Finding Your Voice: From Silence to Self-Expression | Dr. Antje Bothin | TEDxHSRW

Dr Antje Bothin, an assertive communication coach and author based in Scotland, talks about reclaiming one's voice as a driver of personal change, professional growth and stronger relationships. She draws on her own path from being a nearly silent child with selective mutism to becoming a calm, confident leader, poet and performer. Her central point is that assertiveness means acting with self-respect rather than speaking loudly, and that people can rebuild their confidence whatever their past. The talk was given at a TEDx event organised independently by a local community.

• Reclaiming your voice as a route to personal and professional growth
• Personal journey from selective mutism to calm confidence
• Assertiveness as self-respect in action, not loudness
• Rebuilding and rising regardless of past experience

In her talk, Antje explores the power of reclaiming your voice as a catalyst for personal transformation, professional growth and meaningful connection. Her work is shaped by her own journey from a once near-silent child with selective mutism to a calmly confident leader, poet and performer. She shows that assertiveness is not loudness but self‑respect in action and that no matter your past, you can rebuild, rise and reclaim your voice. Filmed and edited by Fotocinema (Arkadiusz Tomala). Dr Antje Bothin is an assertive communication coach, trauma‑informed trainer and published author of several books based in Scotland. Originally from Germany, she writes poetry and stories about nature and wellbeing highlighting the resilience found in everyday life. Drawing on her academic background and lived experience, she helps people to find their voice, shine their light and speak with calm authority in high‑stakes conversations. As the founder of Assertive Voices, she empowers individuals to replace self‑silencing with calm confidence. In her talk, Antje explores the power of reclaiming your voice as a catalyst for personal transformation, professional growth and meaningful connection. Her work is shaped by her own journey from a once near-silent child with selective mutism to a calmly confident leader, poet and performer. She shows that assertiveness is not loudness but self‑respect in action and that no matter your past, you can rebuild, rise and reclaim your voice. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx