Who should be my role model for speaking?
The following comes from TJ Walker’s upcoming book “The Wisdom of Your Audience”. Consistently, the worst advice speakers and presenters get, comes from everyone who is NOT your audience. The following gives examples of some of the WORST advice people are often given. It is followed by the advice of your audience. Listen to them. They are your true judge and jury.
Who should be my role model for speaking?
Your Chief legal Counsel: “Johnny Cochrane or F. Lee Bailey.”
Your Public Affairs Director: “Margaret Thatcher or Tony Blair.”
Your CEO: “Steve Jobs or Warren Buffet.”
You: “Joel Osteen, Oprah, I don’t know, help!”
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Your Audience: “Nothing is more annoying than watching a non-actor trying to act like someone they’re not. When we talked to you last week in the lunch room one-on-one you were quite animated, passionate and interesting. When we had a drink at the pub two weeks ago with you, you were quite animated, interesting and passionate talking about your project. But when we see you giving a speech, you seem more subdued, low-key, low energy, and, frankly, a little boring. You need a new role model and that role model should be yourself. We don’t mean the “you” that is nervous and low energy in front of a group of people. We mean the “you” when you are talking to just one or two other people.”