If you are intimidated by public speaking of any kind then every possible speaking situation is tied for first as the toughest speaking gig. If you are more like me and yearn, desire, long for, and plan to get as many public speaking gigs as possible because you love the time with your audiences - the toughest ones are easier to define.
I'm not only a professional speaker, I am also a Licensed Minister and submit the two toughest speaking gigs are weddings and funerals. The crowds may be large or small - no worries. The venue may be grand or grim - not a problem. The material is pretty much known by everyone - that's cool. But if you think you are the draw - think again.
Weddings and funerals draw audiences not based upon you, your expertise, your wit and witticisms, your clever strategies for wealth building, or your extensive line of books, CDs, and DVDs. As a matter of fact, the organizers have engaged your services almost by default. You might get picked based upon an existing relationship, but the event is still not about you.
A wedding is all about the bride and groom, and more about the bride. Her wedding is THE most important DAY in HER life. This truth cannot be overstated. Your job is to not screw up - THE most important DAY in HER life. Let the caterer botch the cake and the flower girl wander off to mommy and daddy, but you better be perfect. You are hired because it is assumed you will be perfect. And perfect you must be (no pressure there). After the ceremony, if you have done a spectacular job of being perfect, not a soul will be talking about you. This is a good thing!
A funeral is all about one person, and it ain't you. Your job is to bring words of comfort to people who are grieving the loss of someone they dearly loved. You have not met most of the people you are to comfort. You may not have met any of the people you are to comfort! You may come from a Christian tradition, as I do, and the deceased, by all accounts, was as far from faith in Christ as Miami is from Honolulu. Yikes! Yet comfort you must. After the service, if you have done a spectacular job of bringing comfort, not a soul will be talking about you. Again - this is a good thing!
Compared to weddings and funerals, an impromptu 30 minute speech to suicide bombers on the benefits of real estate investing is a breeze! But I'll take the weddings and funerals every time they're offered. Weddings and funerals are the toughest gigs going. Not coincidentally, they are the most personally rewarding. And this you can take to the bank . . . there is no greater privilege than to use your gift of oral eloquence in the service of those who, for one vitally important day, need you to be perfect.
Fearlessly,
JD
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The Recording Studio
Recently, I set about a plan to record devotionals. I don't have a recording studio I can access, nor do I have a so-called desk studio in my home. The high-value, low cost shock mount mic is still at the local music store. My subscription to Voice 1-2-3 remains fun to watch, and the only mixer I have access to is made by Sunbeam.
What's a speaker and budding recording artist to do??
Use your imagination. With that very thought in mind, I picked up my smartphone, swept my app screens to the left and stopped on the Voice Recorder. A gentle tap, the app opened, I tapped record and started talking. Problem was...I was in the house. Family, neighbors, animals and all manner of noisy life tend to ignore the sign on your head that says ON AIR.
I was forced to retreat to the only available haven for peace, the only retreat for solitude...my Bronco. That's right. A classic, 1995 Ford Bronco (351 V-8, Cleveland Block, just sayin') was calling my name and beckoning me to slide behind the wheel and go for a ride. Don't know if you've ever sought peace and quiet in a Bronco. I'll say this: Peace - a state of mind - is possible. Quiet - a state of noise - is not.
This is where imagination came to the rescue. My thought was why not make this devotional series real and raw? Forget the sterility of a studio with its sound engineers and 256 track board! Forget the desk studio and the eggcrate cone of silence! I say give me hundreds of ponies under the hood, and ambient sound that would make Mad Max proud!
My first Bronco Devotional turned out to be quite a success. The mic on the smartphone (samsung, android) is actually pretty good. There was never a time that I had to wonder what it was I said because the entire 12-minutes was clear as a bell! I converted it to MP3 and had a keeper. The road noise actually added an interesting backdrop and lent an edge of authenticity to my remarks. No script while driving. You either know the material or you don't.
Recall when those TV shows began to use a camera that seemed to move all over the place? I think it was NYPD Blue that broke the ground for that trend. After feeling an initial irritation, I realized the genius behind the ploy; I concentrated all the more on the center of the frame. And so it is with the Bronco Devotionals - listeners pay close attention to the 'center' of the sound.
Want to record for an audience? Want to podcast? Want to burn to CD for giveaway or sale? Get your imagination involved and create opportunities! If you want to succeed, you will. If you want to make excuses...you will. Don't make excuses, make successes. The recording studio is where you choose. Turn on your mic, but first turn on your imagination.
Fearlessly,
JD
What's a speaker and budding recording artist to do??
Use your imagination. With that very thought in mind, I picked up my smartphone, swept my app screens to the left and stopped on the Voice Recorder. A gentle tap, the app opened, I tapped record and started talking. Problem was...I was in the house. Family, neighbors, animals and all manner of noisy life tend to ignore the sign on your head that says ON AIR.
I was forced to retreat to the only available haven for peace, the only retreat for solitude...my Bronco. That's right. A classic, 1995 Ford Bronco (351 V-8, Cleveland Block, just sayin') was calling my name and beckoning me to slide behind the wheel and go for a ride. Don't know if you've ever sought peace and quiet in a Bronco. I'll say this: Peace - a state of mind - is possible. Quiet - a state of noise - is not.
This is where imagination came to the rescue. My thought was why not make this devotional series real and raw? Forget the sterility of a studio with its sound engineers and 256 track board! Forget the desk studio and the eggcrate cone of silence! I say give me hundreds of ponies under the hood, and ambient sound that would make Mad Max proud!
My first Bronco Devotional turned out to be quite a success. The mic on the smartphone (samsung, android) is actually pretty good. There was never a time that I had to wonder what it was I said because the entire 12-minutes was clear as a bell! I converted it to MP3 and had a keeper. The road noise actually added an interesting backdrop and lent an edge of authenticity to my remarks. No script while driving. You either know the material or you don't.
Recall when those TV shows began to use a camera that seemed to move all over the place? I think it was NYPD Blue that broke the ground for that trend. After feeling an initial irritation, I realized the genius behind the ploy; I concentrated all the more on the center of the frame. And so it is with the Bronco Devotionals - listeners pay close attention to the 'center' of the sound.
Want to record for an audience? Want to podcast? Want to burn to CD for giveaway or sale? Get your imagination involved and create opportunities! If you want to succeed, you will. If you want to make excuses...you will. Don't make excuses, make successes. The recording studio is where you choose. Turn on your mic, but first turn on your imagination.
Fearlessly,
JD
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Arrive Early...Stay Late
Arrive early, stay late. Not just a recipe for getting the most out of a baseball game, this is the recipe for delivering a speaking homerun!
I learned the truth of this adage years ago when I was scheduled to roll out a new record retrieval process to my company's client, a national insurance company. As is my habit when unfamiliar with a company's location, I arrive in the area as much as an hour early if time permits. It is important to avoid unnecessary distractions prior to speaking, and feeling rushed is the easiest distraction to eliminate. On this particular day, I was about thirty minutes early to the assembly.
Arrive Early
As the Southeast Regional Sales Manager it was my job to be the face of the program, and to answer any questions the affected insurance company staff might have. The paralegals tasked with record retrieval in defense of personal injury claims were my audience that day, and about 50 were scheduled to be in attendance. By arriving early I was able to meet with the lady who organized the gathering. She provided invaluable insights as to the general mood in her office regarding the change in procedure her company was undertaking.
After chatting for about ten minutes, I was shown to the auditorium where I would speak. She briefed me on their sound system, gave me the mic to use, showed me how to use their overhead projector, and the entrance the paralegals would use. All that was left was to walk the room and get comfortable with the stage, which I did.
Five minutes prior to the start of the meeting paralegals began to trickle in. As they did, I was able to engage them individually, learn their names, and (this is important) not discuss the whole point of the meeting. Why not mention it? Well we were about to spend 45 minutes discussing the new procedures with a Q&A to follow. But I wanted the audience to view me as a person with whom they could relate; someone there to make their life easier rather than as a bureaucrat with an agenda.
I was able to meet, greet, and discover personal information about five of the paralegals, and as an added bonus these five professionals sat with other of their colleagues. This gave me five 'friends' spread across the room. During my remarks I was able to personalize the new procedures by noting how they would help Bob or Nancy, for example, do their job. For a laugh I poked fun at the guy who graduated from a college known to be a rival of my own school. Because of the pre-meeting interaction the atmosphere was lighter and the new procedures were more readily embraced.
Stay Late
Having been in the audience of many Q&A sessions, I can tell you that all the Q's don't get A'd. Plan your allotted time for the speaking engagement so that you can hang around afterwards for at least ten minutes. It is not necessary to reserve twenty or thirty minutes. Being available for just ten minutes afterwards shows a commitment on your part to the people who are expected to implement the process, procedure, or program you have just introduced.
The good news keeps coming. If unable to give adequate attention to the remaining questions, you can schedule face-to-face follow up meetings with smaller groups on or offsite the company campus. If interest warrants you may also address the entire assembly again, further cementing your position as the subject matter expert and reliable partner in the new program.
Now think about 'Arrive Early, Stay Late' in terms of a paid speaking gig....
Bearing in mind the strategies above, by arriving early and staying late at a paid gig, you reinforce your fees, increase back-of-the-room sales, and solidify your relationship with the client. Word of mouth with Event Planners affiliated with the gig talk, and the talk will be about your willingness to go above and beyond for their clients. It will be noted that you are a true professional, and your business will increase accordingly. Arrive early, stay late. Be the professional other professionals can count on.
Fearlessly,
JD
I learned the truth of this adage years ago when I was scheduled to roll out a new record retrieval process to my company's client, a national insurance company. As is my habit when unfamiliar with a company's location, I arrive in the area as much as an hour early if time permits. It is important to avoid unnecessary distractions prior to speaking, and feeling rushed is the easiest distraction to eliminate. On this particular day, I was about thirty minutes early to the assembly.
Arrive Early
As the Southeast Regional Sales Manager it was my job to be the face of the program, and to answer any questions the affected insurance company staff might have. The paralegals tasked with record retrieval in defense of personal injury claims were my audience that day, and about 50 were scheduled to be in attendance. By arriving early I was able to meet with the lady who organized the gathering. She provided invaluable insights as to the general mood in her office regarding the change in procedure her company was undertaking.
