By Dr. Gigi Hamilton, PhD., LCMHCS
When I was a little girl, my father looked at me with conviction and said, “You’re going to be a teacher.” I laughed it off. School wasn’t my favorite place—I felt caged, longing to be anywhere but there. The idea of standing in front of a classroom seemed unbearable. Little did I know, his words would plant seeds that would take years to grow.
As time passed, I carved out my own path. I became a licensed clinician, guiding people through their challenges. I took on the role of clinical supervisor, mentoring professionals. I evolved into an executive coach, helping leaders maximize their potential. And eventually, I found myself back in front of classrooms—this time as a clinical professor, sharing lessons from my journey.
Despite my success in these roles, something always tugged at me. It was during a coaching session that the realization hit: I had been teaching all along. I wasn’t confined to a classroom—I was teaching in boardrooms, therapy sessions, and speeches. Even casual conversations turned into teaching moments. My father had been right all along—I was always meant to be a teacher, just in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Finding the Teacher Within
This revelation changed everything, especially how I approached speaking. Every speaker has a unique style, but it takes time to discover. Some rely on humor, others on data. For me, storytelling became my foundation. Stories create connections, bridging the gap between speaker and audience, making messages resonate long after they’re delivered.
Whether speaking to a room of professionals or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, storytelling has become my core style. Each of us has stories to tell; the key is recognizing them and weaving them into your signature speaking style.
Crafting Your Signature Speaking Style
Developing your style isn’t about mimicking others—it’s about uncovering what makes you unique and owning it. For me, it was realizing that I’ve always been a teacher. For you, it might be humor, in-depth knowledge, or the ability to create impact with just the right pause. There’s no single formula for public speaking—there’s only your way.
Your style will evolve. Some techniques will resonate more than others, but what matters is staying authentic. Speak from your heart, and your audience will feel that connection.
So, how do you develop your signature style? By embracing your own stories and lessons. My father didn’t just predict my future—he gave me a gift. It took years to unwrap, but it shaped the storyteller I’ve become.
Your audience is waiting. Cultivate your unique style. Share your story.
About the Expert:
Dr. Gigi Hamilton, known as “The Game Changer,” is a dynamic organizational psychologist, licensed clinician, and executive coach with over 20 years of experience. As the author of “The Cape Escape: Redefining Your Superpowers,” she is a sought-after speaker and consultant, specializing in leadership development, personal growth, and performance improvement. Dr. Hamilton’s innovative approach has helped countless professionals and organizations achieve breakthrough results. Through her keynote addresses, coaching, and training programs, she empowers leaders to harness their full potential and make a lasting impact. Connect with Dr. Hamilton at DrGigi.com to discover how she can help you transform your life and career.