Secrets of Authentic Storytelling for Public Speaking Success
Featuring a sneak peek of a chapter in Aleya’s upcoming book
Aleya Harris is horrible at keeping secrets, and in this captivating episode of the Flourishing Entrepreneur Podcast, she proves it! As she prepares to write her book, Aleya, an award-winning international speaker, can't help but share an exclusive sneak peek of a powerful chapter with her listeners. This excerpt, filled with poignant storytelling, not only offers a glimpse into her book but also provides valuable insights on how to become a better speaker.
Aleya is a charismatic guide for entrepreneurs looking to connect with their audiences through authentic storytelling. In this episode, she reveals how the essence of compelling communication lies in vulnerability and authenticity, and how forgiving ourselves and others can unlock our true potential. If you’ve ever felt burdened by resentment or yearned for a deeper connection with your audience, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
Unlocking the Power of Forgiveness
Aleya shares a deeply personal journey from a chapter in her upcoming book that illustrates the transformative power of forgiveness in enhancing creativity, self-esteem, and genuine connection with an audience.Vulnerability as a Superpower
Learn how vulnerability builds connection, helps people feel less alone, and enables us to go on our hero journeys unencumbered, both on and off the stage.Authenticity in Storytelling
Discover how radical authenticity and strategic storytelling can elevate your speaking career and create lasting impact, all while embracing your unique narrative.
Tune in to this episode for a sneak peek into Aleya's book, a heartfelt exploration of forgiveness, and actionable tips for transforming your speaking career through authentic storytelling. Don't miss this unique opportunity to be inspired, connected, and empowered.
Explore the fascinating connection between forgiveness and impactful speaking in this episode, and stay tuned for Aleya's free workshop, "Never Let a Good Crisis Go to Waste," where she'll teach you how to use your personal story to craft a compelling stage presentation.
Register now at https://www.aleyaharris.com/workshop
About Aleya Harris
Aleya Harris is the spark for your spark™. A trailblazer in purpose-driven story crafting, she is a former marketing executive and ex-Google Vendor Partner who brings her dynamic experience to her role as the CEO of The Evolution Collective Inc. Aleya is a StoryBrand Certified Guide, international award-winning speaker, and the host of the award-winning Flourishing Entrepreneur Podcast. Her unique approach as a Strategic Storytelling Consultant has revolutionized the way businesses communicate, transforming workplace cultures and market positioning. With her dynamic energy and proven methodologies, she guides clients to unlock their potential, articulate their radically authentic stories, and achieve unparalleled success.
Sign Up for a Free Workshop
Each month, Aleya hosts a free 90-minute, hands-on workshop to help you use the power of radically authentic strategic storytelling to improve your personal growth, career, and company.
Register at https://www.aleyaharris.com/workshop
Book Aleya to Speak
To book Aleya to edutain your audience at your next event as a keynote speaker, please visit www.aleyaharris.com/speaking to check out her speaking topics, reels, and why. Click "Schedule a Call" to secure the speaker with "that something new" you've been looking for.
If you are a Corporate Event Planner, Employee Experience Professional, Head of Marketing, Learning & Development Professional, Executive Assistant, Speakers Bureau Destination Management Company, or Destination Management Organization who is looking for a top-quality, energetic speaker, you should definitely hop on a call with Aleya.
Connect with Aleya Harris
Speaking & Media: https://www.aleyaharris.com
The Evolution Collective Inc.: https://www.evolutioncollective.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleyaharris/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleyaharris/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thealeyaharris
Links Mentioned on this Podcast
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Aleya Harris [00:00:02]:
I am horrible at keeping secrets.
Aleya Harris [00:00:06]:
I would love to tell you that.
Aleya Harris [00:00:08]:
I'm going to be writing my book and you'll have a big grand reveal at the end.
Aleya Harris [00:00:14]:
But I'm so excited about some of.
Aleya Harris [00:00:18]:
The things that I've written that I.
