By now, we know we can go into ChatGPT or Claude, or whichever AI program we choose, and develop a presentation. This is a no-brainer. What AI doesn’t do as well is bring the “essence of you” into your presentation. It doesn’t capture your heart, your beauty, or your creativity. That’s what ignites your connection. Your magic.

I have a YouTube channel that I use to store videos I release in my weekly emails and blogs. (In case you’re interested: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreaBeaulieu) I release a new video every couple of weeks. My YouTube professional used to write the introductions for my videos based on the content and submit them to me for my review and edit, which I would do. Now, it appears that she submits them to an AI program that creates that introduction, and I’ve got to tell you, it’s good! This program summarizes my content succinctly and captures the main points. I rarely have to edit any of it. That said, the AI program doesn’t capture my essence. To get that, you have to watch the video.

So, this is my point. You are a unique being in this world with a warm heart, a singular creativity, and a one-of-a-kind beauty – your distinctive essence. This is what can ignite your audience in exceptional ways when you allow yourself to show up. 

As we know, this can be challenging in a world that can dismiss or punish those whose essence they find offensive. What to do? Consider these actions:

  • Authentic intention. What do we intend for ourselves and others? We all want to be understood and accepted. We want to feel safe and secure expressing ourselves — to trust the other person will listen to us with respect, kindness, and consideration. This encourages us to show up authentically and with greater vulnerability. Creating a space where each person can show up authentically enhances communication. 
  • Skillful action. Becoming aware of how to encourage clear and respectful communication, and what we might do to inhibit it, gives us greater confidence and increases our ability to respond with kindness and consideration.

Of these two, authentic intention takes priority. This is what creates trust. If we aren’t coming from that place of goodwill first, our communication can come across as manipulative. Skillful action enables us to carry our authentic intention through with consistency and reliability, which secures that trust.

This does not mean that if we do our best, we can control everything or everyone. Other people have their own reality. It means that through these, we have a better chance to influence and create a positive outcome.  

While I’m not suggesting you engage with knowingly unfriendly or angry people or audiences, these two actions can provide a framework to show up with your warm heart, singular creativity, and one-of-a-kind beauty – your distinctive essence – when and where you feel welcome. I wish that for you. ☺