We just wrapped up taping of the pilot for Hot in Cleveland - an original program for TV Land - and I can honestly say, I haven't had this much fun on a set in a long time. From writer / executive producer Suzanne Martin (Frasier) to director Michael Lembeck - whom I worked with on One Day at a Time - this project feels like a family reunion.

The premise is a fun one - I play Melanie, a recent divorcee who has authored a book about 200 things every woman should do before she dies. To cross off one of those things, I've cashed in my airline miles to take a trip to Paris with my two best friends: Wendie Malick, who plays Victoria, a daytime soap star; and Jane Leeves, as Joy, the eyebrow waxer to the stars. Our plane crash-lands in Cleveland, giving us L.A. ladies a crash course in middle America, and introducing us to a heartland heart-throb: My co-star (and love interest) John Schneider.

This year, I am honored to be speaking through the SmartTalk Connected Conversations series. I will be joining some amazing women to talk about our lives and work. It is humbling to be included among the likes of actress Diane Keaton, former First Lady Laura Bush, author Elizabeth Gilbert and journalist Lee Woodruff - and honestly, it's nerve wracking.

Public speaking is something I enjoy just as much as acting, and maybe a little more because I can be myself. I’m connecting with people: I have something to say to them and I want to hear what they have to say to me. That said, I still get nervous - it wasn't long ago that I was the "urban hermit" - I was ashamed of the way I looked and I wanted to hide. Just like anyone, I have to overcome my own negative thoughts when I'm about to get up in front of people and talk - whether it's 10 or 100 or 1,200 people. Here are some tricks I use to cope...

With the release of my second book, Finding It, and my first exercise DVD, Losing It and Keeping Fit, I had the honor of speaking at several events throughout the fall - from Arizona's Ultimate Women's Expo and the Arizona Kidney Foundation Author's Luncheon in Phoenix to Maria Shriver's Women's Conference in Los Angeles.

These events are both empowering and humbling: I am inspired by the women who are attending these events to improve their lives, learn new ideas, or just spend a fun day with their girlfriends. I am awed by the celebrities, authors and leaders that I've been invited to join - from CNN Host Larry King and "Human Guinea Pig" A.J. Jacobs at the Author's Luncheon to former Secretary of State Madeline Albright and everybody's favorite trainer Jillian Michaels at Maria Shriver's Conference. 

This spring, I am honored to participate in the SmartTalk Connected Conversations series. I'll be returning to my birthplace - Wilmington, Del., to speak on January 25, 2010. I will also be appearing at SmartTalk events in New Brunswick, Conn. (Jan. 26) and Cincinnati (Jan. 27).

Public speaking can be intimidating, exciting and ultimately rewarding. Here's a peek at what goes into one of these speaking events - a recap of my exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience at Arizona's Ultimate Women's Expo in October... and be sure to check out the photos!