Aleya Harris [00:00:20]:
Want to share it with you, and I'm going to do that on this episode. Today, I'm going to read you an excerpt of my book in progress.
Aleya Harris [00:00:31]:
This might not even make it into the book. This might be the only place where you get to hear and experience it.
Aleya Harris [00:00:37]:
In all of its glory.
Aleya Harris [00:00:39]:
But I think that it is, one.
Aleya Harris [00:00:41]:
Super cool as a story, it feels cool to be writing this book.
Aleya Harris [00:00:44]:
And two, it will help you become a better presenter and speaker. And three, if you are already an author and might get you a tinge of an idea of how you might be able to bring your words to life in an audible format. I don't mean audible like Kindle audible.
Aleya Harris [00:01:05]:
And all of the Amazon audible and all of that.
Aleya Harris [00:01:07]:
I mean audio.
Aleya Harris [00:01:08]:
People can hear it, they can smell it, they can taste it, they can.
Aleya Harris [00:01:10]:
Touch it from the stage. All right, if you are ready for your sneak peek that I probably should not be giving you, then, my friend, this episode is for you. All right, let's go.
Yuliya Patsay [00:01:26]:
Welcome to the Flourishing entrepreneur podcast with Aleah Harris. If you're looking for actionable ways to overcome communication and differentiation challenges by sharing radically authentic stories, you are in the right place. Listen in and learn how to stand in the power of your unique narrative to transform your personal life, business, and workplace culture. And now, your host, award winning international speaker, strategic storytelling consultant, and japanese whiskey lover, Ruby Coral's mom, Alaya Harris.
Aleya Harris [00:02:15]:
Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. That is, by St. Augustine. Forgiveness is the antidote. You can't help people into better versions of themselves from the stage if you are sick. I walked in and there she was, hanging. I almost fell backward. I had seen her many times before, but I knew seeing her now meant my night would be much more difficult than I previously thought.
Aleya Harris [00:02:50]:
I was about to go deep everywhere. My dad moved. He had brought her with him. Gala nude Abraham Lincoln by Salvador Dali. That pasty, naked woman was his longest relationship, including the one he had had with me. That painting was inextricably linked to my memories of my father in his glory and his pain. And there she was, taking up most of the wall in the room I was gathering in for an ayahuasca ceremony. This was the universe's way of telling me tonight was about to be about my daddy issues.
Aleya Harris [00:03:30]:
Before I took my first sip of the medicine, I was already nauseous. My stomach was swirling from the poison I had created from my resentful feelings toward my father. Unworthiness, hatred, yearning, grief, abandonment, illusions of freedom, unrequited love, more questions than answers. The contrast between the father I imagined and the reality of the one I have. It was a potent brew. Soon after the ceremony started, I found the little girl inside of me, sitting in a familiar living room alone, no furniture, only darkness and sadness. I knew I was in one of.
Aleya Harris [00:04:18]:
My father's many homes, in which he.
Aleya Harris [00:04:21]:
Promised love and only provided further rejection. I heard the spirit of Ayahuasca say, what do you know for sure? My response was, he's never coming to get me. Little Alayah had been sitting in that room for years, waiting for the father of her dreams to magically appear, swoop her in his arms, and tell her that he saw her, that she was worthy and perfect, and that he would put her first. It was at that moment, moment I realized he wasn't coming, and it was up to me to get up off the floor and leave that room. Big Alayah abruptly stood up, and my whole body cried. It cried away the poison. As little Alayah bravely stood up on her small but strong legs, found the exit, and walked away from her prison, never to return. I cried so hard, I began to convulse under the surrealist gaze of Abraham Lincoln.
Aleya Harris [00:05:34]:
In Gala's indifferent back, my husband held me as I purged with tears until I found myself in a healing sleep. That was the beginning of my forgiveness journey. To keep from re injuring myself with resentment, I began to practice daily the forgiveness and light expedition I will show you later in this chapter. The more forgiveness I employed, the lighter I felt. My creativity opened, my self esteem increased. I could finally comprehend what it meant to feel whole, worthy, and deeply loved. I can be vulnerable in this book and on the stage because I've entered into the darkness, rooted it out, and realized that I have nothing to fear.
