Finding Speaking Resources That Actually Work
This blog explores the journey of one person to find speaking resources that actually work. From writing online to mastering the spoken word, the blog shares valuable lessons for aspiring public speakers.
![Author profile image](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1586792485015035904/F98UUD2K_normal.jpg)
Steph Smith
π§ Pod host @a16z π» Dev π¨π¦ Nomad π Led https://t.co/SvHQExODeF @TheHustle (acq by @HubSpot) π Wrote a book https://t.co/w1DBDrwPZA π Podcast at @sydlis π
![Indie Hackers community icon](/img/communityIcons/indie_hackers.png)
![Business & Startups community icon](/img/communityIcons/business_and_startups.png)
![a16z Partners community icon](/img/communityIcons/a16z.png)
![Women Founders community icon](/img/communityIcons/women_founders.png)
![Header media for article](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FyH4aphaUAAP0_S.jpg)
-
For the last few years (literally), Iβve looked far and wide for speaking resources that actually work.
— Steph Smith (@stephsmithio) June 8, 2023
And I finally found what I was looking for. β¬οΈ -
A few years ago, I started writing online. Doing so brought me more opportunities than I ever could've imagined.
— Steph Smith (@stephsmithio) June 8, 2023
Like reaching you with my ideas!
But as I internalized the power of the written word, I realized the weight of the spoken word β a skill I was far from mastering. -
In fact, I remember recording a demo and @thesamparr told me to stop uptalking.
— Steph Smith (@stephsmithio) June 8, 2023
If you donβt know what that is, you might be uptalking too!
It was such valuable feedback because I truly had NO idea that I was doing it.
What else was I doing that I had no perception of?! -
In the coming months, I paid close attention to how other people spoke, and noticed what a massive spectrum there was.
— Steph Smith (@stephsmithio) June 8, 2023
There were so many smart, talented people who just never learned how to speak effectively.
And most had little conception of how much this was impacting them. -
Just think about how much hinges on your ability to speak convincingly and compellingly!
— Steph Smith (@stephsmithio) June 8, 2023
π€ Try getting a job. You need to speak your way in.
π Try negotiating a raise. You need to speak your way up.
π₯ Try going on a date. You need to speak your way to the next. -
So I went in search of resources...
— Steph Smith (@stephsmithio) June 8, 2023
To the tweet below, I got hundreds of replies.
I tried some β even did a bootcamp that cost thousands!
But I didnβt feel more capable by the end, bc we spent more time talking about speaking, instead of speaking.https://t.co/gMJNlpOXtj -
Later on, I even worked with a coach!
— Steph Smith (@stephsmithio) June 8, 2023
But I was still looking for something that gave me reps.
Not the kind of theory that leaves you sounding like an emotionless lecturer or a course where you spend more time listening than speaking.
So, I asked againhttps://t.co/6s5GKAVl5v -
Luckily, I *finally* found something worth sharing: @Ultraspeaking.
— Steph Smith (@stephsmithio) June 8, 2023
I just completed a cohort and came away legitimately more confident than when I started.
Which is pretty miraculous considering it was just a few weeks, and I've now been searching for resources for years. pic.twitter.com/qC46dX5KHv -
Their next cohort just opened and I hope anyone who decides to give it a go, has as magical an experience as I did.
— Steph Smith (@stephsmithio) June 8, 2023
If youβve been following me for a while, you know I am veeeery diligent with what I share and am NOT being paid.
Happy to answer any qs!https://t.co/BQ6HvFQPQt