Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Vulnerability and Building Confidence in Public Speaking with Sara Lohse

Speaking With Confidence

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Welcome to another episode of Speaking with Confidence, the podcast dedicated to helping you master the art of effective communication. I'm Tim Newman, your host, and today we are opening up about a struggle we all deal with—imposter syndrome.

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome back Sara Lohse, a storyteller, marketer, and brand architect who helps mission-driven brands through Favorite Daughter Media. Sara is also the co-host of the "Branded" podcast and the author of "Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders." Sara's experiences and insights make her the perfect guest to explore today’s topics, and I’m incredibly grateful to have her as our first repeat guest on the show.

Our conversation traverses several foundational elements of developing confidence in communication and self-promotion. We start by recounting how Sara and I met at a pivotal point in my professional development, emphasizing the importance of seizing transformative opportunities. We then delve into the art of self-promotion, exploring the emotional barriers and practical strategies that can help overcome these challenges.

We redefine what it means to be an expert, highlighting how endless curiosity and continuous learning can turn you into one. Drawing from personal experiences, we also cover the significance of adapting to new media, like transitioning from audio podcasts to video content, and the associated struggles and triumphs. Another key focus is the imposter syndrome—how it can deeply affect our professional journey and how to combat it effectively.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. The Art of Self-Promotion:
   • Promoting oneself can often feel daunting due to emotional hurdles and self-doubt. The key lies in building trust, maintaining a strong work ethic, and continuously preparing for opportunities. It’s about putting in the incremental effort to present your best self.
2. Redefining Expertise:
   • Expertise isn't just about having all the answers but about maintaining an endless curiosity and being committed to continuous learning. Tim's meticulous research and preparation are highlighted as the true markers of expertise.
3. Adapting to New Mediums:
   • Transitioning to different forms of media, be it stage, podcast, or video, can be challenging but rewarding. Tim's journey from an audio-only podcast to creating daily minute-long videos exemplifies the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to grow and improve your skills.
4. Imposter Syndrome and Self-Worth:
   • Both Tim and Sara grapple with imposter syndrome despite their achievements. Recognizing these feelings and surrounding oneself with a supportive network are essential steps towards managing self-doubt. Sara’s journey from feeling undervalued to running her own successful business is inspirational for anyone facing similar challenges.
5. Continuous Improvement and Authenticity:
   • Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to speaking and content creation. Both Sara and Tim stress the importance of continuous improvement and transparency about one’s struggles. Sharing your journey and showing your growth not only humanizes the experience but also builds authenticity and trust with your audience.

Find Sara's book at openthisbook.com where you can also find links to her social media and podcast. Remember, your voice has the power to change the world. Keep practicing, stay confident, and we will see you in the next episode!

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Chapter

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Vulnerability and Building Confidence in Public Speaking with Sara Lohse (00:00:00)

2. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Speaker (00:00:37)

3. Embracing Vulnerability in Expert Status (00:10:36)

4. Challenges of Embracing New Media (00:19:38)

5. Building Confidence Through Public Practice (00:27:08)

6. Upcoming Presentations and Public Speaking (00:40:46)