Purpose
Weekly Presence Prompt
Sometimes it’s important to go back to the basics. Sometimes it’s important to investigate our own Big Why, our own purpose, our reason for speaking up at all.
As public speakers, we face our biggest fears. We are not hidden. Our whole self is open—physically, emotionally, intellectually. This is exactly what makes public speaking beautiful, even if we are talking about a strategic plan or a new office policy. We can try to hide behind a thick deck of slides or a massive podium, but that only serves to undermine our communication so why speak at all? Instead, we connect and re-connect with our purpose.
Our purpose is our ballast, our center of gravity, it keeps us upright and forthright.
How do we find and know our purpose?
It is an iterative process and shifts and grows over time. But the underlying values remain constant. We may have different personal and professional purposes undergirded by the same themes. For instance, my personal purpose, the thing that drives me in all of my relationships, is honest, foible-filled, human connection. In my work as a communication coach, my purpose is to help others connect with their audience, with others. In all cases, connecting with others is my purpose, my reason for communicating.
What is your purpose for speaking up? What is your Big Why?
Practice
This week, we journal and play with these prompts:
What excites me that I want to share with others?
What is it that nobody seems to be talking about, but that is obviously present?
What do I most value in my relationships?
What do I most wish for in my relationships?
What gives me a sense of meaning?
Given my talents, skills, and joys, what does the world most need from me?
How can I best be of use to others?
#purpose #bigwhy #communication #publicspeaking
I love these prompts -- thank you!