The Power of Being Authentic and Vulnerable

Welcome back! 

I hope you had a chance to read my debut issue of The Authentic Voice, but even if you didn't, I’m glad you’re here.

In today’s issue I want to cover two topics:

1. Share a personal story to show the power of being vulnerable and authentic

2. Share a resource to one of my favorite storytelling podcasts.

Storytime 

My second-grade teacher looked at me and asked, “Rico, do you have Bingo?” When our eyes met, all I could do was nod. I couldn’t even whisper "yes."

I had been trying not to win. I wanted the prize, but shouting “bingo” was way outside my comfort zone.

If not for my classmate, Frankie Casillas, who shouted, “Miss, Rico has bingo!” I wouldn’t have won.

In the moment of trying not to win, I realized something important about myself. I was an extreme introvert, uncomfortable in groups.

I share this embarrassing story to highlight the power of sharing authentic, vulnerable moments. 

The good news? Over time, I became a much more confident speaker.

I spent years in public education as a teacher and administrator, with many opportunities to speak in public. 

After burning out, I moved on to corporate onboarding and client training, where I did even more public speaking.

It wasn’t until I attended a storytelling workshop by Craig Valentine, the 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking, that I truly learned the power of storytelling. 

He said, “If you become a master storyteller, you can connect with any audience.” Those words changed my life.

If becoming a better storyteller was the key to connecting with people, that’s all I needed to hear. 

Since then, I’ve spent countless hours studying the art, craft, and, some might even say, the science of storytelling.

This is why I decided to start this newsletter. I want to help you become the best storyteller you can be.

The first step to becoming a storyteller is to ask yourself, "What does a storyteller do?" It might seem simple, but it’s essential. 

A storyteller shares authentic, vulnerable stories that show transformation and convey a clear message. It may sound easy, and I don’t want to overcomplicate it. 

Start by sharing your personal, authentic, and vulnerable stories. It might feel risky, but remember, no one is perfect.

The first step is to see yourself as a storyteller. You already are. You share stories every day, even if you don’t realize it.

In the coming weeks, we’ll explore ways for you to get started. 

Recommended Resource: 

I highly recommend The Storytelling School podcast by Kymberlee Weil.

Each episode is tactical and to the point, with a focus on strategies you can apply right away. 

Best of all, the episodes are 30 minutes or less, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

It’s never too late to become a better storyteller.

~Rico