After chatting for about ten minutes, I was shown to the auditorium where I would speak. She briefed me on their sound system, gave me the mic to use, showed me how to use their overhead projector, and the entrance the paralegals would use. All that was left was to walk the room and get comfortable with the stage, which I did.
Five minutes prior to the start of the meeting paralegals began to trickle in. As they did, I was able to engage them individually, learn their names, and (this is important) not discuss the whole point of the meeting. Why not mention it? Well we were about to spend 45 minutes discussing the new procedures with a Q&A to follow. But I wanted the audience to view me as a person with whom they could relate; someone there to make their life easier rather than as a bureaucrat with an agenda.
I was able to meet, greet, and discover personal information about five of the paralegals, and as an added bonus these five professionals sat with other of their colleagues. This gave me five 'friends' spread across the room. During my remarks I was able to personalize the new procedures by noting how they would help Bob or Nancy, for example, do their job. For a laugh I poked fun at the guy who graduated from a college known to be a rival of my own school. Because of the pre-meeting interaction the atmosphere was lighter and the new procedures were more readily embraced.
Stay Late
Having been in the audience of many Q&A sessions, I can tell you that all the Q's don't get A'd. Plan your allotted time for the speaking engagement so that you can hang around afterwards for at least ten minutes. It is not necessary to reserve twenty or thirty minutes. Being available for just ten minutes afterwards shows a commitment on your part to the people who are expected to implement the process, procedure, or program you have just introduced.
The good news keeps coming. If unable to give adequate attention to the remaining questions, you can schedule face-to-face follow up meetings with smaller groups on or offsite the company campus. If interest warrants you may also address the entire assembly again, further cementing your position as the subject matter expert and reliable partner in the new program.
Now think about 'Arrive Early, Stay Late' in terms of a paid speaking gig....
Bearing in mind the strategies above, by arriving early and staying late at a paid gig, you reinforce your fees, increase back-of-the-room sales, and solidify your relationship with the client. Word of mouth with Event Planners affiliated with the gig talk, and the talk will be about your willingness to go above and beyond for their clients. It will be noted that you are a true professional, and your business will increase accordingly. Arrive early, stay late. Be the professional other professionals can count on.
Fearlessly,
JD
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Inspiration is Everywhere
From where does inspiration come? For those who make the effort to be aware of all that is going on around us each day, to learn from conversations with clients, customers, prospects, friends, family, and to stay attuned to the deeper meaning in the personal issues of life there is found a wealth of material for speeches. Life is such an amazing school! Inherent in our daily activities are opportunities to learn if only we will receive the education.
Bear in mind it takes sensitivity to redeem the input and convert it to a message capable of stirring motivation in an audience. We must be sensitive to what can be gleaned from the input received if we are to turn the information into a universally profitable experience.
As an example - let's say you are in a bit of a rush for lunch and decide to drop in to a fast food restaurant. The best option is an establishment with an indoor play area for children, and the only available table is near the playground. While seated for lunch, you have set a goal of checking your smartphone for emails and text messages, and to returning those which can be addressed quickly. Thirty minutes is allotted for lunch and smartphone tasks then it's back on the highway.
After ordering your meal, making yourself comfortable, and fine tuning the delicate interplay of phone, fries, napkin, sandwich, napkin, and drink, the unexpected occurs. On this particular day, you have arrived at a restaurant which caters to a large, local daycare. A portion of every dollar spent on meals today will be re-directed to the daycare facility to buy supplies.
Not only is the restaurant suddenly flooded with participating parents, but also the objects of the corporate affection, dozens of four and five-year olds. You are seated at the epicenter of seismic activity! Suddenly, it is impossible to remain engaged in your business as you are only desiring to choke down the food fast and get back on the road...texting can wait.
But wait! All around you are crowd control measures you were once practiced in when you took your own children to the local burger or chicken joint for a quick bite. The frenetic pace of children running to and fro, the parents thinking little Sally or Tommy will actually eat the food in front of them, the child crying for no apparent reason, and the other patrons who share your pending indigestion are a live show for which you have a front row seat!
Take mental notes, jot down ideas as they come, but whatever you do please do not miss the opportunity to absorb this small slice of life, and to take from it lessons for a future audience. The only lesson might be a greater need to slow down and stop rushing, but that's a speech. The laughter of children; their tremendous energy level; beleaguered parents; their diminishing energy level; and the efforts of the restaurant staff are all ripe for lessons you may add to your speaking repertoire.
Be alert friends! Your portfolio of speech programming is increasing all around you. A buffet of material unfolds each day to those who are open to the inspiration. Be one of those who knows inspiration when it arrives...and learns from it.
Fearlessly,
JD
Bear in mind it takes sensitivity to redeem the input and convert it to a message capable of stirring motivation in an audience. We must be sensitive to what can be gleaned from the input received if we are to turn the information into a universally profitable experience.
As an example - let's say you are in a bit of a rush for lunch and decide to drop in to a fast food restaurant. The best option is an establishment with an indoor play area for children, and the only available table is near the playground. While seated for lunch, you have set a goal of checking your smartphone for emails and text messages, and to returning those which can be addressed quickly. Thirty minutes is allotted for lunch and smartphone tasks then it's back on the highway.
After ordering your meal, making yourself comfortable, and fine tuning the delicate interplay of phone, fries, napkin, sandwich, napkin, and drink, the unexpected occurs. On this particular day, you have arrived at a restaurant which caters to a large, local daycare. A portion of every dollar spent on meals today will be re-directed to the daycare facility to buy supplies.
Not only is the restaurant suddenly flooded with participating parents, but also the objects of the corporate affection, dozens of four and five-year olds. You are seated at the epicenter of seismic activity! Suddenly, it is impossible to remain engaged in your business as you are only desiring to choke down the food fast and get back on the road...texting can wait.
But wait! All around you are crowd control measures you were once practiced in when you took your own children to the local burger or chicken joint for a quick bite. The frenetic pace of children running to and fro, the parents thinking little Sally or Tommy will actually eat the food in front of them, the child crying for no apparent reason, and the other patrons who share your pending indigestion are a live show for which you have a front row seat!
Take mental notes, jot down ideas as they come, but whatever you do please do not miss the opportunity to absorb this small slice of life, and to take from it lessons for a future audience. The only lesson might be a greater need to slow down and stop rushing, but that's a speech. The laughter of children; their tremendous energy level; beleaguered parents; their diminishing energy level; and the efforts of the restaurant staff are all ripe for lessons you may add to your speaking repertoire.
Be alert friends! Your portfolio of speech programming is increasing all around you. A buffet of material unfolds each day to those who are open to the inspiration. Be one of those who knows inspiration when it arrives...and learns from it.
Fearlessly,
JD
Monday, June 11, 2012
Design, Purpose, Passion, Destiny
We have a very specific design, although our individual designs are all different. My physical design includes my appearance, the way I prefer to dress (www.pinterest.com/jdthespeaker), how my brain processes and absorbs information, and how my lungs, diaphragm, vocal chords, and tongue turn sound into speech. My design is also intangible. I have life and educational experiences unique to me, related to both nurture and nature, which inform my knowledge base, worldview, and opinions.
My purpose is linked to my design. Because of my design, my purpose is more achievable. With a different appearance, voice quality, or ability to translate thought into speech my specific purpose would either be impossible or different. But that is not so. My purpose is to encourage others. I have coined the phrase, "Be better than you've been, and do more than you've done," to identify the goal of my message.
The message finds an audience based upon more than just design and purpose however. There has to be passion for a thing to drive its pursuit. Without the passion to see men and women become all they are meant to be in this life, my design and purpose would fail. If you have no demonstrable passion for a particular pursuit - any moral and legal one will do - then your design is wasted, and your purpose will go unfulfilled. However those of us who do have a passion are led directly and correctly into a life of destiny.
You see none of us are here by accident. No cosmic coincidence has resulted in this planet's ridiculously amazing and diverse flora and fauna. There is design inherent in all the natural world. I laugh sometimes at the thought of wild animals having a 'fear' of man (we can't out-run them, out-swim them, out-climb them, without weapons defend ourselves, and should by no means, apart from being well-armed, attack them).
But because life on this planet follows that design (our dominion), we are free to discern our purpose, pursue our passion, and live a life of destiny. The destiny of the person who embraces their design, identifies their purpose, and pursues their passion is a journey comprised of learning and living. Consciously or not, with passion in our lives we will work each day to be better than we have been, and to do more than we have done.
I know people whose design and purpose has resulted in passions for hunting, music, making friends, sports, real estate, selling, starting businesses, acting, medicine, law, and on and on. (hint: there's a reason not everyone wants to be a doctor...) We have different designs, purposes to achieve, and passions to propel us. Our destiny awaits!
For more on defining YOUR passion, and living YOUR destiny, read my book, Be Known for Your DEEDS. It's available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com.
Fearlessly,
JD
My purpose is linked to my design. Because of my design, my purpose is more achievable. With a different appearance, voice quality, or ability to translate thought into speech my specific purpose would either be impossible or different. But that is not so. My purpose is to encourage others. I have coined the phrase, "Be better than you've been, and do more than you've done," to identify the goal of my message.
The message finds an audience based upon more than just design and purpose however. There has to be passion for a thing to drive its pursuit. Without the passion to see men and women become all they are meant to be in this life, my design and purpose would fail. If you have no demonstrable passion for a particular pursuit - any moral and legal one will do - then your design is wasted, and your purpose will go unfulfilled. However those of us who do have a passion are led directly and correctly into a life of destiny.
You see none of us are here by accident. No cosmic coincidence has resulted in this planet's ridiculously amazing and diverse flora and fauna. There is design inherent in all the natural world. I laugh sometimes at the thought of wild animals having a 'fear' of man (we can't out-run them, out-swim them, out-climb them, without weapons defend ourselves, and should by no means, apart from being well-armed, attack them).
