By Ami Ved
Public Speaking Coach for Leaders | Communication Coach | Voice & Accent Expert | LinkedIn Top Voice | Keynote Speaker
Published on: February 12, 2025
From Sitting at the Back of the Class to Owning the Room
You know that student who always sat at the back of the classroom, hoping the teacher wouldn’t notice them?
That was me.
I perfected the art of looking deeply interested while silently praying, “Please don’t call my name.”
It worked—until one day it didn’t.
“Ami, why don’t you answer this?” my teacher asked.
My response?
“Umm…”
Invisibility was my superpower. And for years, it kept me hidden—quiet, overlooked, and unsure of my place.
The Cost of Staying Invisible
Growing up, I was surrounded by people who seemed smarter, more confident, and more privileged. I felt I didn’t belong in the conversation, so I chose silence.
I stayed in the room—but emotionally, I checked out.
Later, in my early career in sales, I carried the same habit into meetings. I nodded politely, waited for confidence to magically appear, and stayed quiet. Then came the moment that changed everything.
A colleague confidently shared my idea.
And everyone applauded.
That was when I realized something painful but powerful:
Silence does not protect your ideas. Visibility does.
The Turning Point: Choosing Visibility Over Fear
For years, I believed that keeping my head down would keep me safe.
Instead, it kept me invisible.
My biggest learning came with time:
The world does not reward those who hide. It rewards those who are visible—even when they are imperfect.
Slowly, I began stepping forward.
From sitting at the back of the room to standing at the front as a mentor.
From attending Toastmasters meetings to taking on leadership roles.
From avoiding attention to competing in international speech contests.
Each moment of visibility shaped my confidence.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Showing Up Online
I avoided social media for years.
A close friend finally said something that changed everything:
“If you want to grow your business, you need to be visible on LinkedIn.”
Imposter syndrome hit hard. I doubted myself constantly.
Still, I showed up—one week at a time.
Then a 30-day challenge.
Then a 90-day challenge.
That consistency led to something I never imagined.
LinkedIn recognized me as a Top Voice (2024–2025).
I was invited to write for newspapers.
Clients and organizations began reaching out to me.
That’s when it truly hit me:
Visibility creates opportunities long before confidence arrives.
This Is Not Just My Story. It’s Yours.
Have you ever:
- Had a brilliant idea in a meeting but stayed silent?
- Wanted to post on LinkedIn but overthought it until someone else posted the same idea?
- Watched your boss take credit for your contribution while you smiled politely?
I understand. I’ve been there.
But here’s the truth most people don’t realize:
Someone is always watching.
Not in a creepy way—but as a future client, recruiter, collaborator, or leader who needs your voice.
Visibility Is Not About Perfection. It’s About Presence.
When I first realized people were reading my posts, I panicked.
“What if I used too many emojis?”
“What if my words weren’t perfect?”
That’s when I understood something powerful:
Visibility is not about being flawless. It’s about being present.
You may not see who’s watching—but they are.
And one day, they will reach out with an opportunity that changes your life.
Only if they can see you.
The Real Reward of Visibility
Once you step into visibility, something beautiful happens.
You stop chasing the spotlight—and start creating space for others to shine.
You become the mentor.
The leader.
The voice that gives others courage.
Visibility is not selfish.
It’s service.
A Final Challenge for You
Today, I challenge you to:
- Speak up—even if your voice shakes.
- Post—even if only one person likes it (and yes, it might be your mom).
- Share your ideas—even if they aren’t perfect.
Because the world does not need perfect voices.
It needs honest ones.
Be visible.
The world is already watching you.
About the Author
Ami Ved is a Public Speaking Coach, Communication Coach, and Voice & Accent Expert who has helped over 50,000 professionals, leaders, and students own every room they walk into. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice, keynote speaker, and trusted trainer for global organizations.
