Not loud, but clear: My 5 personal speaking hacks as an introvert

A few years ago, the idea of being on stage would’ve made me feel physically sick.
My hands would shake, my heart would race, and I’d do almost anything to avoid speaking in front of a crowd.

I’m not someone who naturally enjoys the spotlight. I prefer deep conversations over group dynamics.

And yet — this month alone, I stood on two (huge) stages: one at the KMU-Tag of Switzerland, and another at the Female Innovation Forum.

Not because I’ve become someone else – I still don't like it – but because I would never miss out on opportunities simply because I’m afraid. Every time I’m on a stage, it’s outside my comfort zone. And every time, I learn a bit more. Mostly, I’ve learned to show up as myself.

So if you’re someone who shies away from public speaking or stages: this one’s for you.
Here are the five things that help me feel safe, confident, and grounded — even when I’m nervous.

1. If I can choose: I make it a conversation

Whenever possible, I try to avoid classic "presentations" and ask the organizer if we could turn the session into a conversation.
Panel discussions, interviews, or formats where I can breathe and react — that’s where I feel most like myself.

I don’t need to “hold” the stage. I can share it.
It’s more interactive, more natural, and honestly, more interesting for everyone.

2. No one knows your topic better than you do

This is something I have to remind myself of every single time.
Hello, Impostor Syndrome.
Why would they want me?

But the truth is: if you’ve been invited to speak, it’s because you bring value — a perspective, a story, or an experience that’s yours.

In my case? No one knows more about founding ALEMI than I do.
It also helps me personally to avoid speaking in generalities and just talk from my lens — that’s harder to judge, and easier to own ;)

3. Be yourself – even if you’re quiet

Being on stage doesn’t mean becoming someone else.
My biggest "stage" so far was at OMR — a pretty intense setting with almost 2,000 people watching.
I was on stage with Céline Flores Willers, whom I deeply admire for her boldness and energy.

Let’s just say: it would’ve been… awkward, if I’d tried to match her style.

Instead, I just showed up as me.
Quieter. Focused. Honest.

And you know what? That not only cost me way less energy than pretending to be someone I’m not — it also felt more authentic, and honestly, more credible.

4. Wear something that grounds you

Everyone has a different version of a “Power Suit” – that outfit that makes you feel like you can conquer the world.

In my case, it’s always heels (not too high — I’ve learned), and a business outfit that feels tailored but not tight.
No white blouses (sweat marks are real), ideally a blazer, and if it’s a skirt, it’s midi – just in case you have to sit on stage awkwardly.

And of course, an ALEMI.
When I’m carrying my HELVETIA, it feels like I have a little personal symbol with me that says: You can do this.

5. Keep it human

Perfection is boring.
People don’t connect with perfectly polished robots — they connect with stories, with honesty, with someone who’s willing to share both their wins and their struggles.

So I don’t take myself too seriously.
I speak the way I’d speak to a friend. I share what I’ve learned. I admit where I’ve messed up.

And I’ve found: the more open I am on stage, the more honest, personal conversations I have afterwards.
Real connection comes when we stop pretending.

Let’s be honest – no one needs a performative pissing contest. (There, I said it.)

In the end… visibility doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be real.

As a founder, I’ve realized that visibility is crucial.
Every time I’m on stage, someone in the audience discovers ALEMI for the first time.

That alone is worth it.

So I keep going. I keep showing up. And so can you.