💬 Communication, Pitching & Self-Advocacy
From Shy to Shameless: How to Introduce Yourself Like You Belong in Every Room
Growing up South Asian, many of us learned to stay quiet, to defer, or to downplay our presence—especially in spaces where we felt “different.” But owning your space? That’s a skill you can build. Whether it’s a family gathering, a classroom, or your first networking event, practice introducing yourself like you belong—because you do. Use your full name with pride, mention what excites you about your work or studies, and don’t be afraid to smile confidently. Your voice deserves to be heard, especially when it carries the stories and richness of your culture.
Emailing Like a Bad Beti: How to Sound Bold in Cold Pitches & DMs
Emails and DMs can feel intimidating, especially when you’re reaching out to someone you admire or pitching your work. But here’s the secret: confidence is clarity. Keep your message short, respectful, and direct. Start with a warm greeting, introduce yourself (yes, with your full name), say why you’re reaching out, and what you want. Don’t be shy to ask for a meeting, collaboration, or feedback. And remember, your “Desi-ness” is a strength — sprinkle in your cultural pride or unique perspective to stand out!
How to Say “No” in English, Urdu, Tamil, Gujarati, and with Your Eyes
Saying “no” is an act of self-respect and boundary-setting, but in many South Asian cultures, it’s often avoided to maintain harmony. Here are some ways to say no politely and powerfully:
- English: “Thank you for thinking of me, but I have to say no this time.”
- Urdu: “Shukriya, magar is dafa main nahi kar sakti.” (Thank you, but I can’t this time.)
- Tamil: “Nandri, aana indha samayath naan seyya mudiyadhu.” (Thanks, but I can’t do it now.)
- Gujarati: “Aabhar, pan a vaar mane na thaay.” (Thanks, but not this time.)
- With Your Eyes: A gentle but firm gaze, paired with a soft shake of the head, can often speak louder than words. Practice this subtle art — it’s all about owning your boundaries without guilt.
Marketing Yourself as a South Asian Creative When People Don’t ‘Get’ Your Work
Sometimes your creative voice is bold, different, or rooted in South Asian identity in ways others might not immediately understand. When people don’t “get” your work, remind yourself:
- Your uniqueness is your superpower.
- Educate gently: share the cultural context or inspiration behind your work.
- Build your tribe: find and engage with audiences who resonate.
- Use your storytelling to bridge gaps.
Marketing yourself isn’t about changing your message to fit the crowd—it’s about owning your story and finding your people.
📅 Content Planner Table Guide — Communication & Advocacy Edition
| Date | Platform | Content Theme | Post Format | Caption Prompt | Cultural or Personal Tie-in | Call to Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 5 | From Shy to Shameless Intro | Reel | “How I started introducing myself confidently” | Use your full Desi name, family stories | Tag a friend who needs this | |
| July 7 | Saying No in Multiple Languages | Thread | “How I learned to say no in Urdu and Tamil” | Language tips with phrases | Share your own way of saying no | |
| July 9 | Emailing Like a Bad Beti | Carousel | “3 tips to write cold emails that get responses” | Examples from your cultural background | Comment with your success story |
✅ Social Media Audit Checklist — Communication Focus
- Are my messages clear and confident?
- Do I share stories about my advocacy and boundaries?
- Is my tone respectful but assertive?
- Do I engage in meaningful conversations, not just likes?
- Am I showcasing my cultural pride in communication style?
- Do I respond authentically, even to criticism?
🧠 Personal Brand Worksheet — Communication & Self-Advocacy
WHO AM I WHEN I SPEAK?
- My communication style is: ______________________________
- A time I spoke up and felt proud: _________________________
- Words or phrases from my culture I use to express myself: _____
WHAT DO I WANT TO SAY?
- The message I want to share with the world: __________________
- How I want to come across in pitches and emails: ____________
- My biggest fear when advocating for myself: _______________
HOW DO I SHOW UP?
- When I say no, I want to feel: _____________________________
- The tone that feels most me is: ___________________________
- My “intro line” for new conversations is: ____________________