I had a great time at FEM Talks in Novato last Saturday, where I gave a talk on “Speaking for Change.”

This is an important topic for those of us who are working to create positive change. How do we actually use our voices to Speak for Change?

Here are some of the highlights of my talk. (This all applies to your marketing, too, by the way.)

We actually have to speak to successfully influence and motivate people to take action of some kind. That requires getting out of the “having to be nice” and “not wanting to dominate anyone” modes of thinking.

We have to speak powerfully and with passion. Holding back isn’t going to cut it – with words and with our voices. We must generate emotion in our listeners.

Your message is not going to be for everyone. It can be extremely useful to actually polarize your audience. When you powerfully call out your message in your whole authentic voice, you will attract the people who connect with that message. You may also push away people who don’t. But you won’t achieve EITHER result without the passion.

Stop operating in “stealth mode.” There’s a popular meme in the coaching world that you can’t market transformation. You have to sell people what they think they need, then sneak your transformation into the program. If your goal is to be socially acceptable, this works. When speaking for change, you want to cause a reaction, and even upset some people.

Embody your message. Use your body and voice to take the space and take command. Use strong physical gestures and stances at various times during your talk.

Be intentionally transparent. Own up to your ego’s enjoyment of attention, or making money. As long as your primary goal is mission-driven, people won’t begrudge you feeling good about the impact you’re having on people and the world.

Be transparent about marketing limiters, too. You can say you’ve only opened up 10 spaces for an initial consultation because you actually ARE really busy. Or you can say that you know that tends to motivate people to sign up, and you want to make those connections.

If you offer a special savings for a quick decision, say you want to reward people who are willing to make a quick decision and get into action.

Be a guide. Call out the future. Call your audience into the heart of their calling, and into your vision of what is to come. Paint the picture for them clearly, using feeling words and emotion.

Bless everyone. This is a crucial piece. Give your blessing to everyone in your audience, whether or not they are coming with you to the change you are calling out. You are not standing against those who don’t join you (this creates more polarization). You appreciate, acknowledge and bless everyone.

Happy Speaking for Change!

Blessings to all of you – Ariana

Re photos – My thanks to Toni Orans for taking photos during the FEM Talks event, and thanks to Joyce Anastasia for stepping up to be coached live during my talk.

Photos: Special thanks to Toni Orans for taking photos during the FEM Talks event, and thanks to Joyce Anastasia for stepping up to be coached live during my talk.
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Client Rave:  “Ariana, thank you for being my guiding light, my beam of hope for speaking with power, authority and confidence, and for helping me unblock my greatness. You are SO multi-talented, and I’d recommend you to everyone!” – Josephine Hanan

If you ‘d like to talk with me about the possibilities of working together, book a Voice Your Value Breakthrough Session! My treat. We’ll explore how to empower your authentic voice, reclaim parts of yourself that have been shushed and silenced, craft your compelling story, and brainstorm opportunities for business and personal growth, so you can step into YOUR greatness.