Today, we’re diving into a skill that can be absolutely transformative, and that’s public speaking. Now I know—just hearing those words might make some of you want to run for the hills. But stay with me, because public speaking isn’t just about standing on a stage with a mic. It’s about finding your voice, owning your story, and using that voice to shape your future.
Let’s break it down. Why does public speaking matter? Why now? And how can you make it part of your reinvention journey? You might be thinking, “Doug, I’m not trying to be a TED Talk superstar—I just want to reinvent my life.” And that’s exactly why this matters.
I remember when I was a little kid, actually in kindergarten. We were supposed to do a play where most of us were a bunch of bears in the Goldilocks and Three Bears History. Story.
When it came time to go on stage, I wouldn't do it. I was filled with fear. I was scared to death. I stayed behind the curtains, crying my eyes out. Later on, that night, my parents wanted to know where I was on stage. They couldn't find me. I broke down. I told them the truth. They couldn't believe it. What a weenie.
Later in life, I knew that in order to get to the next chapter in my life, I would have to overcome my fear of public speaking. It wasn't easy at first. I trembled. But after several tries. I got my voice. I overcame procrastination and my fears. And now I can speak to a room of 100 or 1000 or more, no problem at all.
When you speak confidently—whether it’s in a job interview, at a networking event, pitching your own business, or even just talking with a friend—you’re doing more than talking. You’re telling the world, "Here I am. I have something valuable to say." And guess what? The world listens to people who believe in themselves.
Public speaking amplifies your message, your story, and your confidence. It gives you visibility, credibility, and authority. Whether you’re launching a business, switching careers, or just trying to get noticed again after a layoff, public speaking sets you apart.
It’s one of the fastest ways to build trust. Because when you can articulate your thoughts with clarity and passion, people believe in you. They want to work with you. They want to follow you.
Let’s get real. Getting laid off, pushed out, or burned out – it can really mess with your confidence. It makes you question your value, your direction, and your next move.
But public speaking is a powerful tool to bounce back. Here’s why:
When you tell your story out loud, something shifts inside. You stop seeing yourself as a victim and start seeing yourself as a survivor, a leader, a visionary.
Your story of being laid off isn’t just about losing a job. It’s about gaining perspective, resilience, and a fresh start. When you share that in a way that’s real, honest, and powerful, people don’t pity you. They respect you.
And more importantly—you respect yourself.
You start to rewrite your narrative. You go from, “I lost my job,” to “I found my voice.”
Here’s something cool: Public speaking isn’t just a soft skill. It’s a neuroscience hack. Studies show that regularly engaging in public speaking helps your brain build new neural pathways related to confidence, memory, and emotional regulation. When you get up and speak – even if it’s scary – your brain starts to rewire. You train yourself to stay calm under pressure. You learn how to structure your thoughts quickly. You become more focused, more persuasive, more agile. And this mental training doesn’t just help you on stage. It helps in job interviews, tough conversations, and leadership situations. It’s literally building a stronger, more confident YOU.
Let’s dive into storytelling. Because at its heart, public speaking is about stories. Did you enjoy mine? It was 100% true. And here’s the thing: your story matters.
Maybe you were laid off. Maybe you left a job that was slowly killing your joy. Maybe you hit a wall, and everything fell apart. That story? It’s not something to hide. It’s something to harness.
When you learn how to share your experience in a way that’s vulnerable but empowered, you connect with people on a deeper level.
Storytelling helps you:
- Process your journey.
- Inspire others.
- Attract opportunities.
- Lead with authenticity.
It transforms your pain into purpose.
Think of every great speaker you admire. What do they have in common? They tell stories that move you. That’s your superpower too. You just have to start using it.
Let’s bring it down to earth. How does public speaking actually change your career and life?
Well, let’s look at real outcomes:
- You stand out in job interviews because you communicate clearly and with confidence.
- You get noticed at networking events because you’re comfortable starting conversations.
- You start to build a personal brand because people remember how you made them feel.
- You get invited to speak on panels, podcasts, or events, which grows your reach.
- And in some cases, public speaking becomes a career itself—think keynotes, webinars, coaching, consulting.
Speaking up positions you as a leader. And leaders attract trust, resources, and community.
Now you might be wondering, “Okay, Doug. I get it. But how do I start?”
Start small. Here are five things you can do this week:
- Join a local Toastmasters group or online speaking circle.
- Practice a 2-minute pitch about who you are and what you do.
- Volunteer to lead a small group meeting or discussion.
- Record a video sharing your story and post it on LinkedIn.
- Talk to yourself in the mirror. Seriously. It works. I did it and you can too
The key is repetition. Public speaking is like going to the gym. You build strength over time. Don’t wait until you feel ready—you get ready by doing.
Let me be honest. Public speaking can feel terrifying. That lump in your throat. The sweaty palms. The racing heart. Believe me, when I was behind those curtains, I was a mess. It’s normal. But fear isn’t a stop sign. It’s a signal that you care. And the only way to get through it is to go through it.
Every great speaker you’ve ever seen felt fear. But they moved forward anyway. That’s called courage. And it lives in you. Reframe the fear. Instead of thinking, “What if I mess up?” Ask, “What if I inspire someone?”
Here’s the truth: Public speaking isn’t just a skill. It’s a superpower. It helps you heal. It helps you lead. It helps you grow.
If you’re reinventing your life, this is one of the most powerful tools you can use. It’s how you stop being invisible and start being unforgettable.
Here’s your challenge: This week, use your voice. Speak up in a meeting. Tell your story to a friend. Record a video. Post a thought on social media.
Put it out there in the LifeByDesign360 Insider Academy and Community! I’ll be nice, I promise. And you know what, you’re going to do great! Because your voice matters. And when you speak from the heart, people listen.
I hope this article gave you the clarity and courage to speak up and speak out —boldly and wisely—for the life you truly want.
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