Aleya Harris [00:06:26]:
That confidence is palpable when I am on the stage.
Aleya Harris [00:06:31]:
Vulnerability builds connection, helps people feel less alone, and allows us to go on our hero journeys unencumbered. The connection between forgiveness and speaking lies in the power of authenticity and emotional liberation. When speakers forgive, they release themselves from the chains of resentment and pain, allowing for a more genuine, heartfelt connection with their audience. A speaker who has embraced forgiveness emanates a sense of peace and openness, inviting the audience into a space of trust and vulnerability, the essence expedition starts off with the person who is often the hardest to forgive, ourselves. It is usually our judgments of our actions, reactions, relationships, and environment that cause the most damage. As you move through this forgiveness journey, be sure to give yourself grace. Remember, you are divine. The essence expedition is forgiveness and light.
Aleya Harris [00:07:41]:
Most of us feel like we have to do it, know it, and control it to be safe.
Aleya Harris [00:07:47]:
We blame others for our circumstances and.
Aleya Harris [00:07:49]:
Then grow resentful because they don't do what we want. Remember, you are an asset. When you squander yourself through resentment, you stay misaligned with your higher self. When you use the fullness of your talents to serve, money and opportunities will come to you more readily. Allow room for vulnerability and accountability because that is where upward movement and change happen. Plant your seeds in fertile ground and trust them to grow. To release yourself from resentment, I recommend doing the following essence expedition at least weekly. First, choose your favorite candle, one that you could be close to the smell.
Aleya Harris [00:08:32]:
Of for at least 15 minutes.
Aleya Harris [00:08:34]:
Second, light the candle and place it on the desk or table in front of you. Third, ask for the light, the highest, purest form of light, to surround, fill, and protect you for the highest good. Fourth, speak forgiveness into the candle. Start with, I forgive myself for judging myself. Afterward, you may say things like, I forgive my father and I forgive myself for judging my father. You could also say, I forgive my body, and I forgive myself for judging my body. Say out loud everything that comes to mind, especially the things you aren't supposed to say. This is your time to release.
Aleya Harris [00:09:24]:
Fifth, when you feel complete, end by saying, I forgive myself for forgetting that I am divine. And finally, the 6th step is to close your eyes and sit in stillness for a moment. You should feel like a weight has been lifted. Revel in the peace. Forgiveness is the antidote for personal liberation and is a vital tool for impactful speaking. In embracing forgiveness, we unlock a profound transformation within ourselves and our ability to connect deeply with others, especially as speakers. The essence of compelling communication lies in our ability to forgive and shed the burdens that mute our authentic voices. Embracing forgiveness allows speakers to connect more deeply, share more openly, and inspire more profoundly, transforming both the speaker and the listener in the process.
Aleya Harris [00:10:28]:
This essence exposition into forgiveness not only liberates us from the burdens of resentment, but also illuminates our path with clarity, enhancing our creativity, self esteem, and sense of wholeness. As you continue on your journey, remember that the act of forgiving, particularly forgiving ourselves, is a powerful testament to our divinity and resilience. Let this chapter serve as a beacon guiding you towards embracing vulnerability and authenticity on stage, thereby forging genuine connections and inspiring your audience with your story's truth and light. Your spark steps the next steps on your journey is to first, make the decision to forgive. Second, practice forgiveness and light. I suggest doing it at least weekly to help yourself get clear. If you need support with any of the essence expeditions in my book, which you will soon read, or in this chapter, you can email sparkleaharris.com with what you need and my team and I will be there for you. Some journal prompts to help you on your journey are who do I need to forgive and what for?
Aleya Harris [00:11:43]:
How would I go about my life.
Aleya Harris [00:11:45]:
Differently if I walked in forgiveness and carried no resentment? How would forging and forgiving make me a better speaker?
