Walking My Talk (Authenticity is Everything!)
One of my first encounters with a "professional speaker" left me questioning the industry. This man, who I had met after one of his speaking events, was what you would expect - outgoing, animated, a great speaker. But meeting him afterwards at another event where he was one of the guests (like me), I found him to be very negative - complaining about this or that. I commented on the change only to hear in response, "That's my stage personality. This is me!" No, heck no. This came to mind for me today, as I prepare to once again "walk my talk". You see, I wrote a book (released in 2018) about the paths to reconciliation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous living within Canadian borders. The book outlined TWO paths, reinforcing my belief that there is work to be done on both sides of this relationship (like in any other relationship when problems arise). And after weeks working with Canadians, tomorrow I fly into one of our remote Indigenous communities. I am there to emcee an event, to determine the need for Indigenous-specific CARE (Children At Risk of Exploitation) units. It is good work. It is important work. It is balancing the feather, ensuring I assist progress on BOTH sides. So, my speaker friend, as you contemplate what you will say to whom, what stages you will stand on and where, ground yourself in your authenticity. Do all you can to avoid developing a "stage persona". After all, we can allllll tell when someone is faking it whereas authenticity moves us, often staying with us long after the words are shared. The journey (and my work) continues ... Wishing you all the best with yours. Love ya. Sandi