When I first heard about SpeakEasy, I was intrigued but also a little intimidated. Public speaking always seemed like a daunting task to me, one best left to those naturally gifted with charisma and confidence. Though I’ve had experience with it in the past, I worried that being abroad and navigating cultural differences would add to my feelings of stress. Little did I know that joining SpeakEasy would not only transform the way I communicate but also become one of the most rewarding parts of my student experience!
What is SpeakEasy?
SpeakEasy is a student-led public speaking initiative. It’s a space where we nurture the art of speaking in public—whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced speaker. We host events where students can share their ideas, stories, and passions, while also learning from peers and refining their delivery. But more than that, SpeakEasy is a community: a warm, safe space to grow, to learn, and to feel heard. It’s a platform to grow and network… and sometimes enjoy free pizza!
Three lessons I learned as SpeakEasy Chairperson
- The Power of Vulnerability and Authentic Storytelling: As chairperson, I learned that truly impactful public speaking isn't about delivering a flawless, polished performance. It's about connecting with your audience through genuine vulnerability and authentic storytelling. Sharing not just "polished words, but authentic stories" resonates with people on a much deeper level because people respond to sincerity more than perfection.
- The Strength of Community and Teamwork: SpeakEasy’s success was deeply rooted in the collective effort and support of the committee and our audience. From navigating last-minute cancellations to celebrating every speaker, the experience underscored that "public speaking isn't a solo journey; it’s built on the support of others." This demonstrated to me the power of having a supportive community. One that encourages growth and enables every individual to shine.
- The Value of “Trying” and Breaking out of the Comfort Zone: When I started out as chairperson, I had a lot of hesitation and self-doubt. But some simple advice from my advisor really helped to guide me out of that: "You won’t lose anything by trying." That powerful message taught me that the benefits of attempting something new far outweigh the risks of failure. And, in fact, the most significant personal growth often happens when you push past your comfort zone.
Finding my voice
As I reflect on my journey with SpeakEasy, I’m filled with immense gratitude. Gratitude for the friends who supported me, for the team that made every event a success, and for every person who shared their story with us. Thanks to this experience I’ve been able to grow professionally and socially, and these are skills I’ll have for life.
If you’re a future student at the Business School, I can’t recommend joining this group enough. It’s a chance to discover how powerful your voice can be and break free from your comfort zone. Whether you’re someone who loves the stage or someone who trembles at the thought of public speaking, SpeakEasy is about uplifting one another and providing a safe space to “try”.