Growing up as an artist that could draw, write, and act, I was always praised for all of the creative ways in which I could express myself. Yet, as an adult we are often encouraged to stay in our lanes. What was once seen as exciting — “I do it all!” — can all of a sudden seem scattered. Yet, what if a new skillset or passion unexpectedly strikes and keeps begging to be heard? Do we say “no” out of fear or go with the flow?
This is exactly the conversation that I had with illustrator and graphic designer Mike Brennan when I sat down on his fabulous podcast “Creative Chats” last month. I always think of the catchphrase “Why not me?” when insecurity starts to worm its way into my impressionable skull which essentially means, why couldn’t I have exactly what I want? When people started reaching out on a weekly basis telling me they had discovered my TEDx Talk “Talking to Strangers is My Self-Care” and wanted to learn how to speak like me I was moved. However, as I told Mike I started to ask myself, what if I began coaching others how to speak on camera, in interviews, and in presentations? I certainly had practice doing all of the above and had coached clients casually for years. All that needed to happen was putting a title on my LinkedIn and taking what I bring to the table seriously. After a few weeks of anxiously debating I pulled the trigger.
It is funny how once we make a decision, the universe starts moving the right pieces into place.
Immediately I started getting inquiries from a wide array of clients, from a bagel maker to a CEO, all of whom gave it to me straight: “From Zoom calls to producing content I feel overwhelmed with how much I have to speak on camera these days.” To them I would reply, “Of course, because – unless I am missing a detail – you’re not a trained actor!” I began to see a pattern developing. With personal brands being all of the rage business owners know they have to put themselves out there more. No longer can even the shyest guy hide behind his product because customers want to know what people stand for, particularly in a sea of distrust.
People are realizing the power of their own story and that there is no better time to tell it.
Yet, with that comes responsibility in terms of conveying your message clearly, coherently, and in a way that will resonate with your chosen audience. If you’re thinking about word vomiting on the Internet don’t. Despite the homemade look being all the rage on TikTok people still expect you to be professional, polished, and put together. This is your chance to show them why they should invest in you.
And that’s where I step in helping clients craft their message in a way that feels like them, just amplified to get the attention they deserve. So, whether you are looking to become more polished in podcast interviews or simply riff on topics relevant to your industry invest in yourself with media trainer. Not only did I teach myself how to speak well when I used to almost faint at the thought of it, but I have also seen how it can make or break you. However, this is a skill that can be learned and has dramatic results on your self-esteem. As many of my clients have told me, being able to convey their messaging in a fluid, confident way has catalyzed a whole new energy around self-promotion. They now want to put themselves out there as the strong, authoritative face of their brand rather than fearing the exposure.
Getting back to that wonderful podcast I was a lucky duck to be on, as I told Mike my career has been like a patchwork quilt. I step from one stone to the next until I am ready to take a gigantic leap rather than tip toe. While the path can sometimes be more of a murky pond shade rather than crystal-clear ocean blue, I do trust my instincts. Helping others with my unique gifts and talents galvanizes me to move forward. Looking back it is fascinating to see how acting, speaking, and writing has woven together to lead me to coaching. Yet, what a gift it is to help someone convey how they are making the world a better place. Besides my interviews — more on that later! — I can’t think of a more gratifying way to spend an hour of my time.
Check out Mike’s wonderful podcast here which features other inspiring speakers on a weekly basis
