Authenticity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. To show our care and compassion for others, we often need to put aside our feelings.<\/p>\n
There are higher truths that need to be served. Ask a mother whose child has fallen off a swing set. The child is bleeding and crying.<\/p>\n
Does the mother give in to her worst fears? Does she start weeping and screaming? Nope.<\/p>\n
“You’ll be OK, sweetie. We’re going to take a quick ride to the emergency room! Won’t that be exciting!”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In business, we often find ourselves in situations where we need to be brave. We need to show confidence we don’t feel.<\/p>\n
Let me share three situations where this can happen:<\/p>\n
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- A novice speaker feels terrified.<\/strong> She’s never stood in front of a group of professionals before. She has wonderful knowledge to share, but she has butterflies. 🦋 She feels so nervous, she’s scared she might throw up.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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A seasoned pro feels confident.<\/strong> He’s stood in front of groups a zillion times before. Minutes before a critical speech, however; he learns of a grave personal tragedy. 💔 Heartbroken, he feels like bursting into tears.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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A mid-career pro is on stage, wowing the audience.<\/strong> Suddenly, an alarm sounds. A flurry of text alerts go off, advising everyone in the room of a weather emergency. 🌪️The on-stage performer is so afraid, she feels like fleeing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
When “being authentic and keepin’ it real” means puking, crying, and\/or running away — you’ll want to consider other options. If you feel afraid: it’s 100% OK to muster up courage and instead show confidence.<\/p>\n
A one minute video, where I offer a little pep talk to a nervous speaker…<\/em><\/p>\n