Speaking with purpose: Yalari alumni share their stories
This November, Yalari Alumni from across Australia will participate in the next Storytelling: Speaking with Purpose program. Led by Bundjalung woman Jenni Walke, an award-winning coach, international speaker and founder of Elephant in the Room Consulting, the program supports emerging Indigenous leaders to strengthen their storytelling and public speaking skills while staying grounded in their identity, culture and lived experience.
Following the success of the pilot program earlier this year, 11 Alumni will take part in a four-week journey of self-reflection, storytelling and skill development. Guided by Jenni’s cultural knowledge and professional experience, participants will develop their Signature Story – a personal narrative that reflects who they are, where they come from and what matters most to them. Along the way, they will complete four online sessions, attend a one and a half-day workshop in Sydney, and present their stories to invited partners, guests and supporters at the final Showcase event at the iconic Belvoir St Theatre.
Reflecting on her storytelling experience at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in March, Yalari Alumna and Student Support Officer Holly Coffison shared:
“Speaking with Purpose was the most effective course I’ve done to better my confidence and approach to public speaking. It was a privilege to learn from Jenni and my fellow Alumni and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to grow their storytelling ability.”
For Jenni, supporting participants as they shape and share their stories has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.
“Watching them step out from the wings was one of the proudest moments of my career. Their nerves were real. But they didn’t let nerves choose the moment. They let intention choose it. Each of these young people deserves to be seen. Each deserves to be heard.”
More than learning how to deliver a presentation, participants gain greater confidence in sharing their experiences, perspectives and aspirations with others. The skills developed throughout the program can support future opportunities in education, employment, leadership and community life.
The impact of the pilot program is already being seen. Since completing Storytelling: Speaking with Purpose, alumnus Trey Petterson has gone on to speak at Yalari’s Sydney Gala Dinner and facilitate a meaningful session with long-standing partner FTI Consulting, drawing on the skills and confidence developed through the program.
With the support of Jenni Walke and Elephant in the Room Consulting, this program continues to create opportunities for Alumni to grow in confidence and share their stories with purpose. We look forward to celebrating the voices and leadership of the participants at the November Speaking Showcase.
