By Esmee Keuren
You are sitting in a crowded auditorium, it is quiet as a mouse. You look and listen in admiration at the person in front of you on stage. You see her vulnerability. Her words, her energy and the emotion that is now palpable throughout the room are touching. Listening together to one personal story that creates connection.
The message lies in the silences she drops. The moments of joking is timed just right to empower her vulnerability. You listen to new insights or a wisdom you already know, but which is articulated so beautifully that something in you is sparked. Goosebumps, a smile, a moment of reflection, a penny dropping-all pass by.
After her last words, you feel love and empathy. For the speaker who took the time to share her story with you, but also for the world around you. This is what good speakers bring about. You take away an experience that stays with you for a long time and that you tell to others. Sharing a powerful story is multiplied many times over.
Speaking from authenticity
So I can really watch a speaker with wonder, precisely because I haven't necessarily developed the skills to stand on a stage myself. I think it would be particularly nice to have fun doing this. Sometimes I am expected to grab the microphone. And what a mental and physical thrill that brings! Suddenly you are aware of everything-your posture, your words, the glances directed at you. How do you stay close to yourself at such a moment?
With this, I was eager to get started. That is why I work with sparkling speaker coach Lisa Portengen. I have seen her on stage several times and her openness, vulnerability and authenticity is one of a kind. You might know her. Besides her book ‘It rains happiness’, she has also launched the ‘Smart & Sexy’ movement. She gives wonderful tools to stay close to yourself. Because, as Lisa says:
“Speaking well is not a trick.
It is daring to show who you are.”
Everything Lisa has experienced in her career as an actor, theatre maker, speaker and writer, she brings to our sessions. Everything comes together in them. What I experience is that really daring to be yourself - with everything you bring - not only makes you a more beautiful person, but also makes it pleasant and fun for others to watch you. It doesn't have to be perfect at all. It is precisely that imperfect perfection that makes you and your story interesting to listen to.
I feel our sessions contribute to something bigger than just being more confident on a stage. Maybe that's not even the goal in the end.
It feels like an adventure, a journey to the core of who you really are - with all your beautiful and ugly sides. I'll be on the road for a while... and who knows, maybe one day I'll see you from the stage!
Lisa is linked to Athenas, the platform for top speakers and experts.
Because what makes an event really impactful? Exactly, a speaker whose content is spot on for your event!
Are you organising an event at Seats2meet? Surprise, amaze and connect your audience with a speaker who really gets in. Together, we will ensure an unforgettable experience!
Discover the possibilities and make your event next level.