But because life on this planet follows that design (our dominion), we are free to discern our purpose, pursue our passion, and live a life of destiny. The destiny of the person who embraces their design, identifies their purpose, and pursues their passion is a journey comprised of learning and living. Consciously or not, with passion in our lives we will work each day to be better than we have been, and to do more than we have done.
I know people whose design and purpose has resulted in passions for hunting, music, making friends, sports, real estate, selling, starting businesses, acting, medicine, law, and on and on. (hint: there's a reason not everyone wants to be a doctor...) We have different designs, purposes to achieve, and passions to propel us. Our destiny awaits!
For more on defining YOUR passion, and living YOUR destiny, read my book, Be Known for Your DEEDS. It's available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com.
Fearlessly,
JD
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Passion Without Action, Say It Ain't So!
Shortly after I had the revelation of my design and purpose - to encourage men and women to be better than they've been and do more than they've done by defining their passion (design/purpose), then living it out, I had another revelation. I discovered that passion defined did not equate to passion activated.
Case in point, Jack. Jack's story is told in my new book, Be Known for Your DEEDS (available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com). Unlike me, Jack did not have to ask of the Lord why he is here. He knew as soon as I asked. Without hesitation or equivocation, Jack said his passion is movies. I asked if he wanted to act, direct, produce or what. His answer was D, none of the above.
Jack just loved watching movies. In theaters, on cable, VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray, it mattered not; he just loved watching movies. In response to my assertion that once passion is defined a person will either make a living from that passion, or have a job they enjoy which funds their passion, Jack said, "So how am I supposed to make a living from watching movies?"
I accepted the challenge, and said, "Become a professional movie critic." He scoffed at that suggestion, and then scoffed at my assertion that he could still be 'passion-employed' by contacting a local free newspaper, and offering to be their unpaid movie critic. I suspected that if a free paper had such a column it was most likely syndicated. How beneficial to end the syndication fee, and have local talent on the ground for free!
Jack wasn't interested. It took me a minute to process that. I had been excited beyond measure when my passion was defined! Here I am four years later blogging about it. Jack didn't believe a newspaper would do what I suggested (no call to check??), and besides why do something and not get paid? Call me old-fashioned, but isn't there room for enjoyment in life apart from monetary gain?
Sure there is! It's why we volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, coach our children's soccer team, learn to ski, go rock-climbing, buy a bicycle, jump out of a plane, or...watch movies! Hello!
So if your passion is defined - do something about it. It makes absolutely no sense to me that anyone could know their passion (design/purpose), and do nothing. Just cannot wrap my brain around that kind of indifference. It's not a hobby being contemplated it's the actual key to one's destiny and reason for being! Ah, well. You can lead a horse to water....
Fearlessly,
JD
Case in point, Jack. Jack's story is told in my new book, Be Known for Your DEEDS (available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com). Unlike me, Jack did not have to ask of the Lord why he is here. He knew as soon as I asked. Without hesitation or equivocation, Jack said his passion is movies. I asked if he wanted to act, direct, produce or what. His answer was D, none of the above.
Jack just loved watching movies. In theaters, on cable, VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray, it mattered not; he just loved watching movies. In response to my assertion that once passion is defined a person will either make a living from that passion, or have a job they enjoy which funds their passion, Jack said, "So how am I supposed to make a living from watching movies?"
I accepted the challenge, and said, "Become a professional movie critic." He scoffed at that suggestion, and then scoffed at my assertion that he could still be 'passion-employed' by contacting a local free newspaper, and offering to be their unpaid movie critic. I suspected that if a free paper had such a column it was most likely syndicated. How beneficial to end the syndication fee, and have local talent on the ground for free!
Jack wasn't interested. It took me a minute to process that. I had been excited beyond measure when my passion was defined! Here I am four years later blogging about it. Jack didn't believe a newspaper would do what I suggested (no call to check??), and besides why do something and not get paid? Call me old-fashioned, but isn't there room for enjoyment in life apart from monetary gain?
Sure there is! It's why we volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, coach our children's soccer team, learn to ski, go rock-climbing, buy a bicycle, jump out of a plane, or...watch movies! Hello!
So if your passion is defined - do something about it. It makes absolutely no sense to me that anyone could know their passion (design/purpose), and do nothing. Just cannot wrap my brain around that kind of indifference. It's not a hobby being contemplated it's the actual key to one's destiny and reason for being! Ah, well. You can lead a horse to water....
Fearlessly,
JD
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Childhood Evidence
One of the central messages I deliver to audiences is the idea that as early as childhood the passion for a thing will have manifested. As an example, one can easily peg me in two categories professionally, speaker and writer. I am without doubt living out my passion and walking in my destiny! It is hard to describe how blessed I feel each day to know that I know why I'm here on this planet, and am living that purpose.
The evidence in my childhood points to both speaking and writing. Joke-teller, 'star' of Rumplestiltskin in the 3rd grade, a role in the Christmas play in the 5th grade, a student organizer of Hippy Day at my elementary school in the 6th grade (made it on camera for local news coverage!), and on and on. I was also very proud of my handwriting. In the 2nd grade I won a kiss and a pack of M&Ms from my teacher for the best penmanship in my class.
So I wonder if Jacques Cousteau had a fascination for the ocean when he was a boy? Did this man who was instrumental in the development of SCUBA display his passion for the sea in the earliest years of his life? If you are in your 40's or older did you ever miss, 'The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau' when it came on television? Not if you could help it....
The evidence may be a love of baseball that becomes a life in the sport, or a love of music that becomes a life in the arts. Perhaps you were a doodler, or like me and always talking (always!). Maybe you liked putting together puzzles, or seemed destructive because you took everything apart to see how it was made. I am convinced the evidence is there for each of us.
In that evidence are the clues to our individual and personal design; the very foundation of why we are here on this planet. Recall how very different you felt from the other kids, and even from your brothers, sisters, or Mom and Dad? The reason is not bad, but instead a clue which may unlock your destiny.
That clue has virtually nothing to do with your gender, your race, or your ethnicity. It will not promote immorality, illegality, or division. The clues and the evidence they support are instead of the greatest benefit to you and those you love. This evidence, at least that which I discovered, leads to your passion, and passion leads to a life of fulfillment and purpose. Start digging. What does the evidence tell you?
Go to www.LifeThreadCommunications.com and check out my book on this subject, Be Known for Your DEEDS!
Fearlessly,
JD
The evidence in my childhood points to both speaking and writing. Joke-teller, 'star' of Rumplestiltskin in the 3rd grade, a role in the Christmas play in the 5th grade, a student organizer of Hippy Day at my elementary school in the 6th grade (made it on camera for local news coverage!), and on and on. I was also very proud of my handwriting. In the 2nd grade I won a kiss and a pack of M&Ms from my teacher for the best penmanship in my class.
So I wonder if Jacques Cousteau had a fascination for the ocean when he was a boy? Did this man who was instrumental in the development of SCUBA display his passion for the sea in the earliest years of his life? If you are in your 40's or older did you ever miss, 'The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau' when it came on television? Not if you could help it....
The evidence may be a love of baseball that becomes a life in the sport, or a love of music that becomes a life in the arts. Perhaps you were a doodler, or like me and always talking (always!). Maybe you liked putting together puzzles, or seemed destructive because you took everything apart to see how it was made. I am convinced the evidence is there for each of us.
In that evidence are the clues to our individual and personal design; the very foundation of why we are here on this planet. Recall how very different you felt from the other kids, and even from your brothers, sisters, or Mom and Dad? The reason is not bad, but instead a clue which may unlock your destiny.
That clue has virtually nothing to do with your gender, your race, or your ethnicity. It will not promote immorality, illegality, or division. The clues and the evidence they support are instead of the greatest benefit to you and those you love. This evidence, at least that which I discovered, leads to your passion, and passion leads to a life of fulfillment and purpose. Start digging. What does the evidence tell you?
Go to www.LifeThreadCommunications.com and check out my book on this subject, Be Known for Your DEEDS!
Fearlessly,
JD
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Be a Finisher!
I have just finished publishing a book for a gentleman in Florida. He worked diligently, thoughtfully, and finished his manuscript. Then he sent me the completed manuscript which I edited and published. Completion is a beautiful thing.
A dear friend of mine by the name of Dennis Mwanza was visiting with me in 2005. In a Bible Study he led, the message was, Have a Finishing Anointing. You see, many people are terrific at beginning projects. Other folks are equally adept at picking up a project mid-stream, and working it. It seems, however, that far fewer people have the ability to start a project, and see it through to a successful conclusion.
Most projects of any size and difficulty require a tremendous amount of discipline to see them through to completion. Within Discipline (adherence to character) are the Four Keys to Project Completion. #1 is Demonstrate Resolve (determination in the face of opposing odds); #2 is Show Dedication (avoiding the distractions that will arise); #3 is Have Ambition (achievement leading to promotion); and #4 is Provide Leadership (ability to inspire others).
The gentleman in Florida set about to write a book. He began with inspiration like so many do. His inspiration was enough to begin writing. How many get inspired and start strong? When the natural inspiration began to wane, he had to generate his own. He had to remember why he had started the book (project), and the resulting benefit to himself and others once it was completed. Then he had to keep writing. He had to write on the days he loved to write, and he had to write on the days when he'd rather do anything else.
He had to maintain discipline. With discipline he brought his manuscript to completion. A project, more than 100 pages in size, with a difficulty anchored in the unknown - he had never written a book. Who could have blamed him if he threw in the towel 40, 50, or 60 pages in? The excuse would be, "I'm a little burnt out. I'll pick it back up next week," or perhaps, "I've got writer's block. I need some fresh inspiration."
The end result in most cases of 'burn out' or 'writers' block' is months pass, excuses mount, and the project languishes on the scrap heap of other abandoned, inspirations. If you recognize yourself here, then you know the book could be any number of projects we undertake but never quite finish. As my friend from Zambia noted, "We tend to lack a finishing anointing."
The next time inspiration hits try this simple exercise...
1. Find real paper (the back of an envelope will not work!), and write down the inspired idea.
2. Write down the date of the idea
3. Imagine the project completed, and create a start-to-finish outline of your successful project
4. Don't quit this exercise until it is fully realized, and do it in one sitting.
You will have gone further and done more than 99% of the project starters on the planet. You owe yourself a pat on the back, but not a long one. Now sit back down and plot a realistic timeline for completion. Then crank up your discipline, get busy, and finish strong!
