An amateur apologizes. A pro improvises.

As a singer and a speaker, I've observed a major pattern over the years which clearly differentiates amateurs from pros in spaces of public sharing.

When a pro stumbles, loses their train of thought, forgets the line, misses the correct note or fumbles the punchline, they IMPROVISE.

In other words, they roll with it, weaving it into the content itself. 

They practice in-the-moment compassion with themselves. It's easy to recognize the presence of forgiveness and wiggle room for the inevitable imperfections that present themselves.

What does this do for us onlookers?

It gives us permission.

To be imperfect. To be students. To be always learning and improving. To embrace elegance and grace, even in the face of ‘fucking it up.’

An amateur, on the other hand, reveals themselves with a signature move: they apologize. Often profusely. 

When the inevitable dropping of the proverbial ball occurs — which it will — it's easy to see the unpracticed confidence waver. 

You can almost visibly see the shame emerge. It's cringy to watch and witness... because I've been there!!! Oh yes, I’ve been there, and perhaps so have you. 

This is a natural process, friends. 

Let’s continue to normalize imperfection so we can stop the damn apologies and move on already.

Let’s reframe our “mistakes” into mastery in the making.

As we gain mastery over our craft of sharing, speaking, singing, presenting or any forum where we are vulnerably, bravely expressing ourselves publicly… we evolve. 

We learn to ride the waves and wobbles as they arise. 

We learn to surf the discomfort. 

We learn to forgo our pride. 

We learn to temper our ego. 

We learn to choose humor and levity. 

We learn to swallow the apology that wants to vomit itself all over our people. 

And instead, we improvise.

Can you recall a recent experience where you fumbled and either 

     a) apologized and had a whole messy internal process around it, or 

     b) overrode the discomfort and managed to improvise your way to a graceful conclusion

Hit reply and share! I’d love to swim in these murky waters together.

This is courageous communication and lion-hearted leadership, my friend. 

Do not believe for a single second that your internal cringe marks a failure. This is alchemical GOLD, hidden in everyday pockets of vulnerability and a willingness to expand.

Here's to going pro. Together.

Britta