Virtual warrior or In-Person Advocate?

Virtual warrior or In-Person Advocate?

As I have gotten the writing portion of my business going, it has occurred to me that there is a distinct difference between writing and in-person interactions. I do my fair share of in-person networking events to be sure. And I am always more hesitant on what to discuss in person.

Why is that? I’ll bet some of you can guess some of the general reasons. But let’s explore my mind and heart to understand what I have learned on this journey with metastatic breast cancer and advocacy.

Keyboard warrior extraordinaire!

For as far back as I can remember, I have always enjoyed writing. I was good at it in school and frequently was recognized for my writing skills.

Most of those writing assignments were fictional in content or had a specific historical reference that I wrote about. Very few were personal stories.

Now that I have committed to writing about my life sentence with metastatic breast cancer, I have learned something interesting. I am more comfortable being vulnerable in my writing.

It’s not difficult for me to share some of my emotions and deep-seated fears, my victories, and my struggles with you in writing. Why?

Because whether you read it or not is up to you. And I am just another faceless writer opening up about my life. All I have to do is write my story, publish it on my website, and then take a deep breath and relax a little.

I am not face to face with you, where you can read my body language, hear my voice inflections, and SEE me. You can take or leave what I write.

It’s a lot more difficult to do that in person. But I know that it’s just as valuable…let’s find out why.

Seeing is Believing

When I speak in person, people see a real, live woman living with metastatic breast cancer. They see that I still look pretty good on the outside—makeup and hair done, clothes carefully picked out, and a strong, healthy voice. They can hear me laugh, feel with me when I cry, and connect with my message in a way that writing can’t do.

And that’s scary. Once I have said something to a group of 30 or more people,I can’t just print a retraction of it.

That said, being seen is probably the most effective way for me to communicate my message. Although some of you know me personally, many of you don’t, and the tone of my message can be misunderstood or lost in writing.

You are reading my message in your own voice, with your own preconceived notions and experiences about my subject.

Although speaking in person is a much more vulnerable way to communicate, it’s so much more rewarding.

It leaves a more lasting impression with my listeners. It reminds them of who I am and why I am so passionate about my purpose and mission in life now.

Both methods of communicating are valuable and rewarding!

Weekly Challenge

So now I want to ask you…how do you like to communicate with others? And why is that? Do you prefer to write an email, a card, a letter to share an idea with someone? Or do you like to interact in person with others so that they can read your body language and hear your voice?

My challenge to you is to get comfortable with both, and especially with the one that is not your preferred style. Dig deep to understand why you avoid the one, and find ways to improve those skills. Take a course. Join a group. Heck, even see a therapist!

Until next week…Go forth. Be exceptional!