Authentic Connection: Mastering Vulnerability on the Speaking Platform
Diane DiResta
Professional Speaker, Virtual Presentation Coach Leadership & Executive Presence Coach Virtual Seminars Media Trainer Emcee, Author, Certifed Speaking Professional
How do you create a connection with your audience? To connect means to be real, to be authentic. The audience wants to know who you are as a person, not just as a presenter. They want to know your challenges and your triumphs. But what is the line between authenticity and wearing your heart on your sleeve? When should you show vulnerability and why?
Traditionally, you were expected to come to work and leave your emotions at home. You didn’t mix business with personal issues. Today, in a more enlightened society, we realize you can’t separate your emotions from your persona. The mind and body are connected. And in an era where people crave connection, they want to know you as a real person. Sometimes that requires vulnerability to create trust. When you’re vulnerable, you model your humanity. People learn it’s okay not to be perfect. It creates empathy and gives them permission to be genuine. Showing vulnerability can build trust when done in the right way.
But how do you share your vulnerability without making people uncomfortable?
Assess the environment
The first consideration is to create a safe space. When you know the audience you can be more forthcoming. It’s riskier to be vulnerable with strangers.
Recently, I attended a professional workshop. The CEO of the company kicked off the meeting as was always the case and participated in the two day curriculum along with other presenters. Everyone in the room knew who she was, some more than others. This was not a first encounter.
Set the stage
She began by saying she had an announcement that she was dreading but had decided to tell us anyway. She built up to the message instead of blurting it out. She talked about her feelings and that her news was difficult to share. In other words she primed us for what was to come.
Deliver the message clearly and directly
Then she opened up and told us she had been diagnosed with a chronic disease. We listened to her story of the first symptoms and the subsequent diagnosis. She created a picture with her story and told us that this disease runs in her family. And even knowing it was genetic she hadn’t anticipated this situation to be part of her future. She explained she would sit during the lecture to preserve her energy.
Make a request
The next step was to make a definitive request. She explained that well-intentioned friends and family were giving her advice, referrals, and remedies. It was overwhelming and not helpful. She asked that nobody approach her with advice or even share their own past experience. She reiterated her request three different times and stated it with conviction. It was clear that there would be no exceptions. To my knowledge everyone honored her wishes.
Recap and thank you. End on a positive note.
She let people know she felt hopeful and positive. She mentioned that she was looking forward ?to the workshop and then kicked off the program with enthusiasm. It’s important to not be a Debbie Downer. Being vulnerable does not make you a victim. End on a positive note.
When done right, vulnerability can be transformative through:
?To learn how to Speak Confidently and Effectively check out my LinkedIn learning course. It ranked in the Top 20 Most Popular courses for 2 years.
To learn techniques to overcome fear of speaking, read Chapter 3 of Knockout Presentations.
To work with me contact DiResta Communications, Inc.
CEO at The Leone Resource Group, Professional Speaker, Sales Funnel? Selling System Founder and Consultant
2 天前I think Being authentic is not the same as being vulnerable. I share some tough points in my life, but I don't think it makes me look vulnerable. I want rapport with my audience. I believe most audiences want to know that you have had pain and have overcome. I want them to think "if he can do it then so can I." Your example is not the same situation that most of us speakers are in. She wanted to share something personal so they would know why she would be sitting, not motivate them to do something. Quite often, people in my audience will cry when I tell certain stories. They appreciate the authenticity, even though I do not appear to be vulnerable.
Senior Technical Writer
2 天前Good, courageous example with clear boundaries from the speaker Diane DiResta.
I'm a sales strategist and content creator who helps businesses drive results with a one-two punch of targeted, customized messaging and proven sales strategies.
3 天前Diane, the CEO seemed to handle the situation perfectly, almost text-book you might say and by opening up, she also gave herself the freedom and bandwidth to prioritize self-care, certainly critically important. There is a fine line between opening up too much and to what end, and holding things back. In the case you cited, I think the CEO is a role-model for making the best decision.
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3 天前Great insights, Diane! Authenticity is what truly makes a speaker memorable. I've found that the most impactful moments in any presentation aren’t just the polished takeaways but the real, human moments where connection happens. That balance between vulnerability and professionalism is key—sharing enough to create trust but not so much that it shifts the focus away from the message. Your example of the CEO navigating her personal challenge with clarity, boundaries, and optimism is a great model. I’ve seen firsthand how openness can foster stronger relationships in business. When done with intention, vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a leadership strength. Thanks for sharing. You always may a great choice of presenting a topic for and from the speaking platform.