Find Your Voice and Use It

I usually don’t watch Netflix specials the day they come out – but when I heard about Becoming, the documentary about former First Lady Michelle Obama’s life and 134-city book tour, I had to make an exception. I have always admired Mrs. Obama’s grace, poise, and her calm but direct demeanor.?When the opening scene begins with her bopping her head to Kirk Franklin’s “A God Like You,” I knew I was going to be hooked for the entire 90 minutes. There were many lessons that I took from Becoming, but the one that was most meaningful to me was the call to find your voice and use it to make an impact.

The first African American FLOTUS can do anything with her global platform post-White House, so the fact that “find your voice” is a prevailing theme (as proudly displayed on the mugs in her tour stop that Oprah moderated) is significant. Her boldness to share her opinions at her childhood dinner table laid the foundation for her to lead in every aspect of her life. Mrs. Obama was intentional about owning the spaces she entered and making them hers. It was this characteristic that enabled her to build an iconic personal brand and legacy that continues to transform others.

When it comes to pitching yourself to media outlets, finding your voice is a major contribution to your success.?Sometimes, it is difficult for us to identify our stories because we don’t think they are significant. As we learn to celebrate our accomplishments and growth, the impact we make will become more apparent. Here are a few questions to help you own your story.

• How did you arrive where you are today?
• What pieces of your childhood, education, career, or hobbies have shaped your experience most?
• Who have you learned from?
• How have you influenced others through your work?

Once you have these answers, you are on your way to position yourself for media opportunities. Take out your phone, tablet, or journal and come back to these questions often. Have you watched Becoming yet? What did you think about it?

P.S. If you’re a music lover like me, learn about the jazz artist who scored the film.

MissionKey Communications, LLC equips CEOs and founders to communicate to the media with confidence and ease. We work with our clients to manage their reputation, increase their visibility, and spread their expertise with authority. To learn more and book a consultation,?visit our website.