A Woman’s Story – Your Story has Value
For too long, women and girls have been told to be seen and not heard. But we know that our voices are powerful and with them, we can achieve great things. That's why a Woman’s Story matters.
So, I am not cheating here but as I prepared a blog on storytelling for our Empowerment blogs, I wanted to create a specific blog on story telling for women, because our stories are particularly valuable to those women and girls coming behind us.
The Power of Owning Your Story and Using It to Drive Your Success
Everyone has a story, but very few people know how to use it to their advantage. Those that do, often become inspirations to others.
So, I don’t intend to repeat what I said in my blog Victim to Entrepreneur & Changemaker - We all have a story to tell (Part 1), but I do want to re-emphasize some points:
Breaking the Silence: How Speaking Up Can Impact Others
When we share our experiences, we give other women and girls the confidence to speak up and be heard. We show them that they're not alone, and that they can overcome any obstacle. Our stories inspire others to pursue their dreams, and remind us all, that anything is possible. No Excuses!
Don’t be afraid to use your voice, it’s one of the most powerful tools you have. Speak up for yourself, and for other women and girls who need a strong role model. Use your voice to make a difference in the world.
Women's stories have always been an important source of strength and inspiration. In a world where women have often been marginalized and their voices silenced, hearing the stories of successful women can be a powerful motivator.
There are so many incredible women out there who have achieved amazing things, despite all the odds stacked against them. Their stories are a reminder that every woman has the power to create her own success story.
No matter what anyone tells you, you have the potential to achieve anything you set your mind to. So never give up, never let anyone silence your voice, and always believe in yourself. Because your story matters.
Owning Your Narrative: Empowering Yourself and Others Through Storytelling
Your story has value. Women often believe because they have not achieved a senior level in life, then they have nothing to share, but believe me, we all love stories, and your story will have highs and lows from which others can learn or be inspired by.
Our story makes us unique and interesting and this can be used to help us achieve our goals and dreams.
By sharing our stories with others, those people who can help us will be more likely to put their hand out to help us up. Paying it forward is not just something I do for women, it’s something many women and men do for others.
Your story can inspire others and help them overcome their challenges. Take me as an example, I know that 1 in 3 women have faced domestic violence as I have. That’s 1 in 3 women in the audiences I speak to, and that’s why I always share my story of how I got up of the floor to become the success I am today.
Your story can be a powerful tool for making positive change in the world.
When you know how to share your story in a way that is authentic and relatable, people will be drawn to you and want to hear more.
It can be your best asset when it comes to networking and building relationships. People want to build relationships or do business with those they know, like, and trust.
Think about the times when you have been most inspired by someone else. Chances are, it was because they were able to share their story in a way that resonated with you on a personal level.
When you are able to do this, you create a connection with others that is much deeper than simply exchanging business cards or engaging in small talk.
When you are able to share your story in a way that builds trust and rapport, you are much more likely to succeed in whatever venture you undertake.
Whether you are looking for a new job, seeking funding for a business, building your brand or trying to build meaningful relationships, your story is your best asset.
The Impact of Representation: How Your Story Can Inspire Others Like You
There's no question that women and girls face unique challenges in our society. But there's also no question that we're more than capable of overcoming those challenges and becoming powerful leaders.
Progress isn't always easy, as we’ve discussed in our recent blogs. But by being strong, sharing our stories and examples as I have been doing with you, we have the possibility to drive change.
So, I would love for you to prepare your story:
When thinking about sharing your story, know that there is no right or wrong way to do it. You can write it down, speak it aloud, or even just share it with a close friend or family member. What's important is that you do it in a way that feels comfortable for you and that you're honest about your experiences.
Here are some tips for using your story to your advantage:
1. Use it as motivation - Your story can be a powerful source of motivation. Use it to remind yourself of why you're doing what you're doing and what you're capable of achieving.
2. Share it with others -Don't keep your story to yourself. Share it with others who can benefit from hearing it. Inspire them with your example and help them overcome their own challenges.
3. Use it to make positive change - Your story can be a powerful force for good in the world. Use it to raise awareness about important issues and fight for the causes you believe in.
