Speaking is like dating for the first time in a long time.

Putting yourself out there on camera or in person can be a daunting place. 

Just like dating for the first time after a marriage, divorce, breakup etc.. it can be daunting to put yourself out there. 

Both come with risks of having your heartbroken, ego hurt, embarrassment, failure, rejection... However, it can also come with love, joy, success, fun helping other people and becoming the best version of yourself at the same time. 

Embracing yourself and your authentic self, your traits, personality, flaws, imperfections in both areas. This will help you to be true to yourself with authenticity, vulnerability, reliability and most of all you. 

Both can come with nerves, excitement, fears, butterflies all rolled into one. Speaking on camera or in person comes with the same feelings. 

Maybe putting yourself out there to speak and communicate and the feeling it all has to be perfect. Imagine going on a first date feeling the same, the pressure, the expectations and being someone you are not for others to like you. It would be awkward, overwhelming and really uncomfortable and you would never want to do that again right? 

The same can be found for being seen and heard in your business or in the workplace, both require work, guidance and support. There is no #winginit in those areas. 

Growing yourself as an effective speaker or communicator takes work, one step at a time with the right words, structure, connection, engagement and all to bring out your best self, your authentic self. 

As a person who has been recently gone back into the world of dating in over 2.5yrs and online dating over 7 yrs ago. This has been very daunting and has put everything I do, teach and practice daily to the test. I am a believer in being yourself when speaking and communicating, however, it does take work to do it in the most effective way for you and the receiver/s. To have guidance, support, accountability to keep going even when it gets messy. 

I made a decision not to do this alone this time after reflecting on the past doing it on my own. I wanted a different experience, I wanted to be confident and empowered to take action and make the first move in various situations and not be scared ( even though I am scared but still do it) 

I have support and guidance on the words, structure, dates, building on connection, commitment and compatibility, to bring out my best self and have fun along the way. 

While using all the new tools, my heart has been literally pumping out of my chest when texting, calling and on the actual dates. It's so out of my comfort zone, but for the first time, I realised I needed and wanted this help in this area of my life. I feel more confident, empowered and a better version of myself. Coming back home to me, brought out the best of me, the person I am with friends, on my own and in my business. I still feel nervous and excited at 40yrs (haha)

 Give me public speaking any day of the week, but dating it's by far my comfort zone. I am feeling the fear and doing it anyway. I took the help, support and tools to do it anyway to change the course and direction of my life. 

Will keep you posted on how it all goes. 

So embrace all of you, bring out your personality, traits, flaws and imperfections. You will change the course of your life, business and workplace with your speaking and communication. 

If you feel called to have support and guidance join us in the Communication Community HERE 

Where ever you go, go with all your heart ~ Confucious

Love 

Melanie Wood 

Empower | Inspire | Transform