Empowering Authenticity: A Chat on Embracing Identity Through Public Speaking with Diana Medina

Greetings! It’s a pleasure to connect with fellow communicators and storytelling aficionados. I recently had the chance to engage in a thought-provoking conversation on the NTM Growth Marketing Podcast. In the realm of marketing, storytelling and genuine expression are instrumental, and I'm eager to share with you the essence of an organization that aligns perfectly with this philosophy – The Practice Space.

The Inspiration Behind Joining The Practice Space

Transitioning into the inspiriting world of The Practice Space, it's essential to address the core of the organization's mission. The Practice Space is driven by an empowering commitment to help individuals communicate authentically, celebrating their unique identity. This alone makes it a beacon for those seeking to leverage public speaking as a tool for leadership and navigating life. The inspiration rooted in this notion is simple yet profound: no one naturally grasps the ropes of public speaking; we typically learn through errors and trials in school, work, or our everyday lives.

Public speaking is not confined to the conventional stages we imagine. It includes a myriad of expressions from storytelling, speech and debate, to the lyrical flow of spoken word poetry and the casual comfort of an Instagram post. Despite its ubiquitous nature, there aren't many organizations out there that support and guide people to excel in communication across these varied platforms—this gap in support fuels Diana's passion for The Practice Space.

As a newer entity—only seven years young—The Practice Space is experiencing an exhilarating phase of growth. Within this thriving atmosphere, Diana embraced the role of head of storytelling and marketing, focusing on illuminating the impactful work we do and sharing the transformative journey of public speakers from all walks of life.

A Day in the Life: Balancing Programming and Marketing

Diana's day-to-day life walks the tightrope between programming and marketing responsibilities. While she spearheads external communication through social media, newsletters, and blogs, she's also deeply involved in the programming aspect. Diana leads two after-school speech and debate clubs where kids, particularly those new to the country, hone their English skills through public speaking. These programs, conducted in Spanish, aim to help students acclimate to America's educational system, fostering a comfortable environment for them to grow and express themselves.

The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

Indeed, storytelling is the heartbeat of marketing—whether we're narrating the story of our pursuits or pinpointing the stories people live every day to foster a connection with something they care about. It’s about identifying those significant experiences which communicate, "You're not alone."

As for Diana, becoming an adept storyteller was deeply influenced by the greatest storytellers she knew: her dad and my grandfather. Their knack for engaging in meaningful conversations with strangers was nothing short of captivating. Their secret? An ability to connect through shared experiences and earnest inquisition. This, in essence, is what defines a potent storyteller—the capacity to make a stranger feel seen and cared for.

"Storytelling is marketing. Learning to tell stories that resonate with different people is at the core of marketing."

Telling Stories at The Practice Space

At The Practice Space, they uphold the belief that there is no one-size-fits-all in public speaking. True public speaking is about individuals divulging their identity in an authentic manner. Be it the impactful orator or the individual who whispers secrets that cling to the audience’s ears—both are exemplary public speakers in their own right. One key narrative in our conversation is that confidence isn't about the absence of fear but about speaking your truth despite the nerves because what you have to say matters. Their community is dedicated to assisting speakers in managing these anxieties and bolstering their message.

To bring this story to life, they employ various mediums such as thought-provoking blogs deep-diving into individual journeys, podcasting as an instructional classroom tool, dynamic social media presence, and events that showcase a speaker’s development.

Engaging with the Younger Generation and Technology

When discussing storytelling in young generations, platforms like TikTok with quotable quotes and visual-heavy mediums like Instagram are reshaping narrative forms. Young people also tend to weave stories through their texts, music, and shared opinions on pop culture, which make for compelling narratives. In my programs, we delve into current events and pop culture as a springboard for speeches and discussions, aiding students in connecting with larger conversations.

Evaluating Success in Marketing

Assessing success in the framework of a nonprofit like The Practice Space goes beyond numbers and viral posts. Their measure is the intentional and strategic growth where the right individuals—the ones who truly need them—discover and connect with their cause. The power of word of mouth remains a testament to building an authentic community through genuine relationships.

AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement in Public Speaking

Touching upon artificial intelligence, Diana sees AI as a supportive tool for brainstorming and organizing thoughts. However, it should never supplant original thinking or an individual's authentic voice. AI won’t stand in for the genuine connection required in public speaking, nor will it navigate the nuances of audience engagement like a human speaker can.

Connect with The Practice Space:

Website: https://www.practice-space.org/about-us/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tpsnonprofit/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TPSnonprofit

LinkedIn: Diana Medina , The Practice Space