Fearlessly,
JD
A dear friend of mine by the name of Dennis Mwanza was visiting with me in 2005. In a Bible Study he led, the message was, Have a Finishing Anointing. You see, many people are terrific at beginning projects. Other folks are equally adept at picking up a project mid-stream, and working it. It seems, however, that far fewer people have the ability to start a project, and see it through to a successful conclusion.
Most projects of any size and difficulty require a tremendous amount of discipline to see them through to completion. Within Discipline (adherence to character) are the Four Keys to Project Completion. #1 is Demonstrate Resolve (determination in the face of opposing odds); #2 is Show Dedication (avoiding the distractions that will arise); #3 is Have Ambition (achievement leading to promotion); and #4 is Provide Leadership (ability to inspire others).
The gentleman in Florida set about to write a book. He began with inspiration like so many do. His inspiration was enough to begin writing. How many get inspired and start strong? When the natural inspiration began to wane, he had to generate his own. He had to remember why he had started the book (project), and the resulting benefit to himself and others once it was completed. Then he had to keep writing. He had to write on the days he loved to write, and he had to write on the days when he'd rather do anything else.
He had to maintain discipline. With discipline he brought his manuscript to completion. A project, more than 100 pages in size, with a difficulty anchored in the unknown - he had never written a book. Who could have blamed him if he threw in the towel 40, 50, or 60 pages in? The excuse would be, "I'm a little burnt out. I'll pick it back up next week," or perhaps, "I've got writer's block. I need some fresh inspiration."
The end result in most cases of 'burn out' or 'writers' block' is months pass, excuses mount, and the project languishes on the scrap heap of other abandoned, inspirations. If you recognize yourself here, then you know the book could be any number of projects we undertake but never quite finish. As my friend from Zambia noted, "We tend to lack a finishing anointing."
The next time inspiration hits try this simple exercise...
1. Find real paper (the back of an envelope will not work!), and write down the inspired idea.
2. Write down the date of the idea
3. Imagine the project completed, and create a start-to-finish outline of your successful project
4. Don't quit this exercise until it is fully realized, and do it in one sitting.
You will have gone further and done more than 99% of the project starters on the planet. You owe yourself a pat on the back, but not a long one. Now sit back down and plot a realistic timeline for completion. Then crank up your discipline, get busy, and finish strong!
Fearlessly,
JD
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Destined for Success
How many of us believe we are destined for success? I used to, then went through a phase that had me doubting anything other than a status quo existence. And the status quo was status low! It caused me to re-examine my life, my priorities, how I did business, how I did relationships, and how I did my faith.
Today I have no doubt that I am destined for success and it's because I have redefined success. I no longer attach success to a robust bank balance, thriving investments, season tickets, expensive toys, or enough botox to keep me wrinkle free until I'm 90. All of those things are nice symptoms of someone's success, and I welcome them as they come...or not.
Success is wrapped up in living out one's destiny. Mother Theresa was an unabashed success, and we would have to conclude that Bill Gates is as well. Delmar Walker, my late Dad, was a success, but he never made much more than 50k in a year. As in the case with Mother Theresa, success is not tied to money. It is tied to passion and destiny.
As of this writing, I don't yet own the boat I want. I don't own the car I'd like or live in the exact house of which I dream. My expensive toys are rather dated and old - not so pricey any longer. No season tickets. The bank account is far from robust, and the wrinkles will just have to add character. But I am in the lane I was born to occupy.
There is a deep satisfaction in that. The cool part is that I am being rebuilt after a fashion that maintains my integrity, my focus, my love of life and people, and will provide the comforts I will never again take for granted. My path to this point is not one I would have chosen for myself, but I rejoice in the strength I've gained, the lessons learned, the new relationships which have been forged, and the clarity with which I see what success really is.
Success is a function of doing that which you are designed to do, and then doing it with all the gusto you can muster. I speak from intimate experience, and now am able to not only tell others how they, too, can achieve success that is sustainable for a lifetime, but I can teach them. It's a cool train.
Fearlessly,
JD
Today I have no doubt that I am destined for success and it's because I have redefined success. I no longer attach success to a robust bank balance, thriving investments, season tickets, expensive toys, or enough botox to keep me wrinkle free until I'm 90. All of those things are nice symptoms of someone's success, and I welcome them as they come...or not.
Success is wrapped up in living out one's destiny. Mother Theresa was an unabashed success, and we would have to conclude that Bill Gates is as well. Delmar Walker, my late Dad, was a success, but he never made much more than 50k in a year. As in the case with Mother Theresa, success is not tied to money. It is tied to passion and destiny.
As of this writing, I don't yet own the boat I want. I don't own the car I'd like or live in the exact house of which I dream. My expensive toys are rather dated and old - not so pricey any longer. No season tickets. The bank account is far from robust, and the wrinkles will just have to add character. But I am in the lane I was born to occupy.
There is a deep satisfaction in that. The cool part is that I am being rebuilt after a fashion that maintains my integrity, my focus, my love of life and people, and will provide the comforts I will never again take for granted. My path to this point is not one I would have chosen for myself, but I rejoice in the strength I've gained, the lessons learned, the new relationships which have been forged, and the clarity with which I see what success really is.
Success is a function of doing that which you are designed to do, and then doing it with all the gusto you can muster. I speak from intimate experience, and now am able to not only tell others how they, too, can achieve success that is sustainable for a lifetime, but I can teach them. It's a cool train.
Fearlessly,
JD
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Wisdom Earned
Wisdom cannot be found lying about like so many pennies and dimes. It will not attach itself to you, and comes not by accident. It is not easily gained, but is worth the time and expense to acquire it. Wisdom's payoff is most obvious when mistakes are not repeated, goals are set and met, and our tongue speaks blessings. Wisdom is not intelligence, but points to it. Intelligence is not wisdom, but is pointless without it.
I don't believe that I am so different from folks in my age demographic. I can look back upon my life and trace the roots and growth of my own wisdom. It's often a humorous exercise as I marvel at the ignorance of my youth, and am yet standing today! Surely this is the definitive in the proof of God's existence. Without Him I am quite sure things would have turned out differently for me.
Wisdom put to use recently, I was engaged in a conversation with one of my coaching clients when the thought crossed my mind to expound more on a speech she was to give. There were some tweaks which would have improved the text, and maybe added a laugh to move the speech along at a better pace. But her confidence level going into the performance of her speech was not so much solid as fluid. Wisdom dictated that I refrain from too much advice, and instead encourage. She 'blue-ribboned' in her Toastmasters club, and when she said, "I couldn't have done it without you," wisdom was vindicated.
The path along which wisdom comes our way is winding, hilly, and laden with exposed roots, loose stones, and low hanging branches - all of which requires our attention. We can navigate the path oblivious to the obstacles, stumbling as we go, but then they will remain obstacles in place for our next jaunt down this particular path. It is when the obstacles are seen for what they truly are - opportunities - that wisdom becomes a companion, growing within us and enriching the experience of the journey.
If time permits, take a meditative pause in your busy day to reflect on activities, relationships, work, or other life experiences which have been enhanced through your accumulated wisdom. Then smile. You are progressing, getting better everyday, and earning the wisdom found in a life well-lived.
Fearlessly,
JD
I don't believe that I am so different from folks in my age demographic. I can look back upon my life and trace the roots and growth of my own wisdom. It's often a humorous exercise as I marvel at the ignorance of my youth, and am yet standing today! Surely this is the definitive in the proof of God's existence. Without Him I am quite sure things would have turned out differently for me.
Wisdom put to use recently, I was engaged in a conversation with one of my coaching clients when the thought crossed my mind to expound more on a speech she was to give. There were some tweaks which would have improved the text, and maybe added a laugh to move the speech along at a better pace. But her confidence level going into the performance of her speech was not so much solid as fluid. Wisdom dictated that I refrain from too much advice, and instead encourage. She 'blue-ribboned' in her Toastmasters club, and when she said, "I couldn't have done it without you," wisdom was vindicated.
The path along which wisdom comes our way is winding, hilly, and laden with exposed roots, loose stones, and low hanging branches - all of which requires our attention. We can navigate the path oblivious to the obstacles, stumbling as we go, but then they will remain obstacles in place for our next jaunt down this particular path. It is when the obstacles are seen for what they truly are - opportunities - that wisdom becomes a companion, growing within us and enriching the experience of the journey.
If time permits, take a meditative pause in your busy day to reflect on activities, relationships, work, or other life experiences which have been enhanced through your accumulated wisdom. Then smile. You are progressing, getting better everyday, and earning the wisdom found in a life well-lived.
Fearlessly,
JD
Monday, May 7, 2012
The Best in You
My unofficial mentor is Jim Rohn. He's 'unofficial' because he passed away last year, and we never met while he was alive. I call him Mentor because of the wealth of wisdom and valuable advice he amassed, and passed along, during his professional career. Wisdom and advice I have leaned upon as I construct a new life in pursuit of my passion for communicating.
Steven R. Covey, famed author of The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, and numerous other works of practical wisdom and insight, has likewise affected how I view the world and my place in it. When I finally committed to read 'Seven Habits' I found I couldn't put it down. Timing is everything, so they say, and my time for his landmark work had come. It became foundational.
What do Alice Walker and James Fenimore Cooper have in common? Me! I count, The Color Purple and Last of the Mohicans among my all-time favorite reads. The Color Purple may be the magnum opus of Ms. Walker's Pulitzer Prize winning career. Told through the eyes and voice of Celie, The Color Purple is a wonderful read.
I love the breadth, the scope, and the cinematography of Michael Mann's screen adaptation of Last of the Mohicans. In major ways it is completely unlike the book, but if you agree with me about the movie, you must read the book. Immerse yourself in the grand scope of one of the all-time classics, Last of the Mohicans.
