How Leaders Can Share Their Message Powerfully Without Sounding Cliché, Even If They're Nervous About Public Speaking.

I stood backstage, gripping the edges of my speech. The dim glow of the stage lights cast long shadows as I took a deep breath, trying to quiet the storm inside my chest. This wasn’t just another presentation, it was my story, my journey, my truth. But as I glanced at the notes in my trembling hands, doubt crept in. Would my audience feel what I had lived through? Or would it just be another story lost in a sea of words?

I stepped onto the stage. "I was nervous before my big presentation," I had written, but something inside me urged me to do more than just tell. Instead, I spoke from my heart: "My palms were slick with sweat as I clutched the edges of my notes. My heart raced in my chest, drowning out the murmurs of the audience settling into their seats." Instantly, the energy in the room shifted. People leaned in. They weren’t just hearing me, they were feeling with me.

Why Showing Matters

When you show rather than tell, you invite your audience to experience your story with their senses and emotions. Instead of simply stating facts, you paint a picture, evoke feelings, and create moments of connection.

For instance, instead of stating, "I was overwhelmed," you can say: "I pressed my hands to my temples, the weight of everything crashing down on me, tears slipping through my clenched fingers." This level of detail immerses your audience in the experience, making your words unforgettable.

A Real-Life Example: My Story

I could have simply said, "I survived a terrible accident." But instead, I tell my story in a way that brings listeners into the moment:

"The sound of crushing metal filled my ears as our car twisted under the force of impact. My daughters screamed, but their voices were drowned out by the sirens wailing in the distance. For two agonizing hours, I was trapped inside, unable to move, as rescue teams worked tirelessly to free me with the jaws of life. My girls had minor scratches, but I was broken, literally. I had to relearn how to walk, how to rebuild my strength, how to reclaim my life. It took years of therapy, countless surgeries, a million tears, and unwavering perseverance, but today, I stand strong, knowing that my survival gave me a new purpose in life."

This is the power of storytelling, transforming a tragic event into an experience that moves and inspires others.

Tips for Showing in Your Story

1. Engage the Senses

Use sensory details to bring your story to life. Describe what you saw, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt at the moment. This makes your experiences tangible and relatable.

Instead of saying, "The room was chaotic," say, "Voices overlapped as papers scattered across the floor, the sharp scent of coffee mingling with the stale air of the cramped office."

2. Focus on Specific Moments

Zoom in on key moments that define your story. Describe them in detail to give readers a front-row seat to your journey.

Instead of saying, "I struggled a lot," show a specific instance: "I stared at the empty fridge, my stomach growling, and wondered how I’d feed my kids until payday."

3. Use Dialogue

Including dialogue adds authenticity and immediacy to your story. It lets readers hear the voices in your world and feel the weight of conversations.

Instead of summarizing, "My mentor encouraged me," show the dialogue:

‘You’re stronger than you think,’ she said, her voice firm yet kind. ‘This is just a hurdle, not a wall.’

4. Show Emotion Through Action

Let your emotions shine through your actions rather than simply naming them.

Instead of saying, "I was devastated," show it: "I collapsed onto the couch, my head buried in my hands, the silence of the room pressing down on me like a heavy weight."

5. Create Contrast

Highlight changes or turning points in your story by contrasting different moments.

For example, if you’re sharing a success story, juxtapose your struggles with your triumphs: "Years ago, I could barely afford a bus ticket. Today, I’m standing on stage, sharing my journey with an audience of thousands."

The Art of Balance

While it’s important to show, remember that not every part of your story needs to be described in vivid detail. Balance is key. Use detailed moments to highlight the most critical parts of your journey, and let simpler, direct statements carry less pivotal details.

The Storytelling Transformation

As I continued my speech, I saw nods from the audience. Some smiled; others wiped away a tear. I wasn’t just another speaker on stage, I was someone they connected with, someone they understood. By the time I finished, the applause was thunderous. Later, a woman approached me and said, "Thank you for sharing your story. I felt like you were speaking directly to me."

That’s the power of showing. It transforms your story from words on a page into an experience your audience will carry with them.

Get Media-Ready with the I Am. Media Ready Guide

If you’re ready to take your storytelling to the next level and share your journey with confidence, the I Am. Media Ready Guide is here to help. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to refine your story, prepare for media opportunities, and present yourself authentically in interviews.

With this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to identify the most powerful parts of your story.
• Tips for crafting a strong opening and engaging narrative.
• Strategies to handle interviews like a pro.

Here’s How to Get Your Guide

Comment “Ready” below, and we’ll send you the link to download the I Am. Media Ready Guide.

Your Story Matters

Every experience you’ve lived has shaped you into the person you are today. By using descriptive language and vivid examples, you can show others not just what you’ve been through, but how it felt, what it taught you, and why it matters.

The ability to show rather than tell is your secret weapon in making your story unforgettable. It’s how you’ll connect with your audience, inspire them, and leave them with a lasting impression of your journey.

So, take a moment today to reflect on your story. What moments stand out? How can you bring those moments to life with sensory details and vivid descriptions? Start practicing, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to share your story in a way that captivates and empowers others.

With belief in your story, Empowering Lives, Inspiring Purpose

Yadira

P.S. Don’t forget to comment “Ready” to receive your free I Am. Media Ready Guide.?

Let’s help you prepare to share your story with the world!