Not the Shiny Bits: Real Talk with Brian Perry

Soulful Speaking

Send Lauri a message

What if showing up authentically, flaws and all, could help you become a more impactful speaker, inspire others, and change the world?

In this heartfelt episode of Soulful Speaking, Lauri sits down with her good friend Brian Perry—an authentic communication coach, singer-songwriter, and speaker who has spent his life helping others discover their unique voices. Brian shares his incredible journey from shy, dorky teenager to a speaker who connects deeply with audiences by embracing vulnerability and imperfection. Through candid reflections on his experiences, Brian reveals how everything from his early days as a Catholic lector and Boy Scout to his experience leading transformative discussions at Loyola University's Awakening Retreat Group influenced his path to becoming the soulful speaker he is today. Brian shares heartfelt anecdotes that illustrate how his passion for meaningful communication has evolved, guiding him to help others feel seen and heard.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Leadership isn’t about titles or perfection, it’s about being human: True connection in speaking comes from embracing vulnerability, showing up as your full, imperfect self and serving from that place.
2. Vulnerability is a Strength: Sharing our struggles, broken parts, and imperfections can create deeper connections with our audience and make our message more impactful.
3. Everyone Has a Voice Worth Hearing: The world needs to hear from the “misfits” and the “shy dorks” who bring important, fresh perspectives to the conversation.
4. You Don’t Need Permission to Start: Don’t wait until you feel ready or perfect; start speaking from the heart now, and the rest will follow.
5. Embrace the Mess: Creativity comes from doing the work repeatedly, even when it's messy, as a path to mastery.
6. Empathy is a Tool for Connection: Instead of suppressing emotions, empaths can use their sensitivity to create a safe space for others and foster deeper connections.
7. Life is Short, Be Real: Tomorrow is never promised, and the world needs more of our true selves.

Connect with Brian:
www.yesbrianperry.com

Join me for the next Soulful Speaking Immersion and take this soul-stirring transformative approach to speaking into your body and out into the world.
https://voice-matters.com/soulful-speaking/

The Speaker Alter Ego Quiz

Take the Speaker Alter Ego quiz to find out which protective mask hides your natural radiance so you can learn how to get present, connect deeply, and share your vision when it matters most!
https://voice-matters.com/speaker-alter-ego-quiz/

Support the show

Thank you so much for listening!

Take the free quiz and learn which Soul Sucker™ you need to release to free your voice: https://voice-matters.com/soul-sucker-quiz/

Follow me on:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voice_matters_llc/

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauri-smith-voice-matters/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@voicematters9646

Kapitler

1. Not the Shiny Bits: Real Talk with Brian Perry (00:00:00)

2. Brian’s Speaking Journey Begins (00:01:41)

3. College Awakening (00:03:56)

4. The Shy Speaker (00:11:16)

5. Embracing the Misfit: The Magic of Imperfection (00:15:24)

6. Leadership from the Back Row (00:17:35)

7. The Myth of the Shiny Bits: The Problem with Perfection (00:18:54)

8. Embracing the Mess (00:23:39)

9. Authentic Communication and Soulful Serving (00:29:10)

10. Harnessing Empathy (00:32:07)

11. Authenticity, Creative Exploration & The Universal Power of Truth (00:35:21)

12. Closing Questions Inspired by Bernard Pivot (00:39:34)