Influential Speaking: How Do We Use Our Voice to Bring People Together? My Conversation with Tricia Brouk
Speaking isn’t just about delivering words—it’s about influence, connection, and impact. In a recent episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Tricia Brouk, award-winning director and speaker mentor, shared powerful insights on how we can all develop an influential voice—whether on a stage, in a meeting, or in everyday conversations.
Tricia has helped thousands of professionals refine their message and command a room with confidence. Our conversation explored the art of speaking, overcoming fear, and why using our voice is one of the most powerful ways to leave a lasting legacy.
Here’s what stood out from our discussion—and why it matters for anyone looking to communicate with more presence and impact.
The Art of Speaking Applies to All Of Us.
Public speaking is often associated with keynote speeches or high-stakes presentations, but influential speaking is about more than just being on stage. Tricia explained that every conversation—whether in a boardroom, a one-on-one discussion, or even a casual encounter—offers an opportunity to make an impact.
She views speaking as an art form, much like dance or acting. It’s not just about what is said, but how it’s delivered—from body language to tone, to the energy a speaker brings into the room. The key to becoming a compelling speaker is learning how to take an audience on a journey, engage their emotions, and inspire action.
Overcoming Fear and Finding Confidence
Even the most experienced speakers feel nervous. Tricia emphasized that fear never fully disappears—but we can learn to work with it. Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety, the goal is to build a "confidence-competence loop" by consistently putting ourselves in speaking situations and learning to trust that we can handle them.
A major mindset shift she teaches is moving the focus from self-consciousness to service. Instead of worrying, What if they don’t like me?, a more productive question is, How can I serve this audience? By making the message about others, speakers can redirect their nervous energy into creating meaningful connections.
Presence and Influence Go Hand in Hand
One of the most striking takeaways from our conversation was Tricia’s perspective on presence. We often think of commanding a room as something extroverted or loud, but in reality, true presence comes from alignment with oneself. When a speaker is fully present and authentic, the audience feels it.
Tricia shared how presence isn’t about taking up space forcefully—it’s about being fully grounded in who you are. People who walk into a room with quiet confidence naturally attract attention, not because they are the loudest, but because they exude certainty and self-trust.
Leaving a Legacy Without Parenthood
As a childfree woman, Tricia spoke about how legacy isn’t defined by having children—it’s about the impact we make through our work, relationships, and contributions to others. She has dedicated her career to helping others amplify their voices and share their message in a way that creates lasting change.
She also shared a personal story about how even the smallest interactions can be influential—like a grocery store employee who made her feel seen during the early days of the pandemic. It was a reminder that legacy isn’t just about big stages or large audiences; everyday moments hold the potential to leave an imprint on someone’s life.
Curious About Influential Speaking?
How do you become an influential speaker? Whether you're looking to command a stage, lead a meeting, or simply express yourself more effectively, here are four actionable steps to start strengthening your voice:
Reframe Your Mindset: Instead of focusing on your own fears (What if I mess up?), shift your attention to your audience. Ask yourself, How can I serve them? What do they need to hear today?
Practice Speaking Under Mild Pressure: Confidence grows with experience. Start small—share an idea in a meeting, ask a question in a group setting, or record yourself speaking on a topic you care about.
Embody Presence: True presence comes from alignment and self-trust. Before speaking, take a deep breath, plant your feet, and remind yourself that your voice matters.
Tell a Story: People remember stories, not just facts. Whether you're giving a presentation or having a conversation, anchor your message in a personal or relatable story to create connection and impact.
Which of these steps resonates most with you? Have you ever thought about how your voice can shape your legacy?
Let’s Stay Curious Together.
Tricia’s insights were a powerful reminder that our voice is one of the greatest tools we have for influence and connection. If this conversation resonated with you, listen to the full episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman.
For more reflections, insights, and behind-the-scenes conversations, follow along on Instagram@curiouslifeofachildfreewoman. Let’s stay curious together!
