I am both a public speaker and a writer. But that’s not what it says on my LinkedIn Profile nor my C.V. I have not eked out a living from doing what I love. Not Yet. Practice. Practice. Practice. But I have a group of Grade 12 students to thank for helping me realize who I am.
I’ve not spent much time with high school students aside from shopping trips with my now 21-year old niece. So when I walked into the Toronto Public Library a week ago to deliver a talk about entrepreneurship, all I saw were arms and legs, long limbs everywhere.
They’re so tall. Who are they? Have they come to hear me speak? “No, we’re studying Grade 12 English. Our teacher is just outside the room.” I was concerned that no one would show up for my talk so I persuaded them to stay.
As I clicked through my slides – “The Romance of Entrepreneurship” followed by “The Reality of Entrepreneurship”, I paused and shared the story of the demise of my small business. I saw their eyes widen as if I had just poured a bucket of ice water over their heads. I had not realized that I’ve become inured to telling my story about the cold, cruel, and crushing reality of losing a livelihood (my livelihood) and that my Grade 12 students, not even 18 years old, were listening.
They said, “You scared us. No one has ever talked to us like this.”
Followed by tenderness, “Are you ok?”
With heartstrings stretched, then snapped, I answered wholeheartedly! “Yes, I’m ok. Don’t worry. Life is grand.”
I later received a text from Justin.L. that day: “Thank you for the inspiration. Despite I’ve always wanted to go in the medical/science field, it opened my eyes to something I’ve never really given a lot of thought to. Thanks!”
I replied, “Thank YOU!”
When you say you want to make a difference, choose your words wisely. Be mindful, be respectful, and be compassionate in the public space and in your space. The responsibility is real and the impact can be more powerful than you’ve ever dreamed. I am both a public speaker and a writer… and a lifelong learner.
#whywespeak #whywewrite #whywelearn