I am sure you agree that life comes at us from all angles with challenges, obstacles, and opportunities. From these we craft victories, suffer defeats, endure, shut down, cry, shout, laugh, mourn, or just sit in wonderment that we are still alive. I have chosen to be victorious though I have suffered defeats (bankruptcy and foreclosure to name two); to shout frustrations as well as great praises to God, to laugh often, and to mourn those who have passed into God's presence before me.
I still sit in wonderment that I am alive some days, and I thank God for His mercy and faithfulness to have preserved me thus far for the work yet to be done. Today that work consists of encouraging you, the readers of this blog, to find a mentor you can trust to challenge you to raise your game to the stars. Find a book that will reorganize your thinking in such a way as to re-shape how you do business (and how you do 'personal'). Finally, make the time to lose yourself in a really good novel at least once a month.
Seek the best around you and within you, not the average. Then ask yourself the questions that Jim Rohn asked, "Why wouldn't you push to the best you can be? To make all the money you can? To read all the great books you can? To learn all you can? To be the best spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, or friend you can? Why wouldn't you?
Andrew Carnegie said, "The man unable to motivate himself will never rise above mediocrity no matter his talent or his giftings." Make the best in you, the daily you.
Fearlessly,
JD
Steven R. Covey, famed author of The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, and numerous other works of practical wisdom and insight, has likewise affected how I view the world and my place in it. When I finally committed to read 'Seven Habits' I found I couldn't put it down. Timing is everything, so they say, and my time for his landmark work had come. It became foundational.
What do Alice Walker and James Fenimore Cooper have in common? Me! I count, The Color Purple and Last of the Mohicans among my all-time favorite reads. The Color Purple may be the magnum opus of Ms. Walker's Pulitzer Prize winning career. Told through the eyes and voice of Celie, The Color Purple is a wonderful read.
I love the breadth, the scope, and the cinematography of Michael Mann's screen adaptation of Last of the Mohicans. In major ways it is completely unlike the book, but if you agree with me about the movie, you must read the book. Immerse yourself in the grand scope of one of the all-time classics, Last of the Mohicans.
I am sure you agree that life comes at us from all angles with challenges, obstacles, and opportunities. From these we craft victories, suffer defeats, endure, shut down, cry, shout, laugh, mourn, or just sit in wonderment that we are still alive. I have chosen to be victorious though I have suffered defeats (bankruptcy and foreclosure to name two); to shout frustrations as well as great praises to God, to laugh often, and to mourn those who have passed into God's presence before me.
I still sit in wonderment that I am alive some days, and I thank God for His mercy and faithfulness to have preserved me thus far for the work yet to be done. Today that work consists of encouraging you, the readers of this blog, to find a mentor you can trust to challenge you to raise your game to the stars. Find a book that will reorganize your thinking in such a way as to re-shape how you do business (and how you do 'personal'). Finally, make the time to lose yourself in a really good novel at least once a month.
Seek the best around you and within you, not the average. Then ask yourself the questions that Jim Rohn asked, "Why wouldn't you push to the best you can be? To make all the money you can? To read all the great books you can? To learn all you can? To be the best spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, or friend you can? Why wouldn't you?
Andrew Carnegie said, "The man unable to motivate himself will never rise above mediocrity no matter his talent or his giftings." Make the best in you, the daily you.
Fearlessly,
JD
Thursday, April 26, 2012
The Coach in Me
I love people! I can be in a mall or at the beach, on a dinner cruise or in a casino, and I will strike up a conversation with a total stranger. Of course, in my view, there are no strangers only friends I have yet to meet.
While I make no claims on being the life of any party, it is a safe bet that my personality type will seek to add laughter and good feelings to any social occasion. The nature of the good feelings I will freely sow into a crowd are complimentary in nature. I can find something worth noting in everyone. It might be their physical appearance, perhaps their profession, home town, college, or favorite sports team.
Because of my affinity for my fellow humans and willingness to engage in gab, I have added significantly to my knowledge base. This has resulted in an ability to find a commonality in even the most ethnically and culturally diverse gatherings. Which brings me to the topic of coaching.
When I take on a new client who desires to improve their public speaking performance, their professional presentation skills, or to improve their spoken English language skills, they can have great confidence I have their best interests at heart. I want my clients to achieve at the highest levels in every endeavor to which they commit themselves.
The basis for my well wishes interestingly has little to do with my bottom line. Of course my success as their coach does bless me financially, and it directly affects their success in the area for which my services were retained. But more importantly, I celebrate their successes because of what it means to them, their careers, and families.
It is an amazing privilege to operate in my passion for communicating and serving people. The Coach in me relishes each opportunity to help someone maximize their potential, and live the passion in their own lives.
Fearlessly,
JD
While I make no claims on being the life of any party, it is a safe bet that my personality type will seek to add laughter and good feelings to any social occasion. The nature of the good feelings I will freely sow into a crowd are complimentary in nature. I can find something worth noting in everyone. It might be their physical appearance, perhaps their profession, home town, college, or favorite sports team.
Because of my affinity for my fellow humans and willingness to engage in gab, I have added significantly to my knowledge base. This has resulted in an ability to find a commonality in even the most ethnically and culturally diverse gatherings. Which brings me to the topic of coaching.
When I take on a new client who desires to improve their public speaking performance, their professional presentation skills, or to improve their spoken English language skills, they can have great confidence I have their best interests at heart. I want my clients to achieve at the highest levels in every endeavor to which they commit themselves.
The basis for my well wishes interestingly has little to do with my bottom line. Of course my success as their coach does bless me financially, and it directly affects their success in the area for which my services were retained. But more importantly, I celebrate their successes because of what it means to them, their careers, and families.
It is an amazing privilege to operate in my passion for communicating and serving people. The Coach in me relishes each opportunity to help someone maximize their potential, and live the passion in their own lives.
Fearlessly,
JD
Monday, April 23, 2012
Always Be Both
Plato was both, as was the Apostle Paul, and these are but
the most famous. Each of these men was
mentored, and gave of their time to be a mentor themselves. It is vitally important that we endeavor to
be both mentee and mentor.
I suggest mentee first because we don’t know what we don’t
know until we come across someone who, in fact, does know. While we may think we have all the answers,
it will become apparent when we begin the quest for our mentor that there are
yet questions we have never contemplated.
Plato was mentored by Socrates and he, in turn, mentored
Aristotle. The Apostle Paul was most
famously mentored by Jesus of Nazareth and then he mentored Timothy. The impact of these relationships in thought and belief has resonated and echoed through the centuries.
The impact of greater eternal significance is, of course,
held by Paul who was miraculously discipled by Jesus, the acclaimed Son of
God. You may disagree on this point as
that is your option, but nevertheless the impartation of wisdom was advanced in
world-altering ways. It is the attainment of wisdom we must earnestly pursue, and then a willingness to share our discoveries.
Have you a mentor? I have been blessed to receive mentoring from
close friends, business associates, fellow speakers, and even thought leaders
whom I have never personally met (Jim Rohn, who passed away in 2011). I routinely
call upon them for advice and wisdom as to how they conduct their affairs,
manage their time, and live the life they purpose to live.
Making myself available to others, being a mentor, is
likewise fulfilling, but also educational.
Two things must run concurrently in our lives: Learning and Breathing. They should continue together until our
breathing gives way to eternity.
To the extent possible we must make every effort to be both
mentee and mentor while learning and breathing are operable. Find that person or those individuals who
have been where you seek to go and learn all you can about how best to
prosecute this life. But also be open to
the addition in your life of people who wish the same from you.
Always be both, and marvel at the enriching impact your life
will have.
Fearlessly,
JDSaturday, April 21, 2012
The Dreaming Voice
Thursday, 19 April 2012. Towers High School in Decatur, Georgia. I was but one of the Speakers participating in Career Day under the direction of, and in concert with, The Stewart Foundation and the Administration of Towers High.
To three different groups of teenagers I was able to impart the truth that each of them has a dream in place. It tells them what they would like to be when they grow up. I call that dream their passion, or the voice inside. Most were able to let this voice speak, knowing their passion and dream precisely.
At Towers High there are pro-football players, pro track and field sprinters, cosmetologists, forensic pathologists, artists, actors, musicians, a young man who wants to be the first pro athlete to compete in the NFL and the NBA, and video game artists among other professions and occupations.
We talked about the nuts and bolts of living out their passions; the promise and the obstacles as well. The other speakers with whom I shared the ‘stage’ proved to be on the same page as I, and we delivered a cohesive message of hope.
A couple of months ago I addressed the lunch crowd of an Optimist Club with a message entitled, Caretakers of the Voice. The gist of my remarks established my sincere belief that we as adults are the caretakers of the voices inside our youth – our future.
Young people today have mighty dreams and aspirations! In high school, for the most part, no one has yet attempted to quash their dreams, written their dreams off as unachievable, assaulted the practicality of lofty aspirations, or insisted they stop dreaming and get a job. That’s good. On 19 April 2012, more than 140 speakers validated the dreams of our future, and encouraged them to continue to strive toward those dreams they now hold dear; to stubbornly hearken to the voice inside.
Interestingly, I was blessed to also encourage a teaching professional who desires to be a published author. Having self-published my first book, I was able to provide keen insights into the process, and deliver great hope to his efforts. You see that voice inside does not go away with age, we just get too busy to listen any longer. Four years ago I listened again and it has profoundly changed my life. Let us therefore not only be caretakers of the ‘voice’ inside our youth, but in ourselves as well.
Fearlessly,
JD
To three different groups of teenagers I was able to impart the truth that each of them has a dream in place. It tells them what they would like to be when they grow up. I call that dream their passion, or the voice inside. Most were able to let this voice speak, knowing their passion and dream precisely.
At Towers High there are pro-football players, pro track and field sprinters, cosmetologists, forensic pathologists, artists, actors, musicians, a young man who wants to be the first pro athlete to compete in the NFL and the NBA, and video game artists among other professions and occupations.
We talked about the nuts and bolts of living out their passions; the promise and the obstacles as well. The other speakers with whom I shared the ‘stage’ proved to be on the same page as I, and we delivered a cohesive message of hope.
A couple of months ago I addressed the lunch crowd of an Optimist Club with a message entitled, Caretakers of the Voice. The gist of my remarks established my sincere belief that we as adults are the caretakers of the voices inside our youth – our future.
