From the Stage: Lessons I’ve Learned as a Speaker
- Justine Martin
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
By Justine Martin – The Resilience Queen
Over the years, I’ve had the honour of standing on many stages sharing my story, teaching resilience, and connecting with audiences across Australia and around the world. Every time I step onto that stage, I feel a mixture of nerves, purpose, and deep gratitude. Speaking isn’t just about delivering words it’s about delivering impact.
And with every keynote, panel, or workshop, I’ve learnt something new not just about speaking, but about people, connection, and what it really means to inspire change.
Here are some of the most powerful lessons I’ve learnt on this incredible journey as a speaker.
1. Authenticity is Everything
Audiences don’t want perfection they want real. They want to know you’ve lived it, felt it, survived it. I don’t sugar-coat my story. I talk about the hard stuff MS, cancer, trauma, mental health because those moments are relatable. They’re raw. And they’re human.
The moment I stopped trying to “perform” and simply showed up as myself, everything changed. People don’t connect with the speaker they connect with the story behind the speaker.
2. Vulnerability is a Superpower
There’s a myth that speakers should be polished and powerful at all times. But I’ve learnt that power lives in vulnerability. When I’ve cried on stage, shared my truth, or admitted I still have hard days it’s those moments that stick with people.
Vulnerability creates connection. And connection creates change.
3. Know Your Audience, But Stay True to Your Message
Every audience is different schools, corporates, carers, creatives. I always research who I’m speaking to, what they’re facing, and what they need to hear. But I never bend my message out of shape just to please the room.
My story, my lessons, and my voice have value as they are. If you dilute your truth, you dilute your impact.
4. The Energy Goes Both Ways
One of the most beautiful things about public speaking is the energy exchange. It’s not just me speaking at an audience it’s a shared experience. When I bring energy, they give it back. When I get real, they lean in.
The most electric moments on stage are the ones that feel like a conversation, not a lecture.
5. Preparation is Respect—Presence is Key
I always prepare. I know my key points, my time limits, and my purpose. But once I’m on stage, I stay in the moment. Some of the most powerful things I’ve said weren’t in the script they came from being present with the audience.
Preparation creates confidence. Presence creates magic.
6. Impact Happens After the Applause
What I say on stage matters but what happens after is where the real transformation begins. It’s in the messages I receive, the conversations at the book table, the emails weeks later saying, “You helped me see I’m not alone.”
That’s the ripple effect. That’s why I do what I do.
7. Never Underestimate the Power of One Story
Sometimes I question whether people are tired of hearing my story. But every time someone says, “That’s exactly what I needed to hear,” I’m reminded our stories don’t lose power the more we tell them. They gain it.
If one person walks away feeling hopeful, empowered, or brave enough to keep going then it was worth it.
Final Thoughts: The Stage is My Platform, But Resilience is My Mission
Being a speaker has taught me that resilience isn’t just something we talk about it’s something we live, every single day. The stage may be where I share my voice, but my purpose runs much deeper. I speak to remind people that no matter what life throws at you, you can rise.
And that’s a message worth standing up for.
Want to book me to speak at your event, workplace, school, or conference? Let’s empower your audience with real stories, raw truth, and unshakable resilience.
📍 International Keynote Speaker | Resilience Coach | MS & Cancer Advocate
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