Why Should They Listen To You?
You've been invited to speak at a major virtual event to a group you've never spoken to before. They heard you were knowledgeable, you come recommended by someone they respect, and they're asking you to be one of the featured speakers. It's a great opportunity. There are other speakers on the agenda, some of whom are famous, or at least more well known than you are. It's a compliment to you to appear on the same screen with these people. You should be thrilled at the opportunity, right?
Right! But do you jump at the chance or do you hesitate? You've spoken to large groups before, but does your confidence suddenly seem to have gone south? You can feel your heart pounding and your hands getting sweaty. Instead of jumping at the chance to be in this stellar company, you can think of half a dozen reasons why this isn't the right time or the right place. You're not at all sure you can do this.
You're about to blow a prime opportunity to move to the next level and become one of the 'go-to' experts in your industry. Yet you fear you won't be able to cut it. Who are you, anyway? You're not as well known or experienced as those heavyweight hitters. How can you compete with them? Why should anyone listen to you?
Remember that everything you want is just outside your comfort zone. The only way we ever grow and improve is by pushing ourselves out of our comfortable nest and doing the very thing we're afraid of. But taking that step can be scary.
Whatever your field of expertise, there are always going to be others who know as much or more than you do. So what? You have three things to offer that make you different and special enough to share the spotlight:
your authenticity
your particular point of view
the unique way you deliver your message
No matter the topic, no two people ever give the same speech. What you will say is colored by your background, your life experience, your personality, your goals, and your speaking style. Your presentation is totally unique to you.
That being the case, how you present yourself to the audience is going to be different from anyone else, just as valid as any other speaker and possibly more interesting. You've been asked to share the screen because you have something valuable to say that’s worth hearing. All you need to do is be yourself and speak authentically from your true beliefs, in your own personal style. That's what makes you unique.
You never need fear competing with the heavy hitters. The audience will benefit from listening to you because you're offering them the gift of your unique perspective. You'll benefit from stepping out of your comfort zone and up to the next level. It's a win-win situation for everybody. Say “Yes!”.