Public Speaking
Over better part of the last decade, I’ve committed myself to the art of public speaking. As the saying goes,
“Tell me who your friends are, I’ll tell you who you are”
I have been privileged to be a part of an amazing community of public speakers, storytellers and visionaries who are passionate about their craft.
Take a glimpse into my journey.
2017. A very shy, anxious, and socially awkward 28-year-old me getting on stage for the first time as a Toastmaster.
Not sure where this was heading, just a curious, young and naive me exploring new horizons.
For the first year, the most repeated feedback I received was- 'I could hear you breathe..'
Stage fright was my constant companion along with anxiety and self-doubt, its not a joke when they say people fear public speaking more than death. Luckily I was in good company!
I was surrounded by the best of the best.
It helps not to be the smartest person in the room, I had so much to learn on speech writing, stage presence, storytelling, giving and receiving evaluations, humor, resilience and vulnerability thanks to these people.
Storytelling Evenings in Wroclaw were a breath of fresh air.
Co-founding a Storytelling evenings and having hosted several seasons of it through thick and thins of my life could have been the single best decision I ever took as a speaker. If you felt my coaching style promotes authenticity over showmanship, this platform was the single biggest influence in discovering what I value as a speaker.
Authentic stories connect.
When I listen to real life stories, with all the quirks that come with the human condition, I barely noticed the "flaws" one would try to perfect as as public speaker. There were many powerful moments in Storytelling Evenings that reinforced that connection isn't built on showmanship, a good story always felt like a casual conversation with a friend.
It takes a village to raise a child.
We competed fiercely in contests. Climbed Mountains, slept under the stars, and always had each others' unwavering support. I am a big proponent of building skills as a community, having emotional support and serving as a constant motivator to each other in life.
2023 District 108 Humorous speeches championship
After years of losing contest (to my own club!), I won the District 108 Humorous Speeches Championship.
