I’ve always said I’m a better writer than a talker. When I write, I can edit. I can think, research, and let a draft sit for a day before coming back to it with a fresh perspective.
Have you seen the show ‘Better Call Saul’? It’s excellent. One thing that stood out to me when I first watched it many years ago, was how the lawyers were always practicing what they would say out loud. Saul/Jimmy did it in front of the mirror, not just for big courtroom appearances, but even for hallway conversations. Kim practiced in her car, and even Chuck rehearsed his speeches. It made me realize that people who are good at talking, even those who do it for a living, practice. It seems like a silly thing to have to learn, but of course, the more you practice, the better you get.
It makes sense why I always felt like a better writer than a speaker. I’ve been writing for fun as a creative outlet since I was ten. That is forty-odd years of practice, while I spent most of my adult life shying away from public speaking.
That was the story I was telling myself: I’m just not good at public speaking. Ironically, my latest speech at Toastmasters was about that very thing. We have to pay attention to our internal dialogue because we can accidentally tell ourselves stories that hold us back.
The last couple of years, I’ve been more intentional about improving. I started a YouTube channel and presented my business at 1 Million Cups Fort Worth. I joined Toastmasters (Northeast Tarrant County) because, as an introvert, networking can feel hard, but networking with skill development built in feels productive. But wait. Is being an introvert just another story I’m telling myself?
A couple of days ago, I had the privilege of giving a five-to-seven-minute speech at my club. These are great because the pressure is low and the group is so supportive. You get an evaluation so you know exactly what to work on for next time.
I wrote and practiced this one for about five days beforehand until I pretty much had it memorized. I said it out loud every time I was in the car or out walking with my dog. My neighbors probably think I’m loony, seeing me walk around yapping to myself. I had notecards, but they were more like emotional support cards. ha.
I set up a phone stand and recorded the session. I’d love for you to check it out on YouTube. “Is it Time To Change The Station?”
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Lea Genders is a board-certified health coach, personal trainer, and workplace wellness consultant based in Fort Worth, TX. She offers corporate wellness programs for employee health and productivity, as well as in-person and virtual training / coaching for individuals worldwide. Her blog shares expert guidance on strength training, running, and sustainable nutrition @fortworth_trainer
I’ve always said I’m a better writer than a talker because writing allows for reflection. For years, I told myself I just wasn’t good at public speaking, but I've realized that the stories we tell ourselves can often hold us back. For the last couple of years, I’ve been more intentional, most recently practicing with my Toastmasters club. I’m learning to challenge those old stories and develop new skills. I recently performed a five-minute speech on this very topic, and I’d love for you to check it out.