GET OVER YOURSELF!
That's right. I said it.
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GET OVER YOURSELF!
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After 30+ years of watching and listening to speakers on five continents, I needed to say it.
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Too many speakers have made ONE SIMPLE MISTAKE, missing gilded opportunities to be impactful.
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They try TOO HARD to be POLISHED…to be PERFECT.
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This concept first hit me in the face after a conversation with my friend, Morgan McArthur, DVM, the 1994 World Champion of Public Speaking.
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We became friends after Morgan defeated me in the 1994 International Speech Contest Final.
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He told me about an exchange he had with a few friends the night before the contest. Here’s a paraphrased version:
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“Hey, Morgan! A few of us are going to have a drink. Join us!”
“No. I have to go work on my speech.”
“Are you kidding? The contest is at 9am. Your speech should be locked and loaded by now! You shouldn’t make last-minute changes. What are you, NUTS?” ?
“Nah. It’s not that. I just have to take some of the polish off.”
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‘Take some of the POLISH OFF.’
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WOW!
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The next morning, Morgan took the stage…and the FIRST-PLACE trophy.
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He was poignant, funny, and conversational, receiving applause IN THE MIDDLE of his presentation…which RARELY happens.
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领英推荐
He wasn’t poised, polished, and perfect.
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Morgan was PRESENT.
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He was REAL.
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Morgan gave himself permission to GET OVER HIMSELF and to focus on his AUDIENCE. ?
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I’m not saying you shouldn’t care about your appearance and your performance. But as my friend and fellow speaker/trainer Darren LaCroix, CSP, AS, WCPS always says,
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“Don’t be PERFECT; be PRESENT.”
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We all want to look good and present well; I get it.
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But excessive focus on looking good will dilute your VALUE.
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It’s NOT about you; it’s about your AUDIENCE.
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They are more interested in your solutions to their problems than in how good you look on stage.
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Serve THEM.
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GET OVER YOURSELF!
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Writer | Researcher | Podcaster | 3x District Champion, Toastmasters Int' | Public Speaker | Trainer | Digital Artist
1 年Such a wonderful thought. Don't be perfect, be present. Will try that right away when I am on stage next time. :)
Founder of BostonSpeaks | Public Speaking Anxiety Expert | Harvard Business School Speaking Coach | Cat Dad ??
1 年Well said
Realtor?- Guiding home owners sell/buy & Invest to create additional streams of income and build wealth. | Podcaster & Host of SmallBizSpotlight Show | Member of Toastmasters.
1 年As they say, BE YOU BE Authentic We often use procrastination under the guise of "my speech/presentation is NOT perfect" as we are often afraid of failure. Then I realized it is better DONE than PERFECT! Practice makes you better!
Top-Rated Opening Keynote Speaker | World Champion Speaker | Expert in Engaging and Energizing Conference Audiences
1 年Well said, coach Brown! Most wont due to ego
AVP, Marian University of Wisconsin
1 年Great story about Dr. Morgan McArthur, Mark. I feel fortunate to have been in the same room as both of you once and witness the genuine friendship!