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Hello ❤️

I recently experienced a beautiful moment during a one-on-one session with a keynote speaker. While practicing her opening, she became overwhelmed with emotions and started sobbing. The topic of her speech is uplifting, but her opening story was incredibly brave and exposed her vulnerability. As she struggled to stifle her sniffles at the end of her opening, I couldn’t help but silently cry with her, feeling every ounce of her pain and struggle.

At that moment, she asked me a tough question: “What if I go into the ugly cry on stage?”

It made me reflect on my own experiences in theatre, where we learn to tap into authentic emotions while having safeguards to prevent being overwhelmed. In public speaking, however, I rarely try to control my emotions. I mean if I am having a bad day, I don’t bring that energy to the stage, but if a story evokes tears, I let the emotion flow naturally, knowing that it will pass as I move forward. Similarly, if a sad story doesn’t make me cry, I don’t force it, as authenticity is essential and forced emotions are easily sensed by any audience.

On that day, as I wiped my tear-stained cheeks, she was surprised to see my emotional reaction. I reassured her that if it happens on stage, there will be people in the audience who resonate with her (myself included) and will empathize with her. It’s not a bad thing. I advised her that if she needs a moment to calibrate and regain composure, she can pause and ask for a second. It’s absolutely fine. Taking a deep breath in that moment can help regain control.

I want to emphasize that emotions are what differentiate us from artificial intelligence. It’s okay to have emotions, and when we allow them to be honest and genuine, we give others permission to connect with us on a deeper level.

Sending you huge virtual hugs and reminding you to embrace your emotions and authenticity.

Much Love,