The revelation is made in the media mogul’s latest book, The Path Made Clear.
In the book, the 65-year-old speaks about how when she started she had a ‘pretend anchor voice’ to impress her audience.
Detailing her first day at work for the Baltimore TV show 'People Are Talking' in August of 1978, Oprah recalls, “Up until then I'd been a news anchor and reporter. I was terrible. I knew it. My bosses knew it and certainly made no secret of their feelings”.
The media mogul recalls how they often told her, “I was the wrong colour, the wrong size and that I showed too much emotion”.
Criticism that meant “I never felt comfortable in my own skin. Even now, when I look back on the tapes, I can still hear the pretend anchor voice I used on air”.
Despite the difficulties, Oprah is grateful for the experience as it set her on a path to discovering what she wanted to do.
“After one day on this local talk show I was energised in a way that fuelled every cell of my being,” she said. “There was no doubt that the seeds of what was to give my life meaning and purpose had been planted. That day my job ended and my calling began.”
In the book, Oprah also shares tips to help readers looking for their own path in life. She advises them “to begin by articulating their vision, finding their intention and executing the plan”.
She also adds that, “The true meaning of courage is to be afraid - and then, with your knees knocking and your heart racing, take the leap anyway”.
Sources: Daily Mail, Good Reads
