Be Bold ! Tell Your Personal Story

Since 2017, I’ve competed in national and international speech contests, taking home awards that remind me of how impactful a well-told story can be. One of my most memorable speeches centered on a time I failed spectacularly at a big presentation. Rather than hiding this, I shared the vulnerability, humor, and lessons I learned, and I saw how it resonated deeply with my audience. It wasn’t the flawless delivery that people remembered—it was the authentic story.

Stories connect us on a universal level, sparking emotions that transcend differences. I’ve seen this firsthand. In one contest, I shared the internal battle that so many of us face—the struggle between “Yes Girl,” who believes in me wholeheartedly, and “No Man,” who tries to convince me I can’t succeed. I saw nods and smiles across the room; everyone could relate to that inner conflict. In that moment, we weren’t strangers; we were people sharing a common thread of life.

Yet in business, many people shy away from telling personal stories, fearing it’s “unprofessional” or “too personal.” But we’re not robots. If we have a message to deliver and want it to resonate, we need to reach people at a personal level. Storytelling allows us to move beyond information and into inspiration, building connections that stay with our audience long after we’ve left the stage.

Steve Jobs put it perfectly: “The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Storytelling is what drives connection, inspires change, and makes an idea unforgettable. In my experience, it’s not the rehearsed lines or polished slides that make an impact; it’s the willingness to show a piece of ourselves. When we dare to touch emotions, we leave a mark.

So, do you use storytelling in your speeches? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

#toastmasters #publicspeaking #storytelling