Want to Speak from the Heart? Answer this Question First

This post from TED Ideas explores a question at the core of confidence “Figuring out your answer to “Why you?” can help you speak authentically and build your confidence, says communication coach Allison Shapira.”

This post is excerpted from Shapira’s book Speak with Impact: How to Command the Room and Influence Others.

“Why you?” is the single most powerful question you can ask yourself when you’re preparing to give a professional speech or presentation. It’s where you put aside the day-to-day details of your job and the internal politics of your organization and zoom in on the sense of purpose that guides all your actions.

Your “why” is probably not “So I can make more money” or “So I can get promoted” or “So I can look good in front of my boss.” It’s deeper than that. Sometimes you may need to ask yourself this question repeatedly to get your underlying answer.

Read this article to explore your own answer for “Why You?” and see where it takes you.

Learn more in Allison Shapira’s TEDx Talk: