When I set my goals for 2024, one particular objective stood out as both challenging and necessary: using my voice to reach different communities.
As an introvert, this may not seem like the most natural goal to set.
But here I am, fresh from my second speaking 'gig' for the year with a couple of lessons that may be helpful to others.
Why This Goal Matters...To Me
Let me be clear – this journey wasn't driven by any desire for the spotlight. I know an oxymoron as a marketer with a personal brand.
I am actually quite comfortable staying in the background and having my work speak for itself.
What sparked this goal was two-fold: watching several business friends take their first brave steps into public speaking, and notably, the absence of voices like mine within the industry.
A challenge posed to me stuck: if you don't see people like yourself represented in these spaces, maybe you need to be the one to take up that space. This resonated deeply. Sometimes leadership isn't about seeking the spotlight – it's about creating visibility for perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.
The Journey: Starting Small and Building Up
Looking back over the past two years, my path to public speaking wasn't a dramatic leap onto a big stage. Instead, it was a gradual progression that allowed me to build confidence and refine my message:
Social Media Lives: Starting with familiar territory, speaking to my own audience
Running Workshops: Sometimes with just one or two participants (yes, those count!)
Webinars: Learning to engage with virtual strangers
Networking Group Facilitation: Guiding discussions and creating space for others
Podcast Interview: Sharing my story and expertise in conversation
Collaborating with Others: Teaming up with others to share the stage or having a guest spot, can take some of the pressure off.
Reflection Point: Where are you in your speaking journey? What small steps could you take to start sharing your voice?
Key Lessons from the Journey
1. Start Where You Are
Every speaking opportunity, no matter how small, is valuable. Those early workshops with just a couple of participants? They were crucial for developing my style and confidence.
Ask yourself: What platforms do you already have access to where you could start practicing?
2. Refine Your Message Through Practice
Each speaking engagement has helped me clarify and strengthen my message. The key is not waiting until everything is perfect – your message evolves through the act of sharing it.
Ask yourself: What core message do you want to share? How might speaking help you refine it?
3. Find Your Speaking Style
You don't need to mimic extroverted speakers or follow a prescribed formula. My recent Force Femme experience reinforced this – the introverts in the audience connected specifically because I wasn't trying to be someone I'm not.
Ask yourself: What authentic elements of your personality could become strengths in your speaking style?
