Three Impactful Notes for Speakers & Authors

No matter your taste in music, there is no denying that music moves us. Be it a complex symphony, or the simplicity of a three note melody, there is power in music that resonates with all of us, and there are lessons that speakers and authors can learn from music and the musicians that bring it to life.

If you haven’t seen the video by Axis of Awesome and its compilation of four-chord songs, it is entertaining to say the least. As a musician myself, I almost felt cheated when I discovered the simplicity of the four-chord phenomenon. Masterpieces such as Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” no longer seemed original, just the same chords played over and over again in different patterns. But when you reflect, isn’t that really all that music is? There are only 12 notes, and yet thousands of songs have been created from different patterns of just those notes. Centuries haven’t kept us from creating countless new combinations of timeless music. Even more astonishing is that many people can hear the first three notes of a song and name the tune almost immediately. Think about that for a minute. How is that possible? Centuries of countless combinations and in just three notes we can detect a song’s uniqueness. Why? Because we can feel it.

That same dynamic can be said for speakers with their unique tone, and authors with their writing style. Over the centuries there have been tens of thousands of books written and speeches given, many with similar titles and content. But the most memorable and impactful keynote speeches and books are recognized not by what the speaker or author says, but by how they say it. 

?? Impactful Speakers and Authors make their audiences feel their words. 

A second lesson can be learned from musicians. They seem to have a unique, genuine, and authentic fellowship with each other, bonded by the art of discovering new sound combinations, a mutual appreciation for the self-discipline required to develop their skills, and the adversity of criticism and rejection that come from performing in the public eye. If you observe musicians and how they interact with each other, there is an immediate spirit of collaboration, not competition. In all honesty, I’ve watched in envy several pianists and vocalists more talented than myself. I struggled with this for years until I came across Roy Noland’s book, “The Heart of the Artist.” This read has been pivotal over the years in helping me recognize those moments and reprogram my thinking. Noland’s book also did something else in allowing me to appreciate all expressions of art and communication, and the endless possibilities that can happen through choosing a spirit of collaboration in place of comparison.

Speakers and authors have a similar fellowship. Many speakers quote those who have gone before them, and authors quote other authors in their own books. There is such a powerful moment of humility in this practice. By choosing to quote others, we transport our audiences from where they are to somewhere else; we invite them to go on a brief journey with us to listen to someone else. It’s as if for a moment we step out of the page or walk off the stage and take the seat next to them. Quoting others may seem to give us credibility, but it actually does so much more. When we choose to take the attention off of ourselves and place it on others, we build relatability, which is essential to human collaboration and the foundation for world-changing impact. The most impactful speakers and authors are those who speak and write, not for self promotion, but because they want to change the world through their work. 

?? Impactful Speakers and Authors collaborate and edify others. 

Perhaps the greatest lesson we can learn from music is it’s very purpose. Music is not intended to draw attention to itself, but rather to the stories of the lyrics within it. Even classical and jazz pieces with no words seem to tell a story as they become the soundtrack of the moment we are in or perhaps of memories gone by. The music is a spotlight, shining on something other than itself. 

All authors in their work tell a story, as do speakers. Stories engage and inspire us, they impact us and move us. The most effective authors and speakers share stories not of themselves, but of others. Think about it: Would you rather read an autobiography or a novel? Much like music, authors and speakers who find themselves in the center of their purpose, mastering their craft, have learned the art of shining the spotlight on something or someone other than themselves. 

?? Impactful speakers and authors choose to be the spotlight, rather than to be in the spotlight. 

Imagine a speaker or author whose words are so tangible that you can literally feel them.

Imagine several speakers and authors coming together to collaborate and edify one another, focused on inspiring their listeners, in an effort to positively impact them.

Imagine them as spotlights shining on a purpose greater than themselves.

Now imagine you are one of them ... What a beautiful symphony that would be. 

Read more at www.DavinSalvagno.com or book Davin to speak by visiting www.PurposePoint.com