Aleya Harris [00:11:59]:
So what do you think? That was a chapter from my book. I'm keeping the chapters kind of short and as you can tell, I'm telling a story and then giving you some.
Aleya Harris [00:12:10]:
Reference on how you can use it.
Aleya Harris [00:12:12]:
To your speaking self and your speaking career.
Aleya Harris [00:12:17]:
But I'd love to know what you think.
Aleya Harris [00:12:18]:
Send me an email alayahleaharris.com. You can also just contact me@aleaharris.com on Instagram or look me up on LinkedIn. I'd love to know what your thoughts are of that chapter. Also, I kind of want to know what your thoughts are about forgiveness. I was speaking at a conference. I'm not gonna name the conference, but I got the feedback from the conference and it took me aback because it was very, how do I put these nicely? It was very contrary, I guess, to some of the feedback that I normally get. The majority of the feedback was great. It was wonderful.
Aleya Harris [00:13:01]:
I have no complaints. I am. I am very pleased and honored for everybody in the room. But some of the feedback was very interesting. It said things like, I was very disappointed in this session. This had nothing to do with motivating teams. If other people aren't giving presentations on their religious view, why was this lady, this lady, my God, this lady allowed to present on her mother earth self worshiping views? Interesting, right? This kind of begs the question about me and my book in total of one is obviously not for this person, I'm not her cup of tea. But two, do people really see the connection between diving into yourself and how you perform as a human being in the world, how you perform as a human being on stage, how you perform as a human being, as a leader, as a business owner, as a corporate executive? Do you get it?
Aleya Harris [00:13:58]:
Do you get the connection? I'd love to know your feedback because.
Aleya Harris [00:14:03]:
A lot of there's other feedback that I got that the energy healing chant was very powerful. I physically felt it in my body. Great content presented in a new and different way, had some great takeaways. Really well done. So there was other good feedback. I don't want to focus on the negative, but that one comment really took.
Aleya Harris [00:14:21]:
Me aback because it made me realize.
Aleya Harris [00:14:24]:
That there are a lot of people in this world who shock and awe don't agree with me. What I know from experience as a speaker who's been doing this for years now, that this is one of the ways that I have been very successful and how I've taught other people to.
Aleya Harris [00:14:41]:
Be successful as well.
Aleya Harris [00:14:43]:
But I'd love to know your thoughts, so please do share them with me. How do you approach operating in the world? If you don't come from an inside out perspective, how do you approach it? What's been effective for you? I'd love to hear from you. For me, the inside out approach has been the most effective. Becoming radically authentic and then using radically authentic strategic storytelling has been how I've been able to make tens of thousands of dollars, actually hundreds of thousands of dollars as a speaker. And it's what people feel from me when they're on stage.
Aleya Harris [00:15:18]:
Oh, I love your energy. Oh, your personality is great.
Aleya Harris [00:15:21]:
Oh, you transform me. That's why people cry and hug and all of that stuff. But I don't know if people understand that's what it is. I think that sometimes people think, oh, that's just a lay.
Aleya Harris [00:15:31]:
And yeah, it is just me.
Aleya Harris [00:15:33]:
But it's the me that I've tapped into, tapped in, tuned into, and turned on to, as Abraham Hicks would say. It's also how I encourage people to become better speakers from the stage. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that you can sign up for Spark the stage if this is the type of thing that floats your boat. If you're wanting to be able to differentiate yourself on stage by just being as authentic as humanly possible, then I.
Aleya Harris [00:16:02]:
Would love to work with you.
Aleya Harris [00:16:03]:
How to do that, how to dive into you, share your stories, have them be compelling, and make money doing it while transforming the lives of others. If that sounds like a plan for you, go ahead to aleaharris.com spark. I guess I now feel the need to say, if that doesn't sound cool.
Aleya Harris [00:16:20]:
To you, that's cool with me.
