Inspirational Women Of the Speaking Circuit: Rhonda G Mincey of Great Success On The Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Speaker

Set lofty goals. Have a big vision for yourself. Then describe it in detail so it gets ingrained in your subconscious. For example, write books to be a best-selling author.

As a part of our series about Inspirational Women of the Speaking Circuit, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Rhonda G. Mincey.

Rhonda G. Mincey is the Chief Inspirational Officer of Great Success, LLC, supporting business-minded women worldwide to be visible and vocal by sharing their stories on a large scale. Rhonda has received several awards, including the TBS (Turner Broadcasting Station) “Pathfinders” Award. Rhonda is an international speaker, author, award-winning poet, humanitarian, and success coach who loves to travel abroad. Rhonda believes that to whom much is given, much is required, so she donates a portion of her revenue to provide entrepreneurial and educational opportunities to women and girls in developing countries — from sponsoring a young lady in Brazil to employing ladies from the Philippines to supporting women in the remote villages of Rwanda, Africa. Rhonda’s philosophy is that when like-minded women combine their intellect and ingenuity, they can change nations and generations…for good.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I grew up in a small but close-knit family of my older brother and mother. My first cousins were like my siblings. We were all taught to love and take care of each other The sensitive, shy one in my family, I would cry while holding on to the hood of the car as my cousins attempted to drive away and return home. An emotional but observant soul, I preferred to stay in the background and soak in my surroundings. In fact, for most of my life, you could find me in deep thought, pen in hand. Looking back at my high school days, I was not the popular girl. Writing poetry was my gift, but I didn’t know its power and potential — it came so naturally to me.

As fate would have it, thankfully, one of my teachers recognized my talent and encouraged me to enter a poem I’d written in a poetry contest. After submitting my poem, to my surprise, I won! As a result, I received a gold medal (that I still have) and an opportunity to meet with renowned poet Gwendolyn Brooks.

Not realizing it then, this event laid the foundation of giving me much-needed confidence in my writing ability and would put me on the path toward my future career as a speaker decades later.

Tapping into my love for people, I started a nonprofit for girls, Made 2B More, to turn girls into phenomenal women. My verbal and writing skills came to the forefront when I began promoting our mission on television, in videos, and through public service announcements and press releases.

For my advocacy, I received the prestigious Turner Broadcasting Station’s Pathfinders Award. As an award-winning mentor, I could no longer hide comfortably in the background. Instead, I had to boldly step into the spotlight. Fast forward to today, I am the Chief Inspirational Officer of Great Success, LLC. I support female entrepreneurs to get visible and vocal on stage and online so they can step into their power, earn more money, and impact others on a large scale.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

After years of running from my public speaking calling, I had a day of decision — when I decided to use my gift of inspiration to inspire others through my speaking. So, I accepted an invitation to speak at a lady’s event. And making up for the times I declined to speak before, I spoke from my heart with such passion that I received a standing ovation from women as many wiped tears from their eyes. I realized I was powerful and could move people. I knew then I would no longer dishonor God by keeping my stories to myself. Instead of being selfish and scared, I would share them freely and boldly.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I will never forget when I first began public speaking. I was asked to read my poem at a women’s conference. I was so nervous that I only read the poem’s first, third, and last stanzas. I skipped the rest because I wanted to get off the stage immediately. Although no one knew I hadn’t read it all, I felt I shortchanged the women. I then decided to never do that again — I would lay it all on the line every time. And I’ve done just that.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I was a speaker at an event, and the emcee introduced me to speak. I went to the stage and got my PowerPoint ready to begin. The only thing I should have had to do was use the pointer to advance the slides. But I couldn’t figure out why the display on the computer didn’t look how I set it up. I was confused because it was in presenter mode, but I typically don’t use that setting. So after spending a few minutes trying to get the display to show for the audience in a way I’d rehearsed, I realized I was using the wrong computer. I’d forgotten that my presentation was on the emcee’s computer and had different settings. Nevertheless, I kept my game face on and could sort it out quickly enough and begin. I learned to keep my presentation on just one computer and know how to use that computer to present the way that is comfortable for me.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My mother certainly made a profound impact on my life. She showed me what it meant to be hardworking and generous — traits I apply to my business. And she valued education. Mom sometimes worked two jobs as a single mother to provide for my brother and me. Yet, I saw her giving spirit as she would buy thoughtful Christmas gifts for our extended family and us.

Mom also made sure I spoke using correct grammar. I know this is one of the reasons I excel at communicating with others. I am thankful because I inherited her generous nature and writing talent. My mom cheered me on through all my adventures, delighting in my accomplishments, and I am blessed and honored to carry her legacy through my writing, speaking, and philanthropy.

But I must also thank my husband. He is my rock and has supported me in numerous ways. He’s been my sounding board, encourager, cheerleader, advisor, and friend. He’s allowed me to chase my dreams and patiently waited and watched as they came true. And he prays for and with me which means the world. We are a team in every sense of the word, and I don’t take that for granted.

You have been blessed with great success in a career path that can be challenging and intimidating. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

For someone who wants to become an inspirational speaker but fears the possibility of failing, follow your heart; it won’t steer you wrong. As someone who’s been in your shoes, petrified of public speaking, following my heart to speak has proven to be immensely rewarding.

Next, face your fears and focus on your message. Your audience really wants you to succeed.

Last, get a mentor and start speaking. At the end of the day, your message is not about you; it’s about those who need to hear it. So get support, practice and get out there build to build your confidence.

What drives you to get up everyday and give your talks? What is the main empowering message that you aim to share with the world?

