Kelsey SmithConfession: I have a deep, paralyzing fear of saying the wrong thing and looking foolish. It’s the reason my mic turned off, my blog went dormant, and my insights went unshared.
The Fear of the ‘Flat’ Message
When I think about my old podcast, I shudder. Talking about a complex topic like breast cancer was emotional, and I’ll never forget getting worked up while discussing something in a group podcast setting. The conversation quickly pivoted to a more jovial topic, and I went quiet from there, absolutely mortified with my fear realized. In that moment, I was helping nobody.
And remember that “mentor?” Yeah, he only threw salt in the wound. But I wanted so badly to destigmatize the disease and show others that it’s not all about Komen walks and wearing pink. My message ultimately fell flat.
I spent six years learning the hard way that a powerful story isn’t just had, it’s built. My mission is to architect that process for other Visionaries, giving you the strategic blueprint to bypass the struggle and ensure your message lands with authority.
Choosing Action Over Fear
This old fear still holds me back from grabbing a microphone and starting another podcast. The Record Lair is ready, as is my wardrobe, but I’m not.
Instead of letting this fear consume me, I made the conscious decision to join Toastmasters International in October 2024 to work through this. This global organization is my non-judgmental space where we practice turning various stories into impactful messages. It was exactly what my inner critic—and my inner Sovereign—needed.
The club I joined, Toledo Metro Toastmasters, boasts nearly 20 members alone. We meet two times per month and foster a space to talk about various topics in either a planned or impromptu speech format. Through doing, each person gives and receives feedback and encouragement. This encourages deeper listening and gives us all the room to grow.
It’s also a fantastic place for anyone looking to make new friends. People from all walks of life join, and I am fortunate to have made a new friend, Kelly, who has given me the confidence and push to write this very post.
From New Member to ‘Accidental’ President
There happened to be an opening in the Executive Committee for a Vice President of Social Media. This was a golden opportunity to get back into the swing of regular posting, something I gave up when I entered my personal winter.
Then, unbeknownst to me, the powers that be and a few committee members had the bright idea of making little ol’ me the President of the chapter. Only nine months after becoming a member.
Just like I became an “Accidental Entrepreneur,” leadership found me again.
One of my goals as president is to usher the chapter into the digital realm, showing outsiders what it’s like and encouraging them to come to our meetings. I’ve always felt that everyone has a story; Toastmasters didn’t illuminate that point for me. What it has reinforced is that storytelling is unique and nuanced. It’s one thing to have a story, and another to tell it effectively.
With my own vulnerable stories, I hope to break down walls and help others tell moving stories that will resonate with their audiences.
Your Story Deserves to Be Heard
Everyone has a story to tell, and being a better communicator means we can learn from one another. And I hope to be that teacher as well.
What can you overcome to get your message across?
Stay Noble.
