🎙️Why Curiosity Is Your Secret Weapon for Speaking Success

Here's something that took me a while to unlearn: the myth that great speakers ooze certainty. You know the type—never pauses, has all the answers, projects that unbreakable confidence we're told to emulate.

But after years of watching women in tech and science go from "solid contributor" to "must-have voice on stage," I've noticed something. The speakers who actually win people over aren't the ones who know the most. They're the ones who are genuinely curious.

Let me break down why this works.

Curiosity kills the perfectionism monster.

You don't need the "biggest" idea to land a great talk. Curiosity turns everyday observations into something people want to hear about. That nagging question you had about why your team's ML model behaves oddly in production? That's not too small—it's intriguing.

Curious speakers spot patterns others miss. They connect dots across disciplines. They deliver talks that feel fresh instead of recycled. And honestly? Audiences can smell rehearsed certainty from a mile away. They lean in when someone is authentically exploring an idea with them, not at them.

Curiosity rewires your relationship with nerves.

There's no escaping the adrenaline spike that comes with high-stakes speaking. But here's what's interesting: research shows that curious people experience that rush differently. For them, it registers as a challenge (excitement + focus) rather than a threat (fear + shutdown).

Their heart rate still rises—but they stay engaged longer, think more clearly, and bounce back faster from slip-ups. Instead of "Don't screw up," their internal voice becomes "What happens if I chase this thread?"

That one shift can transform shaky delivery into energized presence.

Curiosity makes you magnetic.

When you're genuinely curious about your audience—really curious—you ask better questions. You read the room in real time. You adjust on the fly instead of plowing through your slides. You stop monologuing and start conversing.

People feel seen, not talked at. And the feedback loops in: "She made quantum concepts feel like detective work!" That kind of reaction gets you invited back—and recommended to other organizers.

Now, here's where this gets practical for us.

Women in tech and science spaces are often socialized to wait until we're 110% certain before speaking up. Curiosity gives you permission to step forward at 70% certainty with a genuine "I'm still figuring this out—let's explore it together."

It also neutralizes the "token" fear. You're not there to represent All Women In Tech. You're there as a curious expert sharing discoveries. That energy fills seats and sparks real discussions.

The good news? You can cultivate curiosity deliberately.

Here are three ways to start:

→ Before prepping any talk, spend 10 minutes free-writing every wild question the topic sparks. No filtering allowed.

→ During research, chase one "rabbit hole" that feels unrelated but intriguing. That's often where your memorable hook is hiding.

→ On stage, keep a mental note: "What am I curious about right now in this room?" It grounds you when imposter thoughts creep in.

Curiosity isn't fluffy self-help advice—it's strategic. It differentiates you in rooms full of polished certainty. It keeps you learning so you never run out of fresh material. And it makes speaking feel like play instead of performance.

Which, ironically, is exactly when you sound most credible.

These aren’t loud moves. They’re quiet, strategic ones—the kind that compound into promotions, stages, and the recognition you deserve.

You’ve got this window. Use it.

P.S. If you’re ready to stop waiting for invitations and start guaranteeing speaking opportunities in 2026 (including 4 booked conferences), doors to our annual membership are open. Weekly virtual coaching, monthly in-person sessions, self-paced classes, and real accountability—all designed for women in tech and science who are done being overlooked. Reply “Tell me more” and I’ll send details.

🌞 Keep Shining,

Barkha