Reflecting on the huge impact made upon me at Impact 2023.
On Saturday I attended an annual meeting of @theprofessionalspeakingassocaition, Impact.
Although I have been a member for a while it was the first time I had attended an event where people from all across the UK and Ireland could come together. Up to this point I had only attended meetings online and in my region. I didn’t know what to expect and I figured that, as I was attending as a delegate to learn, listen and meet new people and, because I am someone who likes to experience things in the moment, it would be good to limit any expectations and go with the flow. (I love the expression, ‘flow’, as well as the concept! If you know, you know.)
I have so many take aways from this event, lots to think about and actions to take as well as new connections; beginnings of new friendships. However, I want to note one of the things which made the biggest impact upon me. It was #Honesty.
Honesty is a core value of mine, it is a constant, existing in all I do. In the speaking industry there are many people who want to tell you about the many countries they have visited, the huge audiences they speak to and how much they were paid for their gig; they paper over the many times they have spoken for free, to village halls, community centres or networking groups with just a few attendees. They omit and devalue the small, yet very important opportunities that helped them learn their craft and get to a place where they can boast about the six-figure fee. I have spent decades in front of audiences, big and small, trust me, it is rarely easy or glamorous; speaking, just like any trade is a craft to be honed and perfected over time through doing the work; each task is a learning curve no matter the size.
When we don’t get the full story, we can easily feel that the confidence, talent and togetherness displayed on the stage came out of nowhere and that we are not worthy speakers with value to give others through speaking. This makes me so sad because it makes many fantastic people with so much to give, feel that they don’t have a place as a speaker, that they do not have anything of value to say and that they do not hold the same ill perceived magical gift of so-called professional speakers. Awesome people from all walks of life, with valuable, relevant stuff to say, stay quiet because of a fake construct, a myth.
In the Professional Speaking Association I am so happy that this myth is busted and at this event the bullshit was most definitely cut! Whilst, everyone I spoke to at the event holds quality and professionalism very high on their speaking agenda, the ego is kept in check and it is acknowledged that we are all on a learning journey when it comes to mastering the, equally basic and complex, art of speaking.
I listened to amazing professional speakers at the top of their game who were true to themselves, authentic and generously of service to their audience whilst on stage and in conversation they were warm, honest, vulnerable and welcoming. The emphasis was not on who the best speaker was but on raising everyone in the room up, so we all felt valued and had something important say, no matter where we are on our journey. I love this! If speakers want to be heard they must speak to leave a positive impact and this was all around me on Saturday.
The day ended with tears of admiration for someone whom I knew nothing about until Saturday. Thank goodness I know of him now. With his words and his example, I am changed. @Aaron Phipps I have already told you that it is not only your adversity that moves me, it is your positive spirit, your grasp of what is important in life, your sense of purpose and the inspiration, integrity and HONESTY you bring when you connect with others and speak.
I want to say a big thank you to the organisation, which I’m proud to be a part of and I look forward to attending many more events, learning, sharing, speaking and building friendships. Thank you.
