I have noticed that a vast majority of people I meet are afraid to be themselves. They say the thing they are supposed to say. They do not express their own opinions. I find it truly exhausting and very boring specially when listening to public speeches. I want to scream: give me real you, not a fake persona you are trying to build.
There is a widespread opinion that professionalism and power means neutrality. Keep emotions out of it. Stay polished. Be composed.
However, there is one skill that consistently rises above the noise - emotional authenticity.
This skill builds real trust.
It improves resilience.
It reduces second-guessing and opens the door to real conversations
This very skill can be your strategic advantage, particularly in public speaking.
What Emotional Authenticity Is
Clear, grounded expression
Honest self-awareness
Communicating with sincerity rather than performance
It ISN’T:
Oversharing
Unfiltered emotion
Three Ways to Practice Emotional Authenticity In Public Speaking
Start your speech with a question to the audience: Should I tell the truth or...? I am sure the audience will shout "yes". Follow up and tell people the truth and not what may seem sound appropriate or perferct
Substitute verbs "think, believe," with verbs "feel, sense"
Look each person in the audience in the eyes for 5 seconds (it will feel long)
These small shifts create space for honesty - and honesty creates connection.
Emotional authenticity isn’t about dramatic confession or forced openness. It’s about:
Alignment
Integrity
Congruence
Ignoring, hiding or suppressing your emotions doesn’t make them disappear. People can sense them. Recognising them is a powerful step to freedom of self-expression, strong presence and impactful speech. Your emotions and feeling are not obstacles - they’re the most valuable sourse of information.
I finish my newsletter with one of my favourite quotes:
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” - Carl Jung
Warmly
Olga Smith
www.batcsglobal.com