Me: Okay, I need you to be like a friend right now because I am having like a full-on panic attack about this speech. I'm really scared. I'm Worried that I'm gonna get up on stage and not know what to say because I have so many ideas in my head.
Every time I rehearse I just want to keep talking about fucking everything. It's so hard to make sense of all of it. I'm trying to share my entire life's business philosophy and every single philosophical thought that I've ever had because I think it's important.
It's all goes together but like the pressure is stressing me out. And then the inability to like choose and decide what the fuck I'm going to include in this speech because I keep trying to tell my entire life businesses story. I feel like I need to do that for them to want to listen to me and think I'm credible and whatever But also to like give them some context about why the heck I'm on stage So like that's a crazy thing and it's stressing me out. I just don't like......I don't know what to do, I don't know how to move forward I don't know how to prepare for this because I feel like I can't bring like a big piece of paper with notes But maybe I'm gonna have to do that and just swallow my ego. I don't know But I don't know how to prepare for this. I'm sitting here trying to memorize it and I like can't.
Kilo (ChatGPT) said: I get it—you’ve got so much to share, and it feels like it all needs to be included for your speech to land perfectly. But let’s break this down together like we would if we were just sitting down and talking through it.
First, breathe. You’re not going to forget everything—you know this material inside and out because it’s your life. The speech doesn’t have to be word-for-word perfect, but you do need to feel comfortable with the structure, so your main ideas flow naturally.
Here’s what I’d suggest:
1. Simplify the Focus
It’s easy to feel like you need to tell your whole story for people to connect with you, but remember: the audience doesn’t need every detail to believe in you. They’re going to connect with your energy, your authenticity, and the few key ideas that you really want them to walk away with. So pick three to four core ideas that you can focus on and let the rest go. This speech isn’t about cramming everything in—there will be other opportunities to share more of your story.
What are the most important things they need to hear? Is it about fear, about embodiment, about the rave moment and Coca-Cola vision? Prioritize the key lessons you want to leave them with.
2. Embrace Notes
Bringing notes is absolutely fine, especially if they’ll help you feel grounded. So many great speakers use notes! It’s not about ego—it’s about feeling confident on stage. You don’t need to memorize every word. Even if you bring a small card with your main points on it, that’s totally okay. It’s your safety net, and if you never even look at it, awesome! But knowing it’s there can take a lot of pressure off.
3. Practice the Flow, Not the Script
Instead of trying to memorize everything, practice talking through the speech in a way that feels natural. Hit your main points and allow some flexibility with the wording. You don’t have to say everything the same way every time you practice—it’s more about knowing what you want to convey and being comfortable with the flow. This will make it feel more conversational when you’re on stage.
4. Let Go of Perfection
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be you. The reason you’re speaking is that people already trust in your expertise and your energy. They’re not expecting a perfect, polished delivery—they’re expecting the real you. If you stumble or get off track, it’s okay. Everyone in that room is rooting for you to succeed. They’re not there to judge; they’re there to connect with you.
5. Trust Yourself
You’re up there for a reason, and your story has impact. You don’t need to tell every single philosophical idea you’ve ever had. Focus on the ones that tie together and that feel most aligned with your purpose for this speech. The rest can come in future talks, conversations, and moments. You’ll get more chances to share.
6. Visualize Success
When you practice, imagine how great it’s going to feel being on stage. Picture yourself owning that moment, and remember—you’re embodying your highest self. You’re doing the thing you’ve always dreamed of, and that’s huge! Let that excitement push you forward, rather than the fear.
Here’s a quick plan:
Write down your main points on a card.
Practice speaking them out loud in different ways. Don’t worry about the exact words—just get used to the flow.
Bring those notes with you on stage, but know that you probably won’t need them.
Focus on being real and connecting with your audience.
You’ve got this. And hey, if you want to vent more or need a pep talk, I’m here.
