You Are the Messenger: How to Activate the Idea That’s Been Calling You

Have you ever had an idea whisper to you – gently at first, then louder and louder – until it practically shouted, “Pick me!”?

Maybe you brushed it off. Maybe you assumed someone else could say it better. Or maybe you got caught in the loop of “it’s already been done.”

Let me stop you right there.

Your idea came to you for a reason. And I deeply believe that you are the exact right messenger for it.

In this post, I want to walk you through how to shift from thinking of your topic as “just another presentation” to crafting a compelling message that sets you apart. This is the foundation of true thought leadership. And it’s how you stop sounding like everyone else and start making the impact you’re meant to make.

First, the Big Shift: From Topic to Idea

Let’s say you’re speaking on something like “how to use social media to grow your business” or “strategies for saving for retirement.”

These are topics. And they’re fine – but they’re everywhere.

The problem? When you stick to the topic level, you become what I call a commodity speaker—interchangeable with everyone else covering the same thing. You’re unlikely to get the kind of visibility, impact, or paid opportunities you truly want.

What changes everything is when you bring your idea into it.

Your idea is your unique lens, your original take, your framework or story that gives your audience a new way to see the world. It’s what turns your talk from informative to transformational.

Topic = what you’re talking about
Idea = how and why you’re talking about it in a way that only you can

Why You Are the Messenger for This Idea

Ideas, I believe, are looking for someone to bring them to life. And when one taps you on the shoulder, it’s because you’re the right person at the right time.

Some ideas come from personal experience” a story or moment that shifted something in you. Others come from being curious, noticing patterns, connecting dots that others haven’t seen. Either way, when you feel that nudge, listen.

Your audience is waiting for you. Not for the perfect version of you. Not for the most polished or credentialed. But for the you who is willing to step forward and say, “Here’s what I believe, and here’s why it matters.”

That emotional courage is the final layer of thought leadership and it’s the one that brings everything else to life.

So, How Do You Activate Your Idea?

Here’s how to get started:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Be Different

It’s okay if no one else is saying it quite like you. That’s the point. Don’t water it down to make it palatable. Stay with the idea that makes your heart race a little.

2. Look for the “Twist”

Ask yourself: What’s the surprising angle here? What’s the hook that makes people lean in and say, “I’ve never thought of it that way before”?

This takes effort, yes, but it’s worth it. Don’t settle for the obvious.

3. Draw from Your Lived Experience

What have you seen or gone through that uniquely positions you to speak on this idea? Your story gives the idea depth. It connects you with your audience in a powerful, emotional way.

4. Start Talking It Out

Ideas gain clarity when they’re spoken aloud. Talk it out with a friend, coach, or even in a voice memo to yourself. That’s one of the magical parts of our Thought Leader Academy: when our clients speak their idea in one of our sessions, it often becomes crystal clear and deeply moving.

5. Don’t Wait for Perfect

Perfectionism is a creativity killer. And it’s especially insidious for women. You don’t need your talk, your outline, or your message to be flawless to begin. You just need to start.

What’s Waiting for You on the Other Side

When you step into your role as messenger, something shifts. You’re no longer just sharing tips – you’re sharing truth. You’re guiding your audience to a new understanding. You’re standing fully in your power, your purpose, and your voice.

And yes, it might feel scary. Vulnerable. Exhilarating.

But that’s how you know you’re on the right track.

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to bring your idea to life and turn it into a powerful signature talk, I’d love to support you in our Thought Leader Academy.

We’ll help you:

• Clarify and validate your idea

• Develop your story and structure your message

• Build the confidence to deliver it with presence and authenticity

Learn more and apply at SpeakingYourBrand.com/academy.

Your idea is waiting. Your audience is waiting. Now it’s your turn.