Young people today have mighty dreams and aspirations! In high school, for the most part, no one has yet attempted to quash their dreams, written their dreams off as unachievable, assaulted the practicality of lofty aspirations, or insisted they stop dreaming and get a job. That’s good. On 19 April 2012, more than 140 speakers validated the dreams of our future, and encouraged them to continue to strive toward those dreams they now hold dear; to stubbornly hearken to the voice inside.
Interestingly, I was blessed to also encourage a teaching professional who desires to be a published author. Having self-published my first book, I was able to provide keen insights into the process, and deliver great hope to his efforts. You see that voice inside does not go away with age, we just get too busy to listen any longer. Four years ago I listened again and it has profoundly changed my life. Let us therefore not only be caretakers of the ‘voice’ inside our youth, but in ourselves as well.
Fearlessly,
JD
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Now That's Living!
Ever dream about being on stage? Not everyone does. As a matter of fact if you search the internet for ‘Number One Fear’ you will find that public speaking is listed by many as THE number one fear. Even greater than the fear of death or dying!
Jerry Seinfeld famously made reference to this by quipping, “So if I’m at a funeral, I’d rather be the guy in the coffin than the guy speaking about the guy in the coffin?!” Too funny, and isn’t that crazy?! Of course it’s because facing death is not only a huge unknown but is something very difficult to imagine for most of us.
On the other hand we can all easily remember anxieties related to having to stand up in class at some point to answer a question from the teacher, or to deliver a book report, or some similar ‘public’ speaking opportunity (test? trial? humiliation?). At a private club where I was once a member, I was speaking to a lady on this topic while she and I waited for our respective parties to show up. The conversation turned to our avocations. Being paid to speak was little more than a hope for me at the time, so…
I revealed to her my vision for an amazing speaking gig. In this vision I am just off stage, waiting to be announced. The house lights are off. All is pitch black except for a single spotlight illuminating a mic stand in the center of the stage. The sound coming from the audience is like standing near a diesel locomotives at idle. The volume and constant noise tell me beyond doubt the crowd is in the tens of thousands.
Realizing the size of the crowd, a smile begins to spread across my face. Oddly, my heart rate levels out even as the adrenaline begins to ratchet up. I flex my hands and fingers, roll my head and shoulders, and then…. I hear my name and step confidently into the darkness, crossing the stage to the place where I belong – in the spotlight, mic in hand, and I’m on!
When I finished regaling my momentary acquaintance with this story, she was white as a ghost! No doubt about her number one fear!
Is being on stage, mic in hand, your dream, your passion? Discover how to make it happen, determine to elevate it to a life priority, and turn your dream into reality. Now that’s living!
Fearlessly,
JD
Jerry Seinfeld famously made reference to this by quipping, “So if I’m at a funeral, I’d rather be the guy in the coffin than the guy speaking about the guy in the coffin?!” Too funny, and isn’t that crazy?! Of course it’s because facing death is not only a huge unknown but is something very difficult to imagine for most of us.
On the other hand we can all easily remember anxieties related to having to stand up in class at some point to answer a question from the teacher, or to deliver a book report, or some similar ‘public’ speaking opportunity (test? trial? humiliation?). At a private club where I was once a member, I was speaking to a lady on this topic while she and I waited for our respective parties to show up. The conversation turned to our avocations. Being paid to speak was little more than a hope for me at the time, so…
I revealed to her my vision for an amazing speaking gig. In this vision I am just off stage, waiting to be announced. The house lights are off. All is pitch black except for a single spotlight illuminating a mic stand in the center of the stage. The sound coming from the audience is like standing near a diesel locomotives at idle. The volume and constant noise tell me beyond doubt the crowd is in the tens of thousands.
Realizing the size of the crowd, a smile begins to spread across my face. Oddly, my heart rate levels out even as the adrenaline begins to ratchet up. I flex my hands and fingers, roll my head and shoulders, and then…. I hear my name and step confidently into the darkness, crossing the stage to the place where I belong – in the spotlight, mic in hand, and I’m on!
When I finished regaling my momentary acquaintance with this story, she was white as a ghost! No doubt about her number one fear!
Is being on stage, mic in hand, your dream, your passion? Discover how to make it happen, determine to elevate it to a life priority, and turn your dream into reality. Now that’s living!
Fearlessly,
JD
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Push Through
As a college senior and history major at the University of Georgia I was in great need of an easy 'A'. My advisor told me I had one elective remaining. Just one coin of that precious currency. I decided to spend it on Drama 101. Since I had been in a theatre troupe at another college before transferring to UGA I thought how hard could it be? I found out.
Day One: I walked into class and it was like someone let the air of the place. A quick visual survey revealed not a traditional classroom, but a smallish former office with chairs lining the walls on the edges of very old carpeting. There was an immediate bad vibe. It was nothing I felt toward the space or students already in the room. No, clearly I was the object of their dis-affection.
A scan of the students revealed an intentional disregard for fashion; ill-fitting and faded jeans, flip flops, beat up sneakers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, a lack of non-leather jewelry, and minimal make-up (on the females at least). Here I stood wearing my starched khakis, powder-blue broadcloth button down, Sperry Topsiders, and gold wristwatch. Although no one hissed it wouldn’t have been much of a surprise if they had. Apparently Greek life had not yet hit the Drama department.
I knew trouble was surely mine when, to break the ice, for surely it was in desperate need of breaking, the Professor asked us to name our favorite author. Before coming around to me, I heard Ibsen, Hemmingway, Steinbeck, Poe, and Khafka. What, no Seuss?? Anyway, I offered up a man I considered to be quite brilliant actually, J.R.R. Tolkien. My classmates laughed. Yeah, that’s right. They laughed as if Tolkien was some kind of half-wit hack! The ice remained.
My first assignment was a soliloquy from The Rainmaker. Since I had seen the movie, I thought, “No prob.” (really liked Burt Lancaster in that role) The anticipation of standing alone in a room surrounded by people who clearly don’t have your best interests at heart is not unlike going over a cliff on your bike. You’re okay for the moment, but the end is not going to be good.
In the face of emotions compelling me to race to Drop/Add, I showed up to perform. No sooner had I stood to speak than I went blank. My mouth opened but nothing came out, and the sharks began circling. Ever been to a late night screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show? There’s that scene at the beginning where Brad and Janet are obviously at the wrong party and say, “If only we were among friends.” Cue the audience, “But you’re not.” Same thing.
The Professor was quick to my rescue, and gave me the first word of the scene. That sparked a vague recollection, and I managed a couple of lines. Another hint, a few more lines, and we followed this pattern for the longest seven minutes…ever? It gets my vote. Oh and my audience? Less sympathetic than Brad and Janet’s. More laughter.
But I did it! As horrible and deflating and crushing as the public humiliation was, it was over, and I had stood in there and taken it. That had to count for something right? It did count. It energized me in a way I could not have imagined. From that moment I determined that the scorn of my classmates would never again be directed towards me.
I became one seriously focused, rehearsal maniac. That initial 'F' was followed by better grades and greater comfort in the class. I was the one who changed. I realized my polar opposites were actually not so bad when I gave their chosen passion the effort and respect it deserved. I even did a comedic, one-man improv for my final and made an ‘A’ on it! Sadly it was not enough to score higher than a ‘C’ in the class, but a life-long lesson was in the bank.
Push through folks. Though it seems the gates of Hell are standing before you, and abject humiliation is the certain outcome – it is just a speech. You will survive. Control what you can control, then push through. You will arrive on the other side stronger, better, wiser. Push through.
Fearlessly,
JD
Day One: I walked into class and it was like someone let the air of the place. A quick visual survey revealed not a traditional classroom, but a smallish former office with chairs lining the walls on the edges of very old carpeting. There was an immediate bad vibe. It was nothing I felt toward the space or students already in the room. No, clearly I was the object of their dis-affection.
A scan of the students revealed an intentional disregard for fashion; ill-fitting and faded jeans, flip flops, beat up sneakers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, a lack of non-leather jewelry, and minimal make-up (on the females at least). Here I stood wearing my starched khakis, powder-blue broadcloth button down, Sperry Topsiders, and gold wristwatch. Although no one hissed it wouldn’t have been much of a surprise if they had. Apparently Greek life had not yet hit the Drama department.
I knew trouble was surely mine when, to break the ice, for surely it was in desperate need of breaking, the Professor asked us to name our favorite author. Before coming around to me, I heard Ibsen, Hemmingway, Steinbeck, Poe, and Khafka. What, no Seuss?? Anyway, I offered up a man I considered to be quite brilliant actually, J.R.R. Tolkien. My classmates laughed. Yeah, that’s right. They laughed as if Tolkien was some kind of half-wit hack! The ice remained.
My first assignment was a soliloquy from The Rainmaker. Since I had seen the movie, I thought, “No prob.” (really liked Burt Lancaster in that role) The anticipation of standing alone in a room surrounded by people who clearly don’t have your best interests at heart is not unlike going over a cliff on your bike. You’re okay for the moment, but the end is not going to be good.
In the face of emotions compelling me to race to Drop/Add, I showed up to perform. No sooner had I stood to speak than I went blank. My mouth opened but nothing came out, and the sharks began circling. Ever been to a late night screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show? There’s that scene at the beginning where Brad and Janet are obviously at the wrong party and say, “If only we were among friends.” Cue the audience, “But you’re not.” Same thing.
The Professor was quick to my rescue, and gave me the first word of the scene. That sparked a vague recollection, and I managed a couple of lines. Another hint, a few more lines, and we followed this pattern for the longest seven minutes…ever? It gets my vote. Oh and my audience? Less sympathetic than Brad and Janet’s. More laughter.
But I did it! As horrible and deflating and crushing as the public humiliation was, it was over, and I had stood in there and taken it. That had to count for something right? It did count. It energized me in a way I could not have imagined. From that moment I determined that the scorn of my classmates would never again be directed towards me.
