My journey to public speaking started from my love of talking as a child. I was often the chatty child. As I did not go to kindergarten I didn't really have too many other children to talk to, only our neighbors we played sometimes, mostly it was my brother and family. Therefore if we went to visit relatives or someone visited us I almost tried talking their ear off. Luckily I wasn’t discouraged to do so and mostly it was fun

 

During elementary school I did not really fit in and was even bullied. I did not make friends so my speaking skills did not develop as well. Mostly I got to speak in front of the classroom when the teacher called on me. However school was easy for me and I don’t remember ever looking dumb and therefore I never developed fear of public speaking because in those moments I could be myself and I was praised for being me. On the other side usually being just around other kids and being myself meant loneliness and hurt. I loved answering questions and giving speeches.

 

However when I got to highschool I wasn’t the smartest in the class anymore and it showed. As I never learned how to communicate socially, I was awkward and did not make many friends. Still I remember when being in front of the history class and retelling a story perfectly, even the teacher was amazed. So she asked if I like this history period or which is my favorite. At that point I did not know how to answer nicely so I was blunt and truthful. I said that it doesn’t matter as long as I can read the chapter twice I can deliver it the same way. She was annoyed about my answer as it felt to her like I do not appreciate history. Now I have learnt to be more understanding. I still am truthful and I know I don’t have to be blunt.

 

In university studying engineering there were plenty of volunteer presentations that I jumped on board to deliver as I still loved being in front of people and sharing ideas on different topics. I still kept learning about different subjects and finishing both my bachelor and masters degree with Cum laude. I realized my love to speak and present was one of the key reasons for that result. As one thing is to know the subject, the other is to be able to show and deliver it. As many professors used oral exams or project presentations.

 

When I entered the workforce and became project leader, communication with the team was crucial. Moreover, making presentations to the client about the progress and designs were everyday occasions. I must be honest there were many times I was able to tell the customer that things are going great even if I wasn’t able to show it. Half of the time the words from my mouth were much more important than the design on the screen. Of course it is important to keep my word and everytime I intend to keep them. Sometimes new information came to light that might have changed things, but mostly I kept my word. As they say a person is as good as their word.

 

When I became a certified WILDFIT coach, speaking became even more important. Not just for making masterclasses and workshops to attract clients, but also while coaching them. In WILDFIT one part is the coaching and listening to the client and asking the right questions. In the second part there are concepts that need to be explained, it is best to do them with stories. Starting learning coaching from Eric Edmeades, his other courses started to interest me, like the Business Freedom workshop that was online. However the in-person event Speaking Academy was the most interesting.

 

When the Speaking Academy was announced after a long break I knew I needed to go there, luckily it was held in Tallinn, therefore it was a certain Yes from me to go there. That one week was transformative. I did not go there with fear of public speaking, but a desire to be as an effective public speaker as possible. I learned so much and it opened my eyes to an even deeper me. What I have written here came out there, when I realized I have loved speaking and being in front of people. Talking to clients and so much more. I had forgotten how amazing it was and how much I loved it. The event concluded with the Speech contest Paradigm X where I was awarded for being one of the Top Speakers. I was voted 3rd by a public audience in the auditorium and on a live stream.

 

Moreover that week I got offers to speak in front of Estonian self development community “Teadlik Õnnelik Mina” and invited to speak at WILDFIT live in Toronto. Both these opportunities were something I have been dreaming for, to share my WILDFIT story and share to people how one can be more healthy by following their body and notice why and what food they are eating. It is amazing what impact can someone have if they are willing to speak. I am willing and moreover I have many things to tell. I may speak on the path to achieving food freedom or the intricacies of engineering. Mainly I can share my journey from misery to happiness by just following my heart to try new things and realizing what food gives us. Moreover how now being able to look back and to be grateful for all what has happened as I understand life happens for me.