Hello, am I audible?

Photo by Rodeo Project Management Software on Unsplash

Public speaking has a funny way of showing you what you don’t know about yourself. For years, I avoided the spotlight, worried about fumbling my words, mispronouncing something, or, worse, being judged. Over time, I realized fear was just a signal, not a stop sign. Facing it didn’t just make me a better speaker. It changed how I approach growth, communication, and even myself.

Let me take you back to college. My friends and I would joke around endlessly, mispronouncing words just to make each other laugh. “Croissant” became “kwasont,” “frappé” became “frappey.” I thought it was harmless fun, and maybe it was back then.

Fast forward to adulting and work life. Suddenly, those small habits I built as a teen didn’t feel funny anymore. I realized my brain had been unknowingly saving patterns, tiny hacks that now made it hard to articulate my thoughts clearly in writing or in meetings. I’d stare at my case studies or emails, frustrated that I couldn’t express myself the way I wanted.

This was the moment I knew something had to change. I dove into self-help books, online classes, and tutorials. I was learning, sometimes awkwardly, how to support my writing, my thinking, and my speaking skills. And yes, it was humbling, but absolutely worth it.

I realized that public speaking wasn’t just about delivering words. It was about sharing stories that connect. Everyone has stories, personal or professional, or about the brands we work with. The trick is being brave enough to share them.

Stories break walls. They let your audience see you, relate to you, and trust you. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s connection. By telling real stories, even the messy ones, I started to turn fear into purpose.

The 10,000 Hour Rule

In the book Talk Like TED, it highlights that growth is messy and takes time. It introduces also the idea that it takes thousands of hours of practice for your mind and body to fully internalize a skill.

Public speaking, like any skill, is built hour by hour. It is not about getting it right the first time. It is about showing up, again and again. I stumbled. I fumbled. I practiced.

Each time I stood up and said, “Hello, am I audible?”, I was building more than speaking skills. I was building confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. And over time, those small, consistent efforts started to compound into something bigger.

Talk Like TED

I really recommend the book Talk Like TED. It shares real-life stories of individuals who transformed the way they communicate and connect with their audience. What I found valuable is how it breaks down different perspectives, along with practical tips and techniques you can actually apply.

Inspired by speakers I admired, I started practicing intentional storytelling. Not perfect storytelling, but real storytelling. I learned how to structure a talk, how to start with a strong hook, and, most importantly, how to end with impact.

It reminded me that great speakers are not born. They are built through practice, intention, and the courage to keep showing up.

One of my favorite moments of reflection came from a movie: The King's Speech. You may know the story. A king struggling with stammering must address the nation during a crisis. His courage taught me one thing: everyone has a voice, and it is your duty to use it.

Speaking up is not just about being heard. It is about leadership, inspiration, and personal growth. You may never feel completely ready, but ready is a decision, not a feeling.

Why you should say it anyway. So why do it? Why face the fear?

• Duty: You’re an expert in your craft. Your voice matters.

• Leadership: Speaking up reveals hidden leadership and can inspire your team.

• Inspiration: Your journey encourages others to be brave.

• Personal Growth: Every time you speak, you reinforce trust in your own voice.

You will never feel fully ready, and that's okay. The only way to know your potential is to try.

And you know what, I’d like to also share someone who helped me along the way. Vinh Giang creates inspiring content about communication and public speaking. His approach made a real difference in how I think about expressing ideas.

I’ve recommended his content and newsletter to many of my colleagues who were also struggling to communicate, even in virtual settings. If you’re on a similar journey, he’s definitely someone worth checking out.

And just like what we say in Teams meetings, “Hello, am I audible?” You know what? Yes. You are. And the world needs to hear more of you.