I became one seriously focused, rehearsal maniac. That initial 'F' was followed by better grades and greater comfort in the class. I was the one who changed. I realized my polar opposites were actually not so bad when I gave their chosen passion the effort and respect it deserved. I even did a comedic, one-man improv for my final and made an ‘A’ on it! Sadly it was not enough to score higher than a ‘C’ in the class, but a life-long lesson was in the bank.
Push through folks. Though it seems the gates of Hell are standing before you, and abject humiliation is the certain outcome – it is just a speech. You will survive. Control what you can control, then push through. You will arrive on the other side stronger, better, wiser. Push through.
Fearlessly,
JD
Monday, April 9, 2012
Communication Apprehension Reduction Strategies...huh??
When I first saw the term of art, Communication Apprehension Reduction Strategies, my very first reaction was not, “Oh yes, must look into that. Good info.” Nor was my reaction, “Ahh, I myself have suffered from this debilitating malady.” No, my first blush comment to myself was, “Huh?” It was not an intellectual response, just an honest one.
There are many amazing and scholarly white papers, essays, lectures, and articles devoted to the topic of minimizing stage fright. Certainly there are books devoted to the subject. My goodness if you get into a discussion group with access to speakers you may come away with as many different ‘fixes’ as there are contributors!
The cautionary tale of this note has nothing to do with stage fright, however. Instead I wish to pass along a word of encouragement to any who find themselves in front of an audience for one reason or another. The encouragement came to me from my friend, Carlos Greene, who co-authored, The Family Goal Planning Guide and Workbook (www.thegoalplanner.com).
In doing an early review of what would become my first book, Embrace: Meditations from a Word of Truth (available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com), Carlos noted that my well researched and thoughtful writing would not appeal to all of Christianity, but instead to a demographic very limited in number. The problem was my choice of words.
In my desire to be as eloquent as possible, I had committed a common mistake. Carlos rightly suggested the larger audience I sought to reach would understand what I had written, they just might not enjoy reading it. That’s a problem!
Knowing your audience is as important in speaking as it is in writing. When you can express yourself simply, and make your points easily why complicate the message? A sample of the best selling thought leaders (speakers or writers) will reveal a lack of what my Dad would have called ten-dollar words. They make their points convincingly without them.
Unless attending an audience of psychologists in a break-out session on anxiety disorders, one might never come across communication apprehension reduction strategies. But in the world where most of us live, it will not be uncommon at all to discuss stage fright or a fear of public speaking. Make your message simple and easy to adopt. In that simplicity is eloquence we can all appreciate.
Fearlessly,
JD
There are many amazing and scholarly white papers, essays, lectures, and articles devoted to the topic of minimizing stage fright. Certainly there are books devoted to the subject. My goodness if you get into a discussion group with access to speakers you may come away with as many different ‘fixes’ as there are contributors!
The cautionary tale of this note has nothing to do with stage fright, however. Instead I wish to pass along a word of encouragement to any who find themselves in front of an audience for one reason or another. The encouragement came to me from my friend, Carlos Greene, who co-authored, The Family Goal Planning Guide and Workbook (www.thegoalplanner.com).
In doing an early review of what would become my first book, Embrace: Meditations from a Word of Truth (available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com), Carlos noted that my well researched and thoughtful writing would not appeal to all of Christianity, but instead to a demographic very limited in number. The problem was my choice of words.
In my desire to be as eloquent as possible, I had committed a common mistake. Carlos rightly suggested the larger audience I sought to reach would understand what I had written, they just might not enjoy reading it. That’s a problem!
Knowing your audience is as important in speaking as it is in writing. When you can express yourself simply, and make your points easily why complicate the message? A sample of the best selling thought leaders (speakers or writers) will reveal a lack of what my Dad would have called ten-dollar words. They make their points convincingly without them.
Unless attending an audience of psychologists in a break-out session on anxiety disorders, one might never come across communication apprehension reduction strategies. But in the world where most of us live, it will not be uncommon at all to discuss stage fright or a fear of public speaking. Make your message simple and easy to adopt. In that simplicity is eloquence we can all appreciate.
Fearlessly,
JD
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Motivate Through Quotes
A worthwhile and even historic path to motivation can be
found through reading the noted quotes of the famous and not-to-famous. As I have embarked upon this new business
model of communication one quote stays with me from Andrew Carnegie.
You may or may not know the name Andrew Carnegie, and if you
do you may not know much more than he was a very wealthy man. He founded the
company which became United States Steel, but historically is perhaps now
better known as one of the foremost philanthropists the U.S.
Mr. Carnegie was instrumental in the establishment of more
than 2,600 public libraries. He was
convinced that information should be readily available to any who would make
use of it. It is one of his quotes that,
when blended with my own mantra (be better than you’ve been, do more than
you’ve done), drives me each day.
Andrew Carnegie said, and I will paraphrase, “The man unable
to motivate himself will not rise above mediocrity no matter his talents or giftings.” This quote is an ever-present driver if I
feel like ignoring my social media marketing for a day, or taking a day off
from working on either of the books I am currently writing, or prospecting for
speaking gigs, or publishing, etc., etc.
It gets me on track if my Bible study is neglected, or
continuing to digest fresh insights isn’t maintained. There is so much that goes into one’s own
enterprise that, at times, it can be absolutely overwhelming. Having owned a home renovation biz some years
ago, I am well aware of how daunting a task business ownership is. Being back in the game, so to speak, I
appreciate this nugget from one of the best businessmen of all time.
Search on the internet, or in your local library (Bartlett
Fearlessly,
JD
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Who Knows?
Who knows you want to speak? Who knows the desire of your heart is to be on stage in front of men and women who need the information or encouragement you have to share? If your wife, husband, close friends, parents or children are not booking agents or event planners how will anyone know your desire?
Spread the word! Blog about it (http://JDtheSpeaker.blogspot.com), tweet about it (@JDtheSpeaker), get Linked In (www.LinkedIn/in/WalkerJerry). Join organizations which can educate you about the profession, instruct you in the art of speaking (Toastmasters, Dale Carnegie), or otherwise further your ambition. Are you a member of a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue? Get involved and volunteer to lead. Sooner or later you will be given a ‘voice’ in that setting. Volunteering to serve as an officer or other leadership role in an organization is a terrific way to ultimately get the microphone.
Are you writing? Oftentimes it is important to establish your particular expertise by writing about it. I have been recognized as a thought leader in the area of turning negative situations into positive outcomes, and part of that recognition has come through my willingness to study and write about the results. What is your message? Have you written about it?
My D.E.E.D.S.© presentation is all about helping men, women, and teens live a life of purpose and destiny. I now get paid to present D.E.E.D.S.©, and have recorded a live DVD and CD presenting the topic in short-form to a gathering of business professionals.
Much of my current success is directly attributable to joining Toastmasters. I took advantage of my membership to not only hone the craft of speaking, but to serve as an officer, to participate in the various speaking contests, to volunteer to serve in Area and Division speaking contests, and to visit other clubs. I have been given speaking opportunities as a Target Speaker in an Area Evaluation Contest, and as the Sample Speaker in front of a Demo Club Meeting.
By virtue of immersing myself in Toastmasters I got my first paid speaking gig, which prompted me to begin defining my central message for public presentation.
This passion to speak that you possess will go nowhere until you elevate speaking to a life priority, as I did. As a practical matter it means you will spend time each day furthering your passion, believing you are going to become what you seek. It also means you are going to educate yourself about the art of speaking, which for me meant becoming even more well read than I was, joining Toastmasters, studying the craft of speaking, and studying my central message (do you have a central message?).
As soon as you have a forum to speak, no matter the size of your audience, by all means Speak! This will happen most quickly at Toastmasters, but as soon as possible demonstrate this passion of yours. What you will find is that your love of life increases as you become the person you wish to be. This will not go unnoticed by your family, friends, and co-workers who will likewise appreciate the joy they see in you. You are now sharing your passion, and it’s a blessing. I know because I began this journey in 2008.
Fearlessly,
JD
Spread the word! Blog about it (http://JDtheSpeaker.blogspot.com), tweet about it (@JDtheSpeaker), get Linked In (www.LinkedIn/in/WalkerJerry). Join organizations which can educate you about the profession, instruct you in the art of speaking (Toastmasters, Dale Carnegie), or otherwise further your ambition. Are you a member of a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue? Get involved and volunteer to lead. Sooner or later you will be given a ‘voice’ in that setting. Volunteering to serve as an officer or other leadership role in an organization is a terrific way to ultimately get the microphone.
Are you writing? Oftentimes it is important to establish your particular expertise by writing about it. I have been recognized as a thought leader in the area of turning negative situations into positive outcomes, and part of that recognition has come through my willingness to study and write about the results. What is your message? Have you written about it?
My D.E.E.D.S.© presentation is all about helping men, women, and teens live a life of purpose and destiny. I now get paid to present D.E.E.D.S.©, and have recorded a live DVD and CD presenting the topic in short-form to a gathering of business professionals.
Much of my current success is directly attributable to joining Toastmasters. I took advantage of my membership to not only hone the craft of speaking, but to serve as an officer, to participate in the various speaking contests, to volunteer to serve in Area and Division speaking contests, and to visit other clubs. I have been given speaking opportunities as a Target Speaker in an Area Evaluation Contest, and as the Sample Speaker in front of a Demo Club Meeting.
By virtue of immersing myself in Toastmasters I got my first paid speaking gig, which prompted me to begin defining my central message for public presentation.
This passion to speak that you possess will go nowhere until you elevate speaking to a life priority, as I did. As a practical matter it means you will spend time each day furthering your passion, believing you are going to become what you seek. It also means you are going to educate yourself about the art of speaking, which for me meant becoming even more well read than I was, joining Toastmasters, studying the craft of speaking, and studying my central message (do you have a central message?).
As soon as you have a forum to speak, no matter the size of your audience, by all means Speak! This will happen most quickly at Toastmasters, but as soon as possible demonstrate this passion of yours. What you will find is that your love of life increases as you become the person you wish to be. This will not go unnoticed by your family, friends, and co-workers who will likewise appreciate the joy they see in you. You are now sharing your passion, and it’s a blessing. I know because I began this journey in 2008.
