Among Native Hawaiians, storytelling is a sacred tradition, one that not only preserves the past, but shapes the future.
Moʻolelo are more than tales. They carry mana, values, wisdom, and the lived experiences of generations. Through them, ʻike kūpuna becomes a map, not just of where we’ve been, but where we’re going.
In the world of commerce, we often separate emotion from enterprise. But the most successful businesses, especially those rooted in culture, know that how we tell our story matters just as much as what we sell. Story is strategy. Story is survival.
I was recently at the graduation ceremony of a cohort of entrepreneurs. I had the privilege of teaching a segment. Each participant spent months refining their business idea. In class, many of them spoke with clarity and passion. They could explain their value proposition, their target customer, and their “why.”
At graduation, when it came time to introduce themselves and share a few words, some struggled. A few couldn’t say what their business was without looking at their phone. Understandably, these new entrepreneurs who invested so much time to make their dream a reality were nervous.
This isn’t about judgment, it’s about a skill we need to re-invest in: the ability to communicate effectively, in person, in real time, with confidence and pono.
We’ve all heard that public speaking is one of the most common fears, even greater than death. After years of COVID-19 and digital isolation, that fear, lack of skill, or indifference seems to have only grown. But it’s a skill that can be learned.
Here’s what I’ve learned, and what I now teach:
- Know your message. Be clear on what you need to say, especially your key points.
- Speak it aloud. Practice until it flows. Don’t memorize every word; know the beats.
- Record yourself. Listen back. It will sharpen your delivery.
- Connect. Eye contact. Realness. Ask a question. Make it a conversation.
- Seek feedback. From someone who will be honest about what they heard, and what they didn’t.
- Know your goal. What do you want your audience to do, feel, or remember?
At the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, we’re working to grow businesses, and voices. We want to empower our members and community to know their story, and tell it with power, clarity, and aloha.
Moʻolelo isn’t just something inherited, it’s something that is lived. Whether in ceremony, in commerce, or in a classroom, the way we speak reflects the way we lead.
So…tell your story. Tell it well. And have fun.
For more information or questions email [email protected] or call 808-208-5816.
