🎙️Your Idea Isn't Too Small: Turn It Into a Stage-Worthy Talk

This week's topic hits close to home for so many of us: "Your Idea Isn’t 'Too Small' – Reframing Impostor Talk Topics That Actually Matter." We've all been there, right? You have this spark of an idea for a conference talk, a panel discussion, or even a team presentation, but that nagging voice whispers, "Who cares? It's too niche, too basic, too... you." Impostor syndrome loves to shrink our ideas until they feel insignificant. But here's the truth bomb: What feels "small" to you is often the exact fresh perspective the world needs. Today, we're reframing that mindset, sharing real examples, and arming you with actionable steps to turn your idea into a stage-worthy topic that builds your authority and opens doors.

Let's start by unpacking why we undervalue our ideas. In male-dominated fields like tech and science, we're conditioned to think big breakthroughs mean flashy innovations—AI revolutions, quantum leaps, or billion-dollar algorithms. But impactful talks aren't always about the grandiose; they're about relevance, relatability, and real-world application. Your "small" idea might stem from a personal challenge you've overcome, a process you've optimized, or an insight from your unique lens as a woman in the field. These are the topics that resonate because they address the human side of our work—the stuff that gets overlooked in the rush for the next big thing.

Take Sarah, a software engineer I mentored through WitVoices. She felt her idea about "Debugging Team Dynamics in Remote Agile Teams" was too mundane for a major tech conference. "Everyone knows this," she said. But guess what? Not everyone does it well, especially post-pandemic. Sarah reframed it by tying her personal experiences—navigating biases in virtual meetings—to practical strategies. Her talk got accepted at a top dev conference, led to a promotion, and even sparked collaborations. Why? Because attendees walked away with tools they could use tomorrow, not just abstract theories.

Another example: Priya, a chemist in our community, hesitated over a topic on "How AI is shaping personalization in makeup." She worried it sounded trivial compared to groundbreaking research. But by sharing stories of "failures" that led to unexpected discoveries—she turned it into a hit at a science symposium. Audience members, many early-career women, thanked her for normalizing setbacks and showing how "small" observations fuel big science.

So, how do you reframe your own? It's not magic—it's methodical. Here's where we get actionable, because at WitVoices, we don't just talk; we do. Grab your notebook (or open a new doc) and let's break it down into steps you can tackle this week.

Actionable Task 1: Identify Your "Small" Spark (15-20 minutes today) Brainstorm three ideas from your daily work that feel "too niche." Ask: What frustrates me? What have I fixed that others struggle with? What unique angle do I bring as a woman in this space? For example, if you're in cybersecurity, maybe it's "Securing IoT Devices in Smart Homes—Lessons from Real-User Oversights." Don't judge; just list. This shifts your mindset from doubt to discovery.

Actionable Task 2: Reframe for Impact (30 minutes tomorrow) Pick one idea and expand it. Answer: Who does this affect? Why does it matter now? How does it tie to bigger trends? Add your story—impostor syndrome thrives in the abstract, but personal anecdotes make it relatable. Use this template: "While [common assumption], my experience shows [your insight], leading to [benefit]." Test it by sharing with a trusted colleague for feedback. Sarah used this to transform her "mundane" topic into something conference-ready.

Actionable Task 3: Pitch-Proof It (45 minutes over the weekend) Research three conferences or events in your field (use sites like Call for Papers or industry calendars). Craft a 200-word abstract: Hook with the problem, tease your unique take, outline key takeaways, and end with why it matters. Include metrics if possible—e.g., "This approach reduced errors by 20% in my team." Submit one pitch this month. If nerves hit, remember Elena: Start small, like a local meetup, to build momentum.

Actionable Task 4: Build Your Support Net (Ongoing, start with 10 minutes daily) Connect with one new contact weekly—LinkedIn messages to speakers you admire, or join our WitVoices community for peer pitches. Track progress in a simple journal: What idea did I refine? What feedback came in? Celebrate wins, no matter the size.

These steps aren't overwhelming; they're bite-sized wins that compound into dream outcomes—like landing that speaking gig, gaining recognition, and feeling your voice truly matters.

You're not just capable; you're essential. Your ideas aren't small—they're the sparks that ignite change. Let's make them heard.

P.S. Share your reframed idea in the comments below or on our forum. Who knows? It might inspire the next big talk.

🌞 Keep Shining,

Barkha