…is probably the worst advice anyone can give to you when preparing for something unusual like a speech or an important meeting. I always found “be yourself” as external advice very confusing.
I believe that your behavior is always a consequence of the surrounding context. Anything else would probably be considered unsociable, weird or both.
I think a better approach when facing a new challenge, is to prepare yourself. Find out as much about the event as possible beforehand. Work out the context and develop an empathetic understanding of your audiences’ state of mind when they will meet you.
Once you have that understanding build a metaphorical bridge and meet them there. But don’t simply deliver “it” at their doorstep. Invite them to follow you and show them your great idea. If you put this into action, I’m pretty sure that your audience will walk away with something of value.
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