BLOG POST TWO
Speaking -
be seen, be heard
In 2015 I achieved a career milestone, landing a Customer Services Manager role. I was both happy and equally shocked. I remember thinking to myself oh wow, I’m finally here!
I couldn’t wait to share the news with my friends and family. This is what I’d been working toward for years.
Welcome to DRIVE’s inspirational corner to elevate mindset, find your flow, and move with confidence.
So, you’re probably wondering how my career milestone links to speaking? Before I get to that, I wanted to share a LinkedIn article on the Most In-Demand Skills for 2023. Communication is ranked number 2. Click here
It discusses the importance of communication from face to face, phone, email, online video, and project management tools with the evolving nature of technology.
As technology evolves some of us take a keen interest of new advances and become early adopters or we miss the boat altogether.
When I started my role, it was great at first but a year in, I noticed spaces, places and the people across the table were changing. Upon reflection it was a positive thing as management levels above were open to connecting with their leaders, creating an open space for us to share progress updates, new ways of working, keeping finger on the pulse and offering support where needed.
Although a great opportunity. I distinctly remember the anxiety before every meeting, which shifted to intense nerves, and I’d leave feeling disappointed in myself, because I couldn’t clearly articulate my thoughts. I’d go to speak and noticed mid-sentence my voice quietened into a whisper. With self-doubt in my head, I could hear ‘don’t say anything, they’ll think you’re dumb’.
So as things change and evolve in life. I realized when it came to communication skills in an open space with people who were not my team (comfort zone) my skills were not evolving. Frustrated, as I knew I could do better, so I gave myself two choices, 1. Find a way to develop this skill or 2. Step down as a leader because if you can’t speak on behalf of your team, there’s no point in being a leader – this being my definition of leadership at the time.
Fast forward to 2016 I joined Pacific Toastmasters Club, and the rest was history. Now not only did I develop my speaking skill to be able to express my thoughts clearly and confidently in meetings, but I’ve had opportunities to keynote speak on stages or MC events with a crowd up to 400 on several occasions.
In future blogs I’ll be looking to share more speaking tips and the power of communication that has helped open many doors for me and I believe it can for you too.
With this experience, I leave you with 3 tips!
The key to self-awareness.
Lean into self-awareness by noticing the environment around you as the next season or level will require a different you.Taking stock.
Take stock of experiences from your roles by identifying ‘skills’ and work out areas that may need to be strengthened to propel you forward.Feedback is your friend.
Be open to feedback (even the ones that are tough to hear!) ask your manager or colleague to observe you in spaces and they might even offer to coach or mentor you.
To close, if what I’ve shared resonates with you, then I’d encourage you to research Toastmasters here - Where Leaders are made. An awesome community of speakers from all walks of life, cheering each other on to achieve great things!
With my journey to date, one of the coolest things along with increased confidence, is that I’ve gained clarity. I have my own speakers guide. So when organizers are looking to book, they know the topics I’m knowledgeable in and inspired by to help them decide if I’m a good fit for their conference event.
Click here for my Speaker’s Profile.
Remember, you are the engine room and vehicle for greatness, keep it simple, keep it moving.
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Thank you for visiting the DRIVE inspirational corner to elevate mindset, find your flow, move with confidence.