When people think about great speakers, they often imagine someone with a commanding voice, incredible stage presence, and the ability to captivate thousands of people. They picture confidence that never wavers and charisma that seems almost effortless. While those qualities certainly have their place, they are not what makes a speaker truly memorable. After speaking to audiences across Australia and internationally, I have learnt that the most powerful speaker in the room is

This comes up more than you think. People soften themselves before they ever step on stage. They tone it down. They hold parts back. They try to be more “likeable,” more “acceptable,” more “palatable.” Why? Because somewhere along the way, they were made to feel like they were too much. Too loud. Too direct. Too emotional. Too honest. So they shrink. And in doing that, they lose the very thing that would have made them powerful. The version of you that holds back is not the