Recently, I went to the Lake Shore Drive TEDx event in Chicago—not as a speaker, but as an attendee.
I had applied to speak at this event but haven’t been chosen yet. And instead of waiting at home, refreshing my inbox, or deciding what that no might mean, I decided to show up anyway.
Because learning doesn’t only happen from the stage.
Early in the day, they announced that the organizers would choose a few people to come up and share and idea that was TEDx-worthy. Not a story. Not a keynote. A pitch—short, clean and focused.
I raised my hand.
Before I went on stage, I met the most interesting man who gave me some fabulous feedback about my pitch. When he heard why I was sharing my pitch, he encouraged me to frame my idea within my story. He said it was powerful. Moving. Worth hearing.
So, I added a sentence or two about the story that would lead into my idea.
But the moment I stepped on stage and opened my mouth, the facilitator abruptly stopped me mid-sentence.
No storytelling allowed. He wanted ideas only. Brief pitches. Period.
I did the only thing I could do. I scrapped the last-minute storytelling plan and pivoted quickly.
I paused.
I breathed.
I delivered my pitch exactly as they had originally instructed because I knew a quick shift was important to nail the moment.
And something surprising happened.
The attendees in the room leaned in. Not only for the idea I pitched, but also because I managed to successfully pivot my message in the moment.
People listened. Heads nodded. Energy shifted. When I finished, the response was generous and affirming—certainly the drama of the moment helped. I’m sure everyone collectively thought: “What will she say now that she’s been interrupted during her opening line?” But people approached me afterward to say that my presentation topic stood on its own.
Afterward, my new friend who had encouraged me to change my approach felt awful. He apologized for coaching me in a direction that didn’t match the rules. I assured him that I was fine and thanked him again for taking an interest in my pitch. I assured him that I was actually grateful.
This wasn’t a mistake. It was a great lesson. I realized how capable I was to deliver.
Here’s what today reminded me of—especially for anyone who speaks, leads, or puts themselves out there:
- You don’t need perfect conditions to show up with poise.
- You don’t need agreement from everyone to stay grounded.
- And you don’t need a title or a stage to practice being the speaker you’re becoming.
I met incredible people today. Thoughtful organizers. Brave speakers. Curious attendees. I also met Bryce, a musician whose talent and heart stood out immediately, and his mom, who beamed with the kind of pride only a parent can carry.
Watching him perform and hearing his story reminded me how much courage it takes to share our work with the world. (If you get a chance, watch his video. He’s the real deal.)
I don’t know yet whether I’ll be chosen to speak at TEDx.
What I do know is this: I’ll apply again. And if the answer is still no, I’ll keep showing up anyway. I’ll attend. I’ll volunteer. I’ll learn from the people who make these events possible.
Because the message isn’t always “wait your turn.” Sometimes the message is: “Be in the room.” And on this day? That felt like exactly where I was meant to be.
A quote from the first African American Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm kept echoing for me as the day wrapped up: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” That’s what this day felt like. I didn’t sit this one out because the timing wasn’t perfect or the answer wasn’t a yes yet.
I showed up to learn. I raised my hand. I stood on the stage I had access to. And I left reminded that leadership isn’t about being invited—it’s about being willing. And if I’m not on the stage yet, I’ll stay in the room. Because that’s where growth actually happens.
Be positively altered,
Dr. Cindy M. Howard
P.S. If you’re waiting for permission, you’re not alone. Just don’t confuse waiting with preparing. The room teaches you things the inbox never will. Meet Bryce in this adjacent video—a wonderful musician who presented that day! Congrats, Bryce!