I get up daily to give my talks because I must share my experience and knowledge with other women — it’s my mandate. I realize that my words can catapult a woman to a higher level of success or help her hang on to hope. The main empowering message I aim to share with the world is you have the power to pursue your wildest dreams and an obligation to help others do the same.

Can you share with our readers a few of your most important tips about how to be an effective and empowering speaker? Can you please share some examples or stories?

These tips are useful in helping someone to be an effective and empowering speaker:

1. Know your audience. Keep their needs in mind when you are preparing your talk.
2. Tell stories. People relate better to memorable stories.
3. Stay organized. Ensure that your points flow together.
4. Make it interactive. Ask thought-provoking questions to get the audience to respond. Then, engage them by calling their name.
5. Be authentic. Use slides sparingly and show that you’re human by displaying your passion.
6. End your talk strong. Close out with a memorable quote or a captivating challenge that leaves the participants wanting more and taking action.

As you know, many people are terrified of speaking in public. Can you give some of your advice about how to overcome this fear?

1. Remember, the talk is not about you, so take the focus off you and place it on your audience.
2. Visualize yourself delivering a dynamic presentation with the audience engaging with you.
3. Practice your talk thoroughly and nail down the timings and transitions.
4. Lighten up. Take a deep breath and walk around to let the butterflies fly.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

In my desire to use my life to inspire others through my stories, I share my hurdles, hind sights, and highs in my book for women: “Unbridled Dreams: Change Your Mindset, Achieve Your Goals, and Live the Best Story of Your Life.” So based on some of its chapters, here are 5 things I wish someone told me when I first started.

1. Face your fears. To live the life of your dreams, you will have moments where you feel afraid, intimidated, or even paralyzed, not knowing how to move forward. But the leader in you must confront that fear head-on, knowing that your success is on the other side.
2. Embrace your awesomeness. Use your unique qualities to your advantage instead of trying to fit into the mainstream and their box. What you see as a flaw could be the very thing that distinguishes you from others and propels you forward.
3. Set lofty goals. Have a big vision for yourself. Then describe it in detail so it gets ingrained in your subconscious. For example, write books to be a best-selling author.
4. Persevere against all odds. There will be times of doubts, denials, and distractions. And people will not always support you. Push forward despite them.
5. Become an advocate on a large scale. Envision yourself using your gifts to make a massive impact around the world. Don’t wait for others to invite you or join you. You are a mighty force and a magnet — a power of one that draws others to you.

You have such impressive work. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? Where do you see yourself heading from here?

I am currently working on finishing writing my book, “Unwavering Hope.” Based on my experience, it’s a Bible-based guide to help you get to the other side of your storms. I’m also launching an exclusive membership and community for women speakers over 50 who want to share their message with the world on a large scale. Ten percent of the revenue will support women and children in the villages of Rwanda, Africa.

Can you share with our readers any self care routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? Please share a story for each one if you can.

To help me thrive, I do several things:

1. I go to my happy place — the beach. I walk several miles along the shore, and the water relaxes me.
2. I listen to music. I created a playlist of inspirational music and upbeat songs that put me in a positive mindset.
3. I listen to meditations. I go to Insight Timer and find meditations that help me practice mindfulness and relax so I can go to sleep.
4. I write poetry. As a creative introvert, expressing myself through poetry is my great escape.
5. I protect my energy. I do not allow negative thoughts to take root. I acknowledge them but flip the script. For example, if I am getting ready to speak and thoughts of doubt enter my mind, I tell myself that I am fully prepared and will be fine. I don’t say I am nervous or anxious, but I am excited. I also protect my energy by removing myself from the presence of negative people. For example, if someone calls me with a doom and gloom attitude, I do not entertain those thoughts or receive that energy.
6. I talk to God. I express my gratitude and share concerns and trust that everything will work out as He wills.
7. I exercise. I walk and strength train by doing push-ups or using free weights. It relieves stress and makes me feel good knowing I am making my health a priority.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

My favorite life quote is from the late Wilma Rudolph. She states, “Never underestimate the power of dreams or the influence of the human spirit. We are the same in this notion. The potential for greatness lives in each of us.”

When I had to give a talk or do anything out of my comfort zone, I rehearsed and relied on these words to push me forward, knowing that if my dreams got me to that stage, my spirit could help me do whatever I wanted. I reminded myself that greatness lived in me, meaning it was active and not passive. I just had to activate it and summon it to the surface.

You are a person of huge influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

My movement would provide access to clean water, entrepreneurial training, and free education for people in developing countries, especially on the continent of Africa. Although rich in natural resources, many of the population are poverty-stricken. I visited six countries in East Africa and witnessed firsthand the effects of scarcity.

So I adopted a family in a village in Rwanda, Africa, paying for the five children’s school tuition, uniforms, and supplies. Next, I plan to provide water filters for over 100 families in that village, so they can have clean water. I am one person, but I’ve made a difference by giving food, pillows, and mattresses, many things we take for granted, to one family. And their whole expressions changed — from hopelessness and hunger to optimism and opportunity. Can you imagine the impact we could have worldwide if everyone who has the means supports this initiative? We would create a ripple effect whereby people could sustain themselves for generations. They could have dignity while going from desperation to destiny. To read the backstory about this chance encounter that has changed lives forever, go to www.rhondamincey.com/outreach.

Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!

I would love to have lunch with Arianna Huffington. Ms. Huffington is a wise and successful author and businesswoman in the publishing industry with many accolades, including being featured in Forbes and Time Magazine.

Are you on social media? How can our readers follow you online?

Yes, people can follow me online at www.rhondamincey.com and subscribe to my emails for inspiration and action tips for great success and greater significance.

Instagram: @rhondagmincey

This was so informative, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!