable speaking experiences occurred at a conference where she conducted an improv game for a live audience of over 100 people! The participants really took their parts to heart, giving some oscar-worthy performances and afterwards participants were able to share their own learnings from the experience. Nothing is more gratifying to her than seeing learning happen in real time.
Payal's journey into public speaking began when she was a child working in the many small businesses her parents owned. Speaking up wasn't a choice! As she got older, she found her interests and career choices gravitated toward situations that put her in the spotlight or helping support others to do the same. Her professional corporate career lead her to becoming a Learning & Development professional. She is also a trained actor and credentialed coach from the International Coaching Federation.
Not every speaking moment can be scripted. This interactive session uses improv-based exercises and coaching techniques to help participants build flexibility, presence, and confidence when responding on the spot—without overthinking or freezing.
Best suited for workshops or highly interactive sessions; can be adapted for a keynote.
Speaking anxiety is common—even for experienced professionals. This talk introduces accessible techniques inspired by acting, improv, and coaching to help speakers regulate nerves, stay grounded, and connect more naturally with their audience in real time.
Can be adapted as a keynote or experiential workshop.
Confidence comes from preparation that supports you, not pressures you. Using a blend of coaching tools and performance-based techniques, this session shows speakers how to clarify their message, organize their ideas, and prepare in a way that builds calm and confidence.
Available as a keynote, workshop, or working session.
This talk helps professionals communicate with confidence while staying authentic. Drawing on techniques grounded in improv, acting, and coaching, participants learn how to be more present, clear, and self-trusting when they speak—without forcing a persona that doesn’t fit.
Can be delivered as a keynote or interactive workshop.