From Stutter to Stage: How I Built Media Authority
- Rich "Trigger" Bontrager
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
I wasn’t supposed to end up here.
If you had met me as a kid, you probably wouldn’t have picked “professional broadcaster” as my future career. Not because I didn’t have ideas or passion—but because speaking itself was a challenge. I grew up with a stutter. And like many who’ve experienced it, I became very familiar with hesitation, frustration, and the quiet decision to stay silent when speaking felt too difficult.
But something interesting happened over time.
Instead of running from communication, I leaned into it.
Not all at once. Not perfectly. But consistently.
And over the past 30+ years, that decision led me to a career behind the mic and in front of the camera—hosting shows, interviewing leaders, and helping others find their voice.
Along the way, I discovered a truth that completely changed how I view communication and how I built Media Authority:
It’s not about sounding perfect—
It’s about showing up real.
In today’s digital world, where so much leadership happens through a lens, this matters more than ever. Studies have shown that a large portion of communication impact comes from non-verbal signals—how you look, how you sound, how you carry yourself. That means when you show up on video, people are responding to more than your words.
They’re responding to you.
And that’s where many leaders struggle.
They overthink. They try to perform. They wait until they feel “ready.”
I get it—because I’ve been there.
But here’s what my journey taught me:
Your presence matters more than your polish
Your authenticity builds more trust than your scripting
Your consistency creates more confidence than waiting ever will
Ironically, my stutter became one of my greatest teachers. It forced me to slow down, to be intentional, and to connect on a deeper level—skills that are now essential for any leader who wants to communicate effectively on camera.
So if you’ve ever felt unsure, awkward, or hesitant to show up on video… you’re not alone.
But you don’t have to stay there.
Here’s how I help leaders show up more personably and real…Through coaching, audits, and keynote presentations, I help leaders build confidence on camera, elevate their virtual presence, and communicate in ways that build trust and connection.
Because the world doesn’t need more perfect voices.
It needs more real ones.
Let's connect and see if I can help you grow and expand your Virtual Leadership.
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