By Carolyn Campbell

Have you ever had milk toast? If not, you haven’t missed much. When I was a kid and came down with the flu, my mother would make her special ‘treat’ of toasted white bread soaked in hot milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pad of butter. She says its warm, mild, soothing ingredients got us back to health and comforted our spirit. In truth, it was probably her test to see if we really were sick. Who else would actually ask for something that soggy and bland?

This soggy dish did, however, inspire a comic strip character named Milquetoast, known for his meek and unassertive traits. Why is this relevant for you? Well, I am continually amazed by how often dynamic people turn to milquetoast when the public lens is turned on them. When it happens, it can feel tremendously frustrating and personally deflating.

If we want our work to have impact, if we want our words to be heard, it is essential that we dismiss Mr. Milquetoast and let a stronger, more vital voice come to the table. I recently met with a talented young man who is passionate about his work. During our conversation, he was articulate and inspiring. I had no doubt that he was extremely competent and had significant impact with his students. When I asked him how I could be of assistance he said, “I’m not creating the partnerships we need for my program to truly succeed.”

He then showed me his numerous brochures and his web site. I smiled politely, but inside I was thinking, “He is so dynamic. Why are these so bland and vague?” I then asked him about his connections with community partners. As soon as we began, he started to slump a bit and his words began to drift.

Whoa! What was going on here? He was passionate and articulate just a few minutes earlier. I asked him what was different from when we first started talking. “Honestly,” he said. “You expressed sincere interest in me. When I’m not sure if people are interested, I get really vague and disconnected.”

Sound familiar? Here’s the catch. If you wait until they-whoever ‘they’ is at the time- give you permission to fully come alive and share your wisdom, your timidity will prevent your story, your vision, and your ability to make a difference from being heard. This is not to say that you need be loud and brassy, in fact, please don’t. What it means is that you allow your fullest, most daring self to speak with the passion and enthusiasm you have for your vision.

My invitation: dare to be seen and heard. Trust in your vision. Let others feel your passion. As you do so, consider what I call the ‘so what’ factor.

Why is this relevant to them? What is the relevance here? Why is it vital today? Provide engaging stories that relate to your reader or listener and address the current news or life trends.

You don’t have to be funny or clever. You don’t have to be witty or pithy.

Just dare to connect your passion with their needs. Remember, it’s not about you. You are simply the conduit that inspires connection, reflection, and intentional action. All it takes is to have the courage to start the conversation and leave the milquetoast at home!