How to Speak Your Story To the World
Do you have a story to share?
A story that is burning inside you. A story that, if you told it, you knew it would help people. It could make their lives better, jobs easier or help them sleep better at night.
What holds you back from sharing that message from the world?
I recently was talking to a woman who had a powerful, moving story that I knew could help people (heck, she knew it too). She could share it beautifully one-on-one. The thought of taking that passion in front of a room of 20 (let's not even talk about 50 or 100) was quite frankly terrifying.
She had the whole list of fears – fear of being vulnerable in front of people, fear of the nerves, fear people wouldn't take her seriously, fear people would think her story was stupid and fear that she'd end up “living in a van down by the river.”
I've meet lots of women like this, and heck I'm that woman too. For years, I struggled with the thought that no one would care about my story. My struggle with loneliness and depression when living in Hawaii. (Yes you read that right – I was uber sad in paradise). Loneliness is hard to admit, but it's universal. Sharing my struggle helped others, and I knew it did because they shared their own story of loneliness with me.
The biggest mistake anyone can make is not getting their message out into the world. Let's speak your story to the world!
Table of Contents
Step #1: Say this kick-ass mantra out-loud
Step #2: Yell ” Heck yeah! Let's do that!”
Yell it. Shout it. Whether you are driving in a car, drinking at a bar or opening a jar. You need to make the commitment to getting your story out to the world.
Step #3: Get crystal clear on the why
You know you have a story to tell, but you need to be 100% clear on why it needs to be told. Get out a piece of paper and write down why we need to hear your story. Write down “I believe my story is important because ______________.” Start filling in the blank. Write down every reason that pops into your head. Don't censor yourself.
When you can't think of a single reason more, read your list. Circle the 3 reasons that resonate the most with you. Write those on a piece of paper and tack it to your bathroom mirror, bulletin board or anywhere you will see it on a regular basis.
This way if any of those fears creep up – you know why you want to tell your story.
Step #4: Start writing & speak out
You are now committed. It is time to start writing your speech and telling your story. You can do this and more importantly we need to hear your message. Do not let that story burning inside you remain there. You can make the world a better place through one compelling presentation at a time.
Need more help getting your message out? Email me today and schedule a free Ignite Your Speaking Spark Session to unleash your story from within.
I had to take public speaking in college, and even after several A+ presentations in front of my peers, I still get slightly nauseous when faced with a crowd. However, once I suck it up and get out there, everything seems to go just fine. Maybe the nerves help? I have no clue.
Amberr – the nerves do totally help! I can’t even begin to tell you how nervous I get before a big presentation. My stomach is in knots, but I know that it means I care. If I am not nervous, it means that I don’t have anything at risk. Nerves are good – use them to your advantage. The adrenaline rush of speaking is at it’s worst the first few minutes of a speech – then everything does go just fine.
Thank you, Michelle. My 3 top reasons are because my story is about courage, transformation and women supporting women by thinking outside the box. My fear is that I won’t follow through, I’ll give up before my story is done. And if by some miracle, I do finish telling it, maybe it won’t be good enough to publish. I look to you and to other writers for support on this journey. Namaste.
Don’t give up and you can publish it yourself! Just keep writing every day. You’ll rock it!
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