Lessons and Recaps From My First In-Person Keynote

Hey Friend!

I recently delivered my first keynote speech on how to generate leads from podcasting. If you had asked me a year ago, I would have said no and made every excuse based on fear.

But I did it, and I’m so excited to be on the other side of this experience. I want to share what I learned from this keynote event with you.

My Keynote Experience

I’ll recap and reflect on this keynote experience with you because I gained many valuable lessons from this big, intimidating yes.

In the past, I participated in a few small public speaking engagements during my network marketing days, but they were very brief, structured, and always included what I was instructed to say. The largest audience I faced was probably around 100 people, but again, my speech was prewritten. Additionally, these experiences occurred over 10 years ago.

With my business now, I knew that I would avoid public speaking and stay safe behind my microphone. For many years, this was the case, and I did not engage in any in-person speaking. Then, this year, things began to shift.

Small Steps to Build My Confidence Before the Keynote

These small opportunities began to arise for me to engage in public speaking. I participated in a small retreat for 38 women alongside my friend Chelsi Jo, which made me feel very at ease.

As the months passed, I sensed God was preparing me for something greater. I was invited to read the devotionals at my son’s basketball game, and though I was hesitant about being on that “stage,” I accepted the invitation.

I knew I could read something in front of people, but I still felt my heart pounding. That might even sound funny, as I always talk to thousands of women on my podcast, yet I sensed a block in my mind regarding in-person events.

Devotionals as Practice

I began reading devotionals and felt more at ease. Then, my kids’ PTO asked me to be the facilitator for a Halloween event, so once again, I found myself holding a microphone and speaking in front of people. After each event, I felt wonderful, and I received small confirmations from others that boosted my confidence.

Then a major opportunity arose when my large church, with 1,000 attendees per service, invited me to speak. They asked me to read the devotional. Although I wanted to decline, I reflected on it for a day.

While discussing it with my husband, I realized I should accept, as it was a simple way to glorify God. My biggest fear was that they would notice my voice shaking or I would embarrass myself.

I started praying that God would help me speak and that it would glorify Him. I prayed for calm confidence. It was important for me to learn to harness that excited energy and still sound calm. After three services, I was feeling good and leaning in.

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone as a Keynote Speaker

Three months later, I joined a mastermind program because I wanted to learn to travel alone. I started going to LA and connected with Lisa, a realtor. She told me she was hosting a really big event for realtors and wanted to know if I would come and teach podcasting. Instantly, I tried to make excuses and get out of it.

She let it go for a while, but a month later she asked me again, and I could sense the internal dialogue about whether I should stay comfortable or take action. I spoke with some friends and prayed to God, ultimately deciding to say yes.

The event was approaching, and I realized I was indeed scheduled to give a keynote. I became serious, created my slide deck, and practiced with it, yet I still felt a great deal of apprehension. I continued seeking excuses to avoid it and to escape the discomfort.

Preparation for the Upcoming Event

About six weeks before the event, I began to pray deeply about being a vessel for God, focusing on Him rather than myself. I continued to review my slide deck to become comfortable with it. Before I knew it, I was seated on the plane. I wrote down these thoughts in my notebook:

• What do I want to get out of this event?

I expressed my desire for practice in speaking, confidence, joy, and fun while traveling alone. I’ve come to truly enjoy traveling by myself and recognizing the peace that comes from enjoying activities alone.

• What feeling do I want to embody on stage?

I wrote down funny, easy, and confident.

• This event will be worth it when…?

I wrote that when I show up, have fun, and deliver my message, that’s all I needed for it to feel worthwhile. However, I was still going to enjoy some other fun perks, like professional photography.

Day 1 of My Keynote Experience

I arrived on the first day of the keynote experience, and it was warm and well-executed. The speakers were excellent, and I loved the way the room was arranged. I noticed the photographers and videographers, which was intimidating, but overall, it felt like a fantastic place for this event.

During our lunch break, I met another speaker, and we discussed various strategies to attract clients. Just meeting this one speaker made the trip worthwhile. I gained a lot of knowledge from him and the insights he shared. At this point, I’m only an hour and a half into the event.

As we finished lunch and returned to the speakers, a couple discussed the topic of fear. One of the questions posed was, “What can go right?” I tend to focus on the negative and more on the “what can go wrong?” They also mentioned pausing and muting your fear.

As fear arises, you pause and then mute it because where there’s fear, there’s something within you. There is fruit inside that fear. You must delve into the fear to retrieve the fruit. I also loved the expression they shared: “When you get stuck, cultivate gratitude.”

It was wonderful to listen to these other excellent speakers and also offer them advice for their business.

The Day I Actually Spoke

While applying my makeup, I reviewed my slide deck and found myself messing it all up. I couldn’t recall what I wanted to say, and the slides were out of order, resulting in a chaotic situation. Panicked, I was nearly on the verge of tears by this point.

