Early on when I joined a Toastmaster club in Missouri back in 2022, I was full of passion and this burning desire to become a polished public speaker.
Just like speakers whom I had been listening and watching...
You know...
the likes of Simon Sinek, Tony Robins, and whatnot.
Whenever I would go in front of the lectern, I would attempt to put on a facade and act out as if I were one of those polished speakers.
Though... a poor attempt since my hands would tremble, and my voice would betray the 'fake confidence' I was trying to project.
And that would make me more nervous and less confident...
Of course!
Because I was trying to become someone who I really wasn't...
It felt like I was wearing someone else's skin.
I was losing myself in the process by faking a "polished" speaker persona since that's what I learned subconsciously.
That... public speakers must be polished and perfect.
I attempted this numerous times and failed every single time. I learned it the hard way, so you don't have to.
Let me break it to you:
- You are NOT supposed to be 'polished' to become confident
- You are NOT supposed to 'perform' like someone else to become confident speaker
- You are NOT supposed to 'fake it till you make it'
- And you def are not supposed to lose yourself in the process of becoming a confident presenter
Reader,
If you are an introverted, quiet high-achiever, you might have followed others advice like...
- Speaking louder
- Forcing yourself to network
- "Faking it till you make it"
But it didn't work out, right?
Because it didn't feel right...
It didn't fit well with your natural style and personality.
It might have felt you're acting like someone who are not, and you don't want to become.
So...
Here's what real alignment might look like for you:
1. Your Quiet is your power
- Thoughtfulness isn't weakness
- Processing deeply isn't slow
- Listening first isn't passive
2. Your voice, your way
- Build from your natural style
- Lead with your strengths
- Create safety, not show
3. Your impact, amplified
- Convert depth into influence
- Turn insight into leadership
- Make presence felt, not forced
For the quiet high-achievers tired of 'performing' or 'faking it':
Your voice doesn't need to be louder...
It needs to be LIBERATED.
Ready to lead with authentic voice?
Reply "AUTHENTIC" for a conversation about what's possible for you.
-Waqas
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