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 Matters - To Me
Let me be clear – choosing to take up public speaking wasn't driven by any desire for the spotlight. I am very comfortable staying in the background.
What sparked this goal was two-fold: watching several clients take their first brave steps into public speaking, and, the absence/lack of voices like mine (introvert, wahine Māori, over 40) within the marketing 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 few 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 Shares: Starting with familiar territory, speaking to my own audience
Workshops: Sometimes with just one or two participants (yes, those count!)
Webinars: Learning to engage virtually with larger groups
Networking Group Facilitation: Guiding discussions and creating space for others
Podcast Interviews: Sharing my story and expertise in conversation
Sharing The Stage: presenting alongside others in a panel or as a co-host, helps take some of the pressure off.
Reflection Question:
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 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. Develop Your Speaking Style
You don't need to mimic extroverted speakers or follow a prescribed formula.
I would describe my current speaking style as grounded, reflective and expressive. I like interacting with the audience - getting visual feedback is useful to me.
I pause before I speak. But once I'm on a roll and talking about a subject I love or know well, then I become more animated. I use my hands a lot and pull different facials, especially when I'm enthusiastically making a point.
Ask yourself: What authentic elements of your personality could become strengths in your speaking style?
4. Leverage Collaboration
Speaking alongside others, like my recent event with Nat, can ease the pressure and provide different perspectives for your audience. Plus, it's a great way to learn from others' styles while maintaining your own.
Ask yourself: Who in your network might be interested in collaborating on speaking opportunities?
5. Honour Your Process
As an introvert, I've learned to respect my unique needs around speaking engagements. While my extrovert friends seem to manage back-to-back speaking commitments, I've discovered that my best presentations come when I honour my own process:
Preparation Space: I need mental space to prepare, not just to rehearse content but to mentally energise for the social interaction ahead. This might involve meditation, a massage or just getting lots of rest.
Logistics Matter: I take care of practical details well in advance - arriving early, checking the space, and ensuring all technical aspects are sorted. This reduces anxiety and allows me to focus on delivery.
Recovery Time: I deliberately schedule buffer time after speaking engagements. No meetings, no social commitments - just time to decompress and recharge.
Spacing Events: I intentionally space out my speaking commitments to maintain energy and enthusiasm for each one.
Ask yourself: What does your ideal preparation and recovery process look like? How can you build this into your speaking commitments plan?
Moving Forward: Your Speaking Journey
If you're considering integrating public speaking into your marketing plan, here are some practical next steps:
Audit Your Comfort Zone: Where do you feel most comfortable communicating now? Start there.
Set Incremental Goals: Maybe it's doing one Instagram Live, or speaking at one small group event.
Find Your People: Connect with others who share your values and speaking goals.
Document Your Journey: Keep track of what works and what doesn't – these insights are invaluable.
The Impact
The most rewarding part of this speaking journey? The conversations afterwards.
Each time I have introverts approach me, sharing how they relate to my stories or have an 'aha' moment.
Remember: Your voice matters, not despite but because of your unique perspective and style. Whether you're an introvert, from an underrepresented background, or simply someone who hasn't seen people like you on stage – your story deserves to be heard.
