Controlling Your Narrative (ep.143)

Controlling your narrative means purposefully reinforcing your positive and unique traits in a way that communicates your value. When it comes to your personal brand narrative, you can LET it happen or you can MAKE it happen. Andrea shares many inspiring examples of real-life success stories, actionable tips, and explores the consequences of neglecting your narrative. Intentionally controlling your narrative is like having the steering wheel of your career in your own hands.

Resources

* Talk About Talk ep.90: DEMONSTRATING LEADERSHIP: Leadership & Your Personal Brand

* Class Matters: The Role of Social Class and Organizational Sector in High-achieving Women’s Legitimacy Narratives

Connect with Andrea & Talk About Talk:

Website: TalkAboutTalk.com

Communication Coaching Newsletter:  https://talkabouttalk.com/blog/#newsletter-signup

LinkedIn: Andrea and TalkAboutTalk

Youtube Channel: @talkabouttalkyoutube

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Transcript

I have a story for you. About a year and a half ago I was hosting a live question and answer period focused on communication skills and personal branding. A brave woman raised her hand and I called on her. She introduced herself and she told us that she was a lawyer in Manhattan. Then she said, “As you can all tell from my accent, I’m from India. When it comes to my personal brand, I feel like I’m always going to be the foreigner. I’m certainly not ashamed of my background, but I wish my identity was more than this.” Then she paused and I jumped in. 

“So let me make sure I’ve got this right. You were born and raised in India, is that right?”

Yes. 

And you immigrated to the United States? And you passed the bar exam in the state of New York? 

Again, yes. 

And what kind of law do you practice? 

Corporate, she said.

OK. It’s time for you to take control of your narrative. 

You’re not a foreigner. You’re a corporate lawyer with a global perspective. Stop using the word foreigner. You need to control your narrative.

She raised her eyebrows and nodded. But I wasn’t done. “And by the way,” I said. “Your English is excellent. Yes, of course we can all perceive an Indian accent, but really, that’s just a reminder of your global experience.”

I’ll never forget the look on her face. She looked as if a huge weight had been lifted off her and she had a massive smile.

Then I turned to the audience to clarify this point about controlling our narrative. It’s not about being manipulative. It’s definitely not about being deceptive or sharing falsehoods. It’s about consistently reinforcing something about yourself that’s true and that’s aligned with your goals.

And that’s what we’re talking about in this episode – controlling your narrative.

Greetings and welcome to Talk About Talk episode 143: Controlling Your Narrative.  I’m so glad you’re here.  Let me introduce myself. In case we haven’t met, my name is Dr. Andrea Wojnicki and I’m YOUR executive communication coach. Please call me Andrea!  I’m the founder of Talk About Talk, where I coach communication skills to ambitious executives through 1:1 coaching, bootcamps,