Playing "You" Onstage: Tools for Authentic Speaking

Mar 7

Give yourself some credit. Playing a role onstage is often easier than “playing the role” of yourself. In the theater, you can sometimes hide behind a character a little bit. Having an off day? It’s ok! Because the person whose costume you’re wearing is doing great. Not feeling super courageous? Your character can handle it.

One of the things that makes public speaking hard is that you’re trying to be not a character, but yourself. Which requires vulnerability and courage.

But guess what… when you stop trying to be someone else and tap into your own motivations and strengths, you actually connect with your audience much more deeply.

Here are 4 tools you can use to practice showing up authentically:

Ground yourself physically and mentally before speaking to radiate presence and handle unexpected surprises (literal mic drop, anyone?).
Identify precisely why you want to speak and keep that at the forefront of your mind while creating your content.
Know exactly who your audience is, getting really specific about who you most want to talk to.
Tell personal stories that move the audience and forge genuine connections.

I had the pleasure of talking about this with María Tomás-Keegan on her TV show & podcast Tips for the Transition. Listen in as we discuss effective ways to come from one's center and show up as authentically you.

👀 Watch here.

🎧 Listen here.

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