Baby steps!!
These pictures show possibly one of my first speaking engagements ever (co-incidentally an International Women’s Day event). After launching W.TEC in 2008, I found myself being invited for panels and conferences as an “expert on gender and technology issues.” As far as I was concerned, I was still learning about this space and not an expert in any way.
However I was persuaded to take on one or two of these engagements as it would help publicise my work with W.TEC. Funding is a major concern for most new nonprofits / mission-driven organisations and so I dipped my toes in.
I’ll be honest. It was a nerve-wracking experience and I’m sure it showed, but you know what? I survived that first one and lived to go for a second speaking engagement. With time, it’s become so much easier.
So many women are terrified about public speaking due to varied fears of not being an expert, not knowing enough, not being a good speaker, not liking attention on them.
As another International Women’s Day and Month rolls around, it’s important that we get more comfortable taking the stage to share our stories and expertise. No matter where you are, you most likely have something to share and there will be people who want to hear what you have to teach.
Are you paralysed at the thought of taking centre stage? Don’t be. It’s a skill you can develop over time.
Share your speaking experiences and fears. Let’s support each other and get more women amplifying their voices.
And while you’re at it, for women in this boat, kindly fill out my survey on what type of support you need: https://forms.gle/gw7z7nqd1eyi4xdf8
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