GONZALES — Gonzales Football Coach Art Berlanga has been chosen as one of 20 speakers to take part in the Power Voice Summit IV hosted by Les Brown and Jon Talarico on Saturday, Feb. 6.
Berlanga became involved when he enrolled in a motivational speaking certification course using Brown’s system, which encourages people to use their life story to inspire others.
“I have this desire to where I enjoy speaking in front of people,” Berlanga said. “I’ve done speaking engagements before in the past, at weddings, ceremonies, conferences and coaching clinics, so I have a bit of experience doing it.”
With 300 students worldwide in the course, one of Berlanga’s assignments was to submit a three-minute and 10-minute video using motivational techniques. He was then one of 20 students chosen to speak to the upcoming online summit, which is expected to have a virtual worldwide audience.
“He’s teaching us how to find our story, our voice and use it in a way that’s made him so successful,” Berlanga said.
Berlanga’s topic at the summit will be titled, “How Winners Think.”
“It’s about winning in life,” he said. “I use my experiences within education, coaching and as a former athlete.”
His speech will focus on three points: self-belief, vision and persistence.
“You need all three to be a winner,” Berlanga said. “Those three things I find are what separate the people who really want things out of life and don’t victimize their mentality.”
Berlanga plans to speak about how going after life with no excuses and putting aside failure and circumstances is the way to define one’s life.
The summit is free online, and Berlanga said he will personally share links on his social media as the event draws closer, but information can also be found at powervoicetraining.com. The program will take place through Facebook Live.
“The main reason he’s doing this is because he knows people need help, they need a boost and some encouragement,” Berlanga said about Brown and the summit. “He’s trying to train all these people who want to use their story and share their story and is providing a platform to do that.”
He noted the summit will be the biggest platform he has spoken on.
“I know I’m going to be nervous and I’m sure I’m going to have a little anxiety, but that comes with the territory,” Berlanga said. “Anything you want to do a really good job at, you’re going to have those nerves and that’s a healthy thing. I think those nerves only keep me on point, keep me sharp and keep me accountable.”
Berlanga said he hopes South Monterey County residents will attend the summit to not only support him, but also look into getting tools for success.
“If you’re in a place where you need some encouragement or motivation, you can tune in and watch me and support me,” he said.
In addition, Berlanga was notified Jan. 25 that he was approved to speak at a five-day event called The Comeback Champion Summit, which will take place Feb. 16. He recently interviewed to be part of the speaker panel, and will also speak about the winners’ thinking strategy there.
