The Biggest Mistake Emerging Speakers Make: Discounting Their Own Experience
“The biggest mistake made by emerging speakers is that they discount their own experience.”
— Darren LaCroix, World Champion of Public Speaking
If you’re just starting out on your journey as a public speaker, you might have heard the inner critic whisper things like: “Who am I to speak on this?” or “I’m not an expert yet, so why would anyone listen to me?” That inner doubt? It’s not humility—it’s self-sabotage. And Darren LaCroix, a recognized authority in the world of speaking, nails it with one simple truth: emerging speakers often make the fatal mistake of underestimating the power of their own experience.
Why We Undervalue Our Stories
It’s human nature to compare ourselves to others. We look at seasoned speakers with bestselling books, TEDx talks, and polished platforms, and we think, “I’m not there yet.” But that mindset overlooks a fundamental truth: every great speaker started out exactly where you are now.
You may not have decades of credentials, but you do have something even more valuable—your personal journey. The lessons you’ve learned, the struggles you’ve faced, the little wins and big failures—those are gold. What you’ve lived through could be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.
Your Experience Is More Powerful Than You Think
Audiences don’t always connect with the person who has the most data—they connect with the one who has the most heart. When you share your real stories with honesty and vulnerability, people listen. Why? Because they see themselves in you. Because they realize they’re not alone.
You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. You just need to be real. Sometimes, a simple story told with sincerity can change a life.
What You Can Do Instead
Here’s how to start embracing your experience instead of discounting it:
- Own Your Journey
Don’t wait until you’ve “made it” to start speaking. Use your in-the-trenches perspective as your message. Talk about what you’re learning right now—people appreciate authenticity more than perfection. - Find the Lesson in the Story
Ask yourself: What did I learn from this experience? Then ask: How could this help someone else? That’s your message. - Speak from Scar, Not Wound
Share stories you’ve processed and grown from. This makes your message helpful, not heavy. - Practice and Share Often
The more you share your experience, the more you’ll see the impact it creates. Whether it’s a small group, a podcast, or a video on social media—start showing up. - Remember: You’re Not the Hero—They Are
Your role isn’t to be the perfect guru. It’s to be a guide. Use your story to show people what’s possible for them.
Final Thought
Darren LaCroix’s quote is a wake-up call to all emerging speakers: Stop disqualifying yourself. Your experience—no matter how ordinary it feels to you—has the potential to inspire, encourage, and empower others.
The world doesn’t need another flawless expert. It needs more brave voices willing to share real stories from the heart. So stand tall, speak up, and remember: your voice matters—because your story does.