Can You Live Up to Your “On-Paper” Self?
Can You Live Up to Your “On-Paper” Self?
From Email Confidence to Speaking Confidence: My First Big Test
Early in my corporate career, I hid behind emails.
Writing was my safe space—it allowed me to sound confident, polished, and in control.
But sooner or later, emails turn into meetings.
Reports turn into presentations.
And you have to speak out loud.
The Germany Client Visit
My test came during a client visit in Germany.
We had to address service issues and propose solutions.
My instinct? Panic.
But I built a ritual to step into the confident version of me:
Early start to calm my mind
Suit & tie to create a professional mindset
Review slides as a safety net
Voice warm-ups and rehearsed opening lines
The surprise? A factory tour before the meeting helped me relax and connect naturally.
The Lesson for Non-Native Speakers
I learned that I could live up to my “email self” if I:
Showed up prepared—not just in content, but in mindset.
Connected as a human, not just as a professional.
Used my written voice as a foundation, but adapted it to live conversation.
In the Age of AI
Today, tools like ChatGPT can make your writing perfect.
But ask yourself:
“Can I live up to what I sound like on paper?”
If the answer is “not yet,” the good news is—you’re probably closer than you think.
💬 Have you ever faced a moment where you had to match your written confidence in person? How did you prepare?
Me trying to live up to the expectation of an altar with my name on it...