Remember: Your story has the power to change lives. It can inspire others to take action, make positive changes in their own lives, and even start a movement.
Additionally:
a) Be vulnerable - Share your struggles as well as your successes. People can relate to both and will be inspired by your honesty.
b) Be authentic - Don't try to be someone you're not. People will see through it and it will only make them lose interest in your story.
c) Be engaging - Tell your story in a way that is captivating and truly speaks to your audience. If they're not engaged, they won't be inspired.
d) Be positive - Even if your story isn't all rainbows and butterflies, focus on the positive aspects of it. What lessons did you learn? How did you grow? What good came out of the situation?
e) Be real - People can tell when you're holding back or sugar-coating things. Be genuine and let your true self shine through.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you need any help and please send me your story.
Why Vulnerability Is Strength: The Importance of Sharing Our Struggles
“A woman, is like a teabag, she doesn’t know her own strength until she is dropped in hot water.”- Eleanor Roosevelt
Women and girls have a unique strength which has meant, even if not from the front, they have always been the drivers of change.
They are also the ones who are usually the most vulnerable in society, but by utilising their inner power, they are able to stand up and fight for what they believe in.
It's often said that "vulnerability is weakness." But in reality, vulnerability is one of the greatest strengths a person can have. When we're vulnerable, we're open to others and able to empathize with them.
In recent years, we have seen more and more women and girls sharing their struggles openly, and this is a powerful and valuable action. When we share our vulnerabilities with others, we create empathy and understanding. We also show that we are strong enough to overcome our challenges.
This can be very inspiring for other women and girls who are facing similar problems. It can remove isolation or fear give them the strength to carry on.
Sharing our struggles is not weakness, it is strength. It shows that we are brave enough to face our fears and fight for what we believe in. It is an important part of being a woman or girl, and that’s why I implore you to tell your story.
The Healing Power of Storytelling: How Sharing Your Story Can Help You and Others
Storytelling is a way of processing our experiences and making sense of the world. It is a way of bearing witness to our lives and the lives of others. When we share our stories, we create meaning out of chaos, we find hope in darkness, and we connect with others in a deeply human way.
Storytelling has the power to heal us individually and collectively. It can help us make sense of our past, present, and future. It can help us connect with others who have been through similar experiences. And it can help us create a more just and compassionate world.
Telling your story can be a powerful tool for personal healing as well as social change. When we tell our stories, we give voice to our pain and our joy, our hope and our fear. We offer others a glimpse into our lives and the chance to walk in our shoes for a while. In the process, we may just find the healing and connection that we need.
Sharing your story can be an incredibly powerful experience, both for yourself and for others. When you share your story, you open yourself up to vulnerability and allow others to see you as a human being with fears, hopes, and dreams, rather than just a faceless name or face. In doing so, you create a connection that can empowering.
Your story can also help others who are struggling with similar issues. When you share your experiences, you offer hope and insight that can help them feel less alone and more understood. Your story can also inspire others to make changes in their own lives or to reach out for help if they need it.
Storytelling has been shown to be a powerful tool for healing both emotionally and physically. When we share our stories, we are able to process our emotions and connect with others who have similar experiences. This can help us to feel less alone and more understood. In addition, studies have shown that storytelling can help to boost our immune systems and reduce stress levels.
Finding Your Voice: Overcoming Fear and Sharing Your Story
Your voice matters. It's time to share your story.
.
If you're afraid to speak up, it's time to overcome that fear.
For many women, the idea of taking to the stage and sharing their story can be daunting. Overcoming the fear of speaking in public is one thing but sharing your personal story with the world is another.
However, the power of women's stories lies in their ability to inspire and empower others.
When you share your story, you give other women permission to do the same. You also remind us that we are not alone in our experiences.
There is no one way to tell your story.
You can write it down, share it verbally, or even create a performance piece.
The important thing is that you share it in a way that feels comfortable for you.
If you're not sure where to start, try talking to a friend or family member about your experiences.