I texted my close friends and asked for prayers for calm confidence. My anxiety and nerves were building up, so it was wonderful to hear my people speak life over me. I learned that I could not be by myself because I was creating so many stories about what might go wrong.

I decided to arrive early at the event to organize the slides and check on the microphone so I could get out of my own way. The moment I was around other people, I felt a profound sense of calm wash over me.

I chose to engage with the conference and diminish its ” bigness.” I sat down and took notes from the other speakers, who genuinely spoke about where I was at that moment.

Time For Me To Go On as a Keynote Speaker

After lunch, it was my time to go on, and I stayed amongst people. We had ten minutes before I had to be on stage, so I refreshed my makeup, mic-ed up, and got some water. I continued to pray for that calm confidence and that I would share the message God wanted me to convey.

Right off the bat, the speaker introduced me to the crowd, mispronouncing my last name, which gave me the perfect opportunity to break the ice with a joke and get everyone laughing. I also walked out to some Christian rap because that’s my vibe. When I walked out, I truly felt safe and clear-minded.

I began my speech and, honestly, I nailed it! I had such a great time and didn’t even need to glance at my notes. People were taking notes, and we paused for some power coaching at their tables. It was incredibly enjoyable and the absolute best time ever. I loved it immensely!

In the end, I displayed my QR code on the screen, and almost everyone held up their phones to scan it. However, they all reported that the QR code didn’t work. I provided them with the link instead and thought, “If this is the worst thing that happens, great.”

Leaving To Catch My Flight

After I finished my keynote, I had to hurry to catch my shuttle to the airport. People wanted to talk, and I would have loved to stay and network, so I will definitely change that for next time.

One lady even followed me into the elevator, telling me how she planned to purchase the courses and begin podcasting. I knew this must have truly resonated with the crowd for them to be so enthusiastic.

Feedback From The Event Coordinator

On my way to the airport, I texted Lisa. I mentioned how great a time I had, that I would schedule my flights better next time, and I hoped the message resonated with the audience. This is what she sent me:

“You were so amazing. Like Amy Porterfield, amazing. People loved it. I’m getting pulled aside by people telling me how impactful it was. You were a 15,000 speaker quality. Thank you so much for coming.”

Hearing this feedback on my very first keynote felt incredible. Everything I had done over the years came together to show me that I could achieve this. I’m called to do this work, and I don’t need to worry about how I do it – God has that part covered.

I also received a message from the main keynote speaker who said, “The only thing you should ever do for the rest of your life is speak.” It was incredibly kind to hear that from them. I was over the moon about my performance, and it went really well.  

Going Back to My Journal After The Keynote

On the way to the conference, I wrote down those questions in my journal on the plane. So on the way back, I revisited these questions.

1. What do I want to get out of this conference?

So, what did I get out of it? I wrote, “It’s hard having your dreams come true.” Reaching our dreams and goals is going to be the hardest thing we do. I had to unlock fear to get here. I gained confidence that I am a good speaker and that what I said was meaningful and helpful.

2. What feeling do I want to embody on stage?

I wrote down confident, easy, and funny. The actual feeling I felt on stage was that of a funny, confident speaker. It was cool to see that was exactly how I came across to the audience. I wanted the way I captured their attention to be humor and relatability, and I think I did that through stories that came to me out of nowhere. They were not in my notes, so I know it was God.

3. This trip will be worth it when…?

I originally wrote about showing up, having fun, and confidently sharing my message. After the keynote, I noted that this trip was worthwhile because God was present. He bestowed upon me many gifts. I could sleep on the planes, which was a blessing. I also made friends, overcame my fears, and enjoyed myself. It was both encouraging and affirming for me. That trip was life-changing.

I wanted to share this story with you because I was scared, too.

Take the Next Best Step for You as a Keynote Speaker

Regardless of the new challenges we face, they are often uncomfortable and significant. They demand boldness. Whether it’s seeking clarity, perhaps starting a podcast, or something entirely different, you’ve created excuses about why it won’t work and why you lack the time. Consider asking yourself these questions:

• What if it goes right?
• How can this be easy?

These two questions can shift the trajectory of your journey and growth forever. There is so much fruit on the other side waiting for you. The narrative that you “can’t” comes from a source other than God. I was trying to play it safe and remain small, but sister, we are not called to stay in that space.

We are called to glorify God with our gifts. To fulfill our purpose and calling, we have to go and grow and do and meet. The only thing standing in our way is the belief about the outcome that hasn’t even happened yet.

We have to do is shift our thinking from ‘no’ to ‘yes’. From ‘I won’t’ to ‘I will’. From ‘maybe later’ to, ‘let’s do this right now‘.

It will take practice, but it works. This new practice will not become something you just have to do, but it will become your habit and new routine.

If you’re looking for the next right step to grow your business, I invite you to check out the Stefanie Gass school and find the option that helps you step into what God has called you to do!

I pray this blesses you!

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