Aleya Harris [00:16:24]:
I totally get it. And this comment made me realize another way of how this approach might be perceived. But man, I'm just sitting up here doing what works. I'm just sitting up here doing what gets me flying around the country, in the world, speaking. I'm just saying. I'm just saying. I would also be remiss if I didn't mention that I am hosting another free workshop. The free workshop is about some of the similar things, unearthing your crisis story and using it in your presentations.
Aleya Harris [00:16:56]:
It's called never let a good crisis go to waste, using your personal story to craft a compelling stage presentation. It's happening on May 28 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time. Go ahead and register@aleaharris.com. Workshop this is the second time I've held this workshop. And again, it's a free workshop. So if you join and you don't like it, then you didn't waste any money. If you join in, you love it could be transformational, like a lot of people have said.
Aleya Harris [00:17:21]:
And the reason why I'm holding it, again, it's because people really liked it the first time. It got people to really realize that their stories are valuable, they're worth telling, and that they can help other people, which is the ultimate goal, right, of being of the highest service to others and to yourself. So go ahead and register for that free workshop@aleaharris.com. Workshop I feel like I've given you a lot of things to do in this episode, and it's going to be a quick episode, but I really am genuinely curious about your thoughts. I also want you to be curious about if you were not going to approach being on stage or presenting yourself in a visible manner, the way that I teach, which is from a radically authentic perspective that builds connection, then how would you do it? And what might be the pitfalls and drawbacks of that as well, because everything has pros and cons. The biggest, I guess, con of my approach is that it does require people to become vulnerable and courageous, and being vulnerable is not easy. Chapter that I read to you in this episode was the one that if you follow me on social, I was riding on the airplane and I started crying next to that poor teenage boy who just wanted to get out of his middle seat to go to the bathroom. And he's like, oh, my God, the lady in the aisle is crying.
Aleya Harris [00:18:46]:
What do I do? So it does require vulnerability, either on.
Aleya Harris [00:18:49]:
Airplanes, off airplanes, sharing it with you.
Aleya Harris [00:18:52]:
Here on my podcast, printing it inside of the book, and it involves, involves being courageous. But I would never take away this approach because I've had people say that they've been able to get. Aha. And unlock moments that have transformed years of trying and striving and searching and looking in moments just because I was tapped in and tuned on to what I needed to be to help them. So if, again, this approach sounds like how you want to speak, it's not cookie cutter. I do have frameworks. I have storytelling frameworks. I have ways to structure your presentation.
Aleya Harris [00:19:28]:
I have ways to structure your stories using frameworks. But I don't have a framework for you. You are the magical ingredient. So if this sounds like you, go to aleaharris.com spark and sign up for Spark the stage. All right, like I said, this is gonna be a quick episode. I can't wait to hear what you think about the chapter, because I don't think I'm supposed to share it with you. Like, I don't know how to write a book. Let's just put that out there.
Aleya Harris [00:19:52]:
Like, I don't really know what I'm doing. I don't know how to market a book. I just was excited, and I wanted.
Aleya Harris [00:19:57]:
To share with you because the book.
Aleya Harris [00:19:58]:
Writing process is going a lot slower, and I'm hoping that this will keep me motivated, sharing with you and hearing what you think.
Yuliya Patsay [00:20:04]:
Okay.
Aleya Harris [00:20:04]:
Okay, I'm gonna go now.
Aleya Harris [00:20:06]:
I love you so much.
Aleya Harris [00:20:07]:
I thank you so much for listening to me. I'm sending you lots of love, light, and abundance from me, Alaya Harris, here.
Aleya Harris [00:20:13]:
On the Flourishing Entrepreneur podcast. Until next time, talk to you soon. Bye.
Yuliya Patsay [00:20:21]:
Thank you for listening to this episode of the Flourishing Entrepreneur podcast with Aleyah Harris. Vibing with what you hear, leave a five star review to spread the love and be sure to click subscribe. We wish you love, light, and abundance. See you next time.
