Post by Your PubSpeak Pal

“Just be yourself.” Ever got that advice before a big presentation? I have, a lot of times. Honestly? It left me thinking... What if “myself” is awkward? Nervous? Totally rambling? Here’s the part most people don’t say out loud: “Be yourself” isn’t real advice. It’s a cop-out. Because the truth is, people don’t want to see you panic. They don’t want to hear your unfiltered, shaky, unsure thoughts. They definitely don’t want a front-row seat to see you freeze up on stage or in any venue. What your audience actually wants is your best self. The version of you that’s confident, prepared, and present. Think about it like this: You wouldn’t show up to a job interview in pajamas and say, “Just being me!” Right? You’d put some thought into how you show up. You’d prepare. You’d probably even smile on purpose. That’s not fake. That’s respect. Public speaking works the same way. Here’s what works better than “just be yourself”: ✅ Know your core value. What do you stand for? Clarity? Connection? Courage? Let that guide how you show up. ✅ Script your key emotional moments. You don’t need a full script. But your opener, your core story, and your closer should be tight and intentional. ✅ Practice with purpose. When you’re not worried about what to say next, your real voice shines through. That’s when people connect with your personality and story. Authenticity isn’t about winging it. It’s about showing up prepared enough to be real. So the next time someone says “just be yourself,” try this instead: “I’m going to show up as my best self. Clear, confident, and ready.” What about YOU? Have you ever learned (like I did) that preparation actually sets you free? Feel free to share your story below. Let’s normalize real confidence, not pressure to be “spontaneous.” – Your PubSpeak Pal 💬 P.S. If you’re tired of the ‘just be yourself’ advice and want real support preparing for your next talk, I’m here to help. Let’s connect.