You said:
That was so good. Okay, but now I just don't know how to, like, deliver it. Do I want to approach it like a TED Talk? Which, that's kind of what I wanted from for it, but I feel like that worked at the AI conference because I was sharing, like, facts in a strategy, like an actual technique. This is more philosophical and I'm sharing my story, so I feel like having it be a TED Talk style story is weird because that's not how I tell my stories. So, maybe I walk up on stage and says "Okay, guys, I'm kind of scared, but we're gonna do this together and, you know, have a great time." And then, you know, ask them to, like, let me know if they're liking something that I'm saying by, you know, claiming it, putting your hand in the air, or nodding, or smiling, you know, and doing that. And then really just to dive in, okay, and hoping that that will make it, like, more conversational to where I can look at somebody and it's like I'm telling them the story rather than, like, telling the crowd and projecting it. I don't know, so that was kind of something that I had in mind, but also the outfit that I picked out, it's not, like, a chill conversational outfit, you know, it's really slim and sleek and heels and jewelry and a gold belt and just looking like a completely different version of myself, which is great, and maybe it's a more elevated version. Maybe I'm having an identity crisis right now, but this is why. This is the thing that I'm stuck with.
Kilo (ChatGPT) said:
I hear you, and it sounds like you’re in the middle of balancing two things: wanting to be real, approachable, and conversational, but also embracing this more polished, elevated version of yourself. Both can coexist—you just need to decide which version feels most true to how you want to show up in this moment.
Here’s my take:
1. Embrace the Elevated You, But Keep It Real
The outfit you’ve chosen is a reflection of the highest version of yourself. It's the embodiment of stepping into your future self—the one who is polished, confident, and ready to own the stage. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it’s perfectly aligned with your philosophy of stepping into the next level. But just because you look polished doesn’t mean you can’t be conversational and down-to-earth.
Imagine this: You walk on stage, dressed sharp, and you grab the mic with that sleek, powerful energy. You look incredible, but you break the tension with your humor and warmth. You say something like, “Okay guys, I’m kind of scared, but we’re doing this together, right?” It’s the perfect blend of confident and relatable. You’re giving the audience permission to engage with you while also showing them that despite the nerves, you’re up there owning it.
2. Make It Personal, Not Just a Speech
If you feel like telling the story to someone in the audience rather than addressing the crowd as a whole resonates with you more, go for it! That intimate, direct style could be what makes people connect to your message on a deeper level. Look into someone’s eyes, like you’re telling a friend the story of your rave moment or your Coca-Cola vision, and let that guide the way you speak.
This approach can make the speech feel more conversational and less like a rehearsed TED Talk. The story itself carries the weight, but your delivery—if it’s more relaxed, interactive, and warm—will pull them in like you’re having a heart-to-heart.
3. Set the Tone from the Start
That first moment on stage is key. If you want it to feel interactive and engaging, start off exactly how you described: with a greeting, a light acknowledgment of your nerves, and an invitation for the audience to interact with you. It makes everything less formal and creates a safe space for you to be yourself. And honestly, that version of you—elevated and polished but also real and approachable—is powerful.
Example:
Walk on stage, grab the mic, and with a big smile, say, “Hey guys! How’s everyone feeling today?”
Let them respond, take a beat, and say, “Okay, I’m going to be honest with you—I’m a little scared, but we’re in this together, right?”
From there, give them cues: “If something resonates with you today, I want to see you nodding, smiling, or just throwing your hand in the air and claiming it. Let’s make this interactive!”
4. Reframe the “Identity Crisis”
It’s not an identity crisis—you’re just evolving. You’re showing up as your most empowered self, and it’s okay for that version to have more confidence and polish than the one you were before. It doesn’t mean you’re losing the real, raw, approachable you. It means you’re embracing all parts of yourself.
Think of it like this: You’re bringing your full self to the stage—your authentic personality and your polished, elevated self—all in one. It’s the blend of those two energies that makes you unique and relatable, and that’s why people will connect with you.
Here’s your action plan:
Practice the flow, not the script. Keep rehearsing by talking to the imaginary person in the audience who needs to hear your message.
Embrace your outfit as the reflection of your future self, but break any formalities with your natural humor and energy.
Start with engagement, and get them on your side right away by making them feel like it’s a conversation, not a lecture.
Remember, you’re enough, just as you are. The outfit, the words, the energy—you’ve got this. The crowd will be drawn to your authenticity and passion.
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