Reading Time: est. 10 minutes
Picture this with me: You’re escorted from a posh waiting room down a few nondescript halls to a curtain. Behind it is a dark stage holding only a microphone on a stand in the circle of light cast by spotlights.
Peeking through the curtain— your eyes fighting against the spotlight— you catch a faint glimpse of faces in the crowd. Light reflecting off of someone’s glasses. Small movements here and there.
You pause to listen and hear the gentle murmur and rustle of this audience waiting in anticipation.
How many many people are there? I’m not sure. 400? 5,000? 28,000? The number matters less than their intent, which is to hear what you have to teach them. To learn what you have to say.
They’ve come to hear a short program, only a few sentences in length.
The stagehand escorting you tells you you’re on in 1 minute as the host steps up to the microphone. You hear her begin your introduction. The anticipation in the air crackles like static, heightening your senses as you take a deep breath to calm the fluttering in your stomach. The host’s voice carries, describing your journey and the hard work that led you here, emphasizing how you’ve learned to find your voice through practice. With each word, the crowd’s energy surges, and you remind yourself that this moment is the culmination of countless hours spent honing your craft.
And now it’s your turn.
You walk bravely and confidently to the mic to say your piece. To speak your truth.
You only have a few sentences. Maybe even just one.
What do you want to say? What do you want these people to hear? They’ve come to hear from you. What is the deep and most real truth you need to share? What do you want them to know, believe, do, hope for, change, fix?
You take a deep breath…
… and begin.
Share your brief words in the comments.
(Note: knowing what you have to say is an important part of finding and embracing your life’s work.)
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