Your story is unique and valuable, so don't be afraid to share it. Remember, you have the power to inspire and empower others just by being yourself.
I know what you’re going to say, you’re not an international speaker like me, or you can’t write a book like I did. Well, I didn’t know I could until I tried!!
So, here’s the offer – IF you want help, IF you want to take to the stage or write your book – I can happily guide you through it. Just connect madi@westt.eu,
If you want to practice telling your story for use in your business or for when you meet people, then here are some guidelines, but again, if you want to test it out on me and get some feedback, then its madi@westt.eu.
You have a story to tell, and the world needs to hear it. Here's how you can find your voice and take to the stage:
1. Believe in yourself. - The first step to finding your voice is believing in yourself. You are worthy of being heard. Know that your story matters and that you have something valuable to say.
2. Get rid of negative self-talk. - Negative self-talk will only hold you back from speaking up. Replace any negative thoughts with positive ones. Remind yourself that you are capable and confident.
3. Practice what you want to say. - Once you know what you want to say, practice it out loud. This will help you gain confidence and overcome any nerves.
As a woman, you have a unique perspective that can be invaluable in public speaking. Here are seven tips to help you make the most of your voice and presence when addressing an audience:
a) Be prepared. Rehearse your speech or presentation several times before delivering it in front of an audience. This will help you feel more confident and reduce the chances of making mistakes.
b) Find your power pose. Before you step onstage or in front of the microphone, take a few moments to find your power pose. This is a stance that makes you feel confident and poised. Stand up straight, shoulders back, chin up, and breathe deeply. This will help to calm your nerves and give you the presence of mind to deliver a great speech.
c) Start strong. Whether you're opening with a joke or a shocking statistic, make sure you grab everyone's attention from the get-go.
d) Speak with intention. When you know what you want to say and why you're saying it, your words will carry more weight. Choose your topics carefully and always keep your audience in mind. By speaking with intention, you'll engage listeners and deliver messages that matter.
e) Keep it concise. No one wants to hear someone ramble on forever, so make sure you edit yourself down to the essentials
f) Be authentic. Your unique perspective is what makes you valuable as a speaker, so don't try to be someone you're not. Be genuine in your delivery and let your personality shine through. This will help build trust with your audience and make them more receptive to your message.
g) Use body language effectively. Gestures and facial expressions can help convey your message just as much as words can. Use them to emphasize key points and add interest to your delivery.
h) Speak slowly and clearly. Don't rush through your presentation or speak too quickly. Take pauses when needed and enunciate each word so that people can understand you. Even if you're nervous – “Fake it till you make it!" Remember, you're the expert on whatever it is you're talking about
i) Make eye contact. When you're speaking, try to make eye contact with as many people in the audience as possible. This will help engage them and make them feel like you're speaking directly to them.
j) Know your audience. It's important to tailor your message to your audience. Consider who they are, what their needs are, and what would resonate with them emotionally.
k) Have fun! Public speaking can be daunting, but it's also an opportunity to show off your personality and connect with an audience. So, enjoy yourself, and don't take yourself too seriously.
We need strong, inspiring role models to show us what's possible. That's why representation matters.
When women and girls see themselves reflected in the media, in politics, and in positions of power, they know that anything is possible. And when they see people like them achieving great things, it gives them the courage and motivation to pursue their own dreams. So, keep telling your story, keep striving for equality, and keep inspiring others like you to do the same. Together, we can change the world.
I am not a certified coach, but I am an experienced leader who has been working on personal development and communication for several decades. I don’t bite, and I don’t charge unless I know I can help. All initial conversations are free and confidential.
Gandhi said, “You must be the change YOU want to see”
Madi says, “You must be the change YOU want to see – NO EXCUSES!”
Founder Madi Group www.madisharma.org
Founder Women’s Eco-nomic & Social Think Tank www.westtworld.com
Author Madi No Excuses! www.madinoexcuses.com
Entrepreneur, International Speaker, Freelance Journalist
Listed as 1 of apolitical’s 100 Most Influential People in Gender Policy in 2018
Linked In Madi Sharma
Twitter @MadiSharma1
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