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…..adding with a little wink knowing that nothing worth truly embracing
is summed up in only FIVE rules.

A couple of years back we had Nick Bolton on the Speaker Express stage – founder of Animas Institute, adventurer and authenticity guru. We love Nick’s wisdom.

What does the word authenticity mean and how does one become more authentic?

Is it simply a state of mind or can we be taught how to be authentic?

The answer is, as stated by Nick Bolton, there is NO magic trick or formula to being authentic – it isn’t a case of teaching someone to be authentic. 

Being YOU is different to each and every one of us, and that is something we have to find out for ourselves as we embark on our public speaking journey. Nick was as authentic as they come. With his beautiful combination of charm, wit and knowledge of coaching, he managed to share with us 5 key points of how to BE authentic when presenting. As he stressed, this will be completely different for each of us, in regards to our style, personality etc so use these 5 key points as a guide to help you (and remind you) to be more of YOU on stage!

1) Understand where the emotion is coming from
What victim emerges? Is this a result of conditioning from childhood? When you notice avoidance, anger, or pain creeping in, step back into the adult, understand where the emotion arises from and let it go.
2) Allowing the true you to show up
Be ok with who you are and focus on how you’re being rather than what you’re doing on stage.
3) Being yourself
Ask yourself ‘Am I being me right now?’ Perhaps you’re a fast speaker, a slow speaker, a deep thinker… Don’t embody someone you’re not – it makes you look uncomfortable. Research has shown that what we think on a mental level has the power to influence others – from a limbic level to a genuine level.
4) Believe in what you’re saying 
Too many people repeat what has already been said, but don’t truly believe it. The biggest indication of this is when their body language does the opposite of what they’re saying. Ask yourself ‘Who’s story am I telling right now and how much of myself am I showing in it?’
5) Be honest!

Nothing is more cringe-worthy than when you hear someone telling a story of a childhood that isn’t theirs! Share your own story! We all have unique experiences that have shaped us into the adult we are today.

Remember part of being YOU is the ability to be vulnerable, and this means living and sharing the real YOU! 

Summary produced by Illy Sebah at Illy Speaks.