Grab The MIC

Have you ever spoken to a large group and used a microphone, or a MIC?? I personally would rather just walk out in the crowd, however there are times when I have used a MIC.? A MIC transmits your voice and allows you to magnify what is being said and heard.? It can also be used to lower what is being said and heard.? Ultimately, we all have a voice and we all have things to say.? If you were given a MIC today, what would you say?? What would you speak about?? What would you try to influence?? If I asked you why you are waiting for a MIC, what is holding you back?? Why are you waiting to speak?? Would you speak differently if you were given a MIC?

M-Maintain?????????????????

Maintain who you are.? Who are you?? What are you passionate about?? What would those closest to you say you are passionate about?? Simply put, to maintain is to continue to be.? When given an opportunity to speak and potentially influence a larger group of people, some may try to change who they are.? They may try to use words they would not normally use, or try to act like they would not normally act.? Unfortunately, they won’t know how to respond until they are actually given the opportunity to speak to a large group (or any size group) and are given a MIC.? Being you actually speaks louder than words.? People know who you are from interacting and engaging with you.? Don’t try to be different just because you are given an platform, opportunity, or a MIC.? Be true to who you are, and don’t try to compare yourself to someone else who you heard use a MIC.? Sure you can learn from them, but you are not them, and they are not you.? You will be given the MIC because of who you are, what you know, and what you can share.? Be you, not who you think others want to see and hear.?

I-Identify????????????????????????

Identify your intent.? Do you want to be heard?? Do you want the MIC?? What would you say?? Before you answer this question, close your eyes and ask yourself that question.? You may have multiple answers, however what is the answer that bubbles up from your chest into your mind?? What do you feel passionate about, and what points would you like to speak on for others to hear and learn from?? I am not talking about general conversation topics like the cold front that is coming in, or what you did this past holiday.? What do you want to be heard?? What have you done (not a brag poing, but a point to build a reference point and trust), overcome, or are currently facing that you think others need to hear about?? Speak up!? Just because you have a MIC doesn’t mean those in the back can hear you. You have to speak once you have your topic.? The MIC can’t read your mind (or at least I am not aware if AI can do that yet), so you have to speak.? Yes, speak!? You can’t just think about what you want to say, you have to say it.? Yes, it can be scary, and yes, you will get butterflies in your stomach, however when you say what needs to be heard, the butterflies fly away.? What do you want to be heard, and what do others need to hear?

C-Comfort?????????????????????

Comfort will come.? Are you ready?? Here is your MIC, this is your time.? I know you are nervous, and I? know you have a passion bubbling up in your gut.? The more you use the MIC to speak about wha you care about, the easier it will be.? The more you speak up, the comfort will come.? The more you let your voice be heard, the easier it will be to use your voice.? The more you stand up, the easier it will be to stand for and with others.? The more you do it, the easier it will be.? You can’t have “more” of it until you do it for the first time.? You have to start now.? You have to start when it is uncomfortable for it to be comfortable at a later time.? You have to….? Close your eyes and see yourself speaking up. You have to see yourself accomplishing what you need to accomplish.? You, not someone else.? Sure you can learn from watching others, but you won’t be fulfilled until you do it.? Ready, set, go….?

Are you ready?? You know, if you were given a MIC, are you ready?? Just because you can be heard, and that the volume can be turned up, it doesn’t mean others will listen.? That doesn’t mean that you don’t use your voice and use the MIC to share what needs to be shared.? Many others will gain strength and follow your lead.? It starts with you.? You be the first and others will follow.? Don’t forget to maintain who you are and clearly identify your intent.? Over time, the comfort will come and the more you get comfortable, the more you will be able to speak up. Speak up for yourself.? Speak up for those around you.? Speak up for those who are scared to speak up.? You can do it.?? Close your eyes, believe, and grab the MIC…..

M - Maintain who you are.

I - Identify your intent.

C - Comfort will come.

Stay safe and stay well!