Authentic, Not Theatrical: Embracing Your True Self When Presenting

As a speaker, your main aim is to boost, not lessen, your message and credibility. To do this, you work hard on improving your skills and habits—like how you move, gesture, and the nuances of your voice's tone, tempo, and timbre. This isn't about making up a fake version of yourself; it's about revealing the real you, you aspire to be. Imagine yourself as a sculptor carefully removing the unnecessary bits to reveal a stunning work of art, making sure everything lines up with how you want to be seen and the impact you want to make.

“Be yourself, but always your better self.” Karl G. Maeser[1]

Dr. Seuss wisely said, "There is no one alive who is You-er than You.”[2] This fun yet deep saying gets right to the heart of real communication. Presenting is more than just putting on a show; and it’s certainly not about being excessively dramatic or theatrical. It's about forming a bond. You're not just playing a role; you're a storyteller, sharing a bit of your heart and soul. Your words, along with your natural way of expressing yourself, do more than just reach people's ears. They weave emotional threads, connecting you intimately with your audience.

Authenticity in speaking is more than just knowing your topic or speaking well. It's about being completely genuine, showing a side of yourself that people can truly feel. People can tell when someone is sincere, and a speaker who is genuinely themselves builds stronger connections, trust, and respect.

Think of executive presence like a beautiful piece of woven art made from how you look, how you communicate, and, most importantly, your genuineness. It's the real expression of your personal brand in a leadership role, showing the world who you are. This true self is fascinating; it draws people to you, making them want to listen and remember.

In essence, real communication is about being bravely and completely yourself. It's about letting your unique self shine brightly, lighting up your path and leading others with you.

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Would you like to know more? We delve much deeper on this subject in my forthcoming book, “Influence Amplified: Executive Presence & Strategic Storytelling.” You’re also welcome to comment on LinkedIn or reply to this email. Who else needs to hear this? Please share.

Bob Roitblat is a Chicago-based business transformation consultant, author, and international keynote speaker. For further advice, insight, and perspective on the tools and techniques to transform your executive presence, subscribe to this newsletter on LinkedIn https://www.dhirubhai.net/newsletters/7124178677793247232

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#AuthenticCommunication #TrueSelf #Leadership #PublicSpeaking #PersonalBrand #executivepresence

[1] Sentence-Sermons, BYU Quarterly, Volume 70, 1908.

[2] From the poem and book, Happy Birthday to You! Dr. Seuss, United States:?Random House,?1959.