Fearlessly,
JD
Monday, April 2, 2012
Here Come Da Judge
Does anyone out there in the blogosphere recall Laugh-In from the 70's? I loved that show, and when sitting down to blog about the North South Foundation this past weekend, the 'Judge' segment from Laugh-In came to mind.
On Saturday, 31 March, I was honored to be invited to participate in the North South Foundation's day of 'Bees' at Georgia State University. The North South Foundation (NSF) is an Indian American 501(c)(3) non-prof which has as one of its main aims the academic nurturing of Indian American children.
My history with the Indian American community began just this past December when I held one of my Fearless Speaker Clinics for the Telugu community and the North America Telugu Society locally in metro Atlanta (NATS). That Clinic was specifically written for children and teens of Telugu parents. By contrast the North South Foundation caters to all of those Americans of Indian ancestry and heritage.
I and two other judges graded out the participants of the NSF's Regional Public Speaking Bee. Divided into two classes, Juniors (grades 6-8) and Seniors (grades 9-12), we were impressed with the ability of these young, would-be orators. Most impressive to this judge and observer is the dedication of the Indian American community to their children.
The 'Bees' also included competitions in Math and Geography, and the halls of Georgia State University were abuzz (pun intended) with excited children and their devoted parents. As a community, Indian Americans are fiercely dedicated to the success of their children in American society. In Judging the Public Speaking Bee, I was greatly encouraged by the performances of the children who had a mere thirty minutes to prepare their 3-minute speech.
Do yourselves a favor and find out if more events such as this one are taking place in your own community. If not, be the catalyst for the success of the children you know. It was very satisfying to see a practical demonstration of my presentation, 'Caretakers of the Voice' by the parents and volunteers who provided this forum for these wonderful pre-teens and teenagers, and I will take this experience with me always.
Fearlessly,
JD
On Saturday, 31 March, I was honored to be invited to participate in the North South Foundation's day of 'Bees' at Georgia State University. The North South Foundation (NSF) is an Indian American 501(c)(3) non-prof which has as one of its main aims the academic nurturing of Indian American children.
My history with the Indian American community began just this past December when I held one of my Fearless Speaker Clinics for the Telugu community and the North America Telugu Society locally in metro Atlanta (NATS). That Clinic was specifically written for children and teens of Telugu parents. By contrast the North South Foundation caters to all of those Americans of Indian ancestry and heritage.
I and two other judges graded out the participants of the NSF's Regional Public Speaking Bee. Divided into two classes, Juniors (grades 6-8) and Seniors (grades 9-12), we were impressed with the ability of these young, would-be orators. Most impressive to this judge and observer is the dedication of the Indian American community to their children.
The 'Bees' also included competitions in Math and Geography, and the halls of Georgia State University were abuzz (pun intended) with excited children and their devoted parents. As a community, Indian Americans are fiercely dedicated to the success of their children in American society. In Judging the Public Speaking Bee, I was greatly encouraged by the performances of the children who had a mere thirty minutes to prepare their 3-minute speech.
Do yourselves a favor and find out if more events such as this one are taking place in your own community. If not, be the catalyst for the success of the children you know. It was very satisfying to see a practical demonstration of my presentation, 'Caretakers of the Voice' by the parents and volunteers who provided this forum for these wonderful pre-teens and teenagers, and I will take this experience with me always.
Fearlessly,
JD
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sense of Accomplishment
Years ago I worked for a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in the File Room. During one particular week all Administrative staff members were given a survey to help judge how we handled stress among other outcomes being explored. One of the situations on which we were to comment had to do with specific tasks. The question was, “Do you feel a sense of accomplishment after completing a job?”
Surprisingly, one of my co-workers responded that, no, he did not feel a sense of accomplishment. Instead he felt that more pressure was just around the corner, and the stress was only building. In his estimation, there was no sense of accomplishment because more work was coming his way.
Of course he was right to a certain extent. Being employed most often means having tasks which consume each day. His job was critical to the performance of the entire office, and he did it well, but was unable to enjoy his own daily successes. Thankfully the work was unending – we stayed employed! We had a segmented and orderly flow of work. Success in each phase, led directly to success in the next and following phases until we had reached the end of the work day.
Now let us segue to all of life’s endeavors. Each day we start with a fresh slate even in the presence of work left over from the day before. There must be work to accomplish each day, in fact for six days each week, or we are in danger of losing focus and our edge. That may seem crazy, but it is the prescription followed even by God! Work six days then rest on the seventh day. Even when work is less than fulfilling, it still has meaning, and it is imperative that we look for the little victories in each day.
Whether we own our business, or exchange hours for money in the employ of someone else, we must identify where the victories will be found, then pursue them. When we are successful in prosecuting our tasks with this mindset, we find each week to be loaded with obstacles overcome, victories to build upon, and a life that takes on greater importance.
Each day we must make it our goal to be better than we have been the day before, and to do more than we have done before. This is my mantra and daily goal. I find that building my speaking business is loaded with challenges which compel me to conquer in the areas of time management, marketing, prospecting, public relations, writing, speaking, editing, publishing, physical networking, social networking, studying, and rehearsing. There must also be time to excel in eating properly, exercising adequately, and getting enough rest.
It can be a grind. It is also exciting, and I would not trade this life for another. I see great things ahead, and each day I relish in the accomplishment of a job well done.
Fearlessly,
JD
Surprisingly, one of my co-workers responded that, no, he did not feel a sense of accomplishment. Instead he felt that more pressure was just around the corner, and the stress was only building. In his estimation, there was no sense of accomplishment because more work was coming his way.
Of course he was right to a certain extent. Being employed most often means having tasks which consume each day. His job was critical to the performance of the entire office, and he did it well, but was unable to enjoy his own daily successes. Thankfully the work was unending – we stayed employed! We had a segmented and orderly flow of work. Success in each phase, led directly to success in the next and following phases until we had reached the end of the work day.
Now let us segue to all of life’s endeavors. Each day we start with a fresh slate even in the presence of work left over from the day before. There must be work to accomplish each day, in fact for six days each week, or we are in danger of losing focus and our edge. That may seem crazy, but it is the prescription followed even by God! Work six days then rest on the seventh day. Even when work is less than fulfilling, it still has meaning, and it is imperative that we look for the little victories in each day.
Whether we own our business, or exchange hours for money in the employ of someone else, we must identify where the victories will be found, then pursue them. When we are successful in prosecuting our tasks with this mindset, we find each week to be loaded with obstacles overcome, victories to build upon, and a life that takes on greater importance.
Each day we must make it our goal to be better than we have been the day before, and to do more than we have done before. This is my mantra and daily goal. I find that building my speaking business is loaded with challenges which compel me to conquer in the areas of time management, marketing, prospecting, public relations, writing, speaking, editing, publishing, physical networking, social networking, studying, and rehearsing. There must also be time to excel in eating properly, exercising adequately, and getting enough rest.
It can be a grind. It is also exciting, and I would not trade this life for another. I see great things ahead, and each day I relish in the accomplishment of a job well done.
Fearlessly,
JD
Sunday, March 25, 2012
When A Speech Writes Itself
As speakers, and those readers who desire to be, we are all aware of occasions when a speech seemingly writes itself. We are compelled to have pen in hand (or laptop in lap, for me) because a message we wish to deliver is bubbling up from within demanding to be given life.
To those of you who desire to be public speakers there is no coincidence at work here. It is a fact that as we open ourselves to the great responsibility to speak life, wisdom, and experience into the lives of our audiences, an equivalent volume of messages will come our way.
This very time of composition is precisely such an occasion. I am writing from courtside at a local Tennis Center. Surrounded by primarily by women playing doubles, I was drawn here to sit in the beautiful sunshine, feel the cool breeze of early Spring; and drawn here to write this note of encouragement to future speakers.
Your mission, and it should be viewed as thus, is to deliver the aforementioned words of life, wisdom and experience. Whenever you are blessed to present these great and encouraging words to your audience it is an affirmation that while listening, all may not hear.
Wisdom literature tells us that many times people have ears but do not hear. However there will always be at least one who will be transformed by what you have been given to say. Always. I learned this years ago when I wrote an evangelical column distributed via the internet.
I grew disenchanted that my subscriber list was not growing as quickly as I had anticipated. Within weeks of this rather selfish impulse I had a conversation with a young man who said, “Jerry sometimes the only church I get is the column you write.” BAM! One person. I realized that whether speaking or writing, those of us who are gifted, empowered, or otherwise given the responsibility to speak or compose are to do so as speaking or writing to one person.
This knowledge changes our preparation, and certainly our delivery. Our message becomes more personal, more immediate, and more satisfying to that one person in need of what we have to say.
Be encouraged seasoned speakers if you wonder if anyone is listening, and go forth those of you who desire to speak with this word of knowledge. In every audience there will be at least one hanging on your every word, and they are the reason we speak.
Fearlessly,
JD
To those of you who desire to be public speakers there is no coincidence at work here. It is a fact that as we open ourselves to the great responsibility to speak life, wisdom, and experience into the lives of our audiences, an equivalent volume of messages will come our way.
This very time of composition is precisely such an occasion. I am writing from courtside at a local Tennis Center. Surrounded by primarily by women playing doubles, I was drawn here to sit in the beautiful sunshine, feel the cool breeze of early Spring; and drawn here to write this note of encouragement to future speakers.
Your mission, and it should be viewed as thus, is to deliver the aforementioned words of life, wisdom and experience. Whenever you are blessed to present these great and encouraging words to your audience it is an affirmation that while listening, all may not hear.
Wisdom literature tells us that many times people have ears but do not hear. However there will always be at least one who will be transformed by what you have been given to say. Always. I learned this years ago when I wrote an evangelical column distributed via the internet.
I grew disenchanted that my subscriber list was not growing as quickly as I had anticipated. Within weeks of this rather selfish impulse I had a conversation with a young man who said, “Jerry sometimes the only church I get is the column you write.” BAM! One person. I realized that whether speaking or writing, those of us who are gifted, empowered, or otherwise given the responsibility to speak or compose are to do so as speaking or writing to one person.
This knowledge changes our preparation, and certainly our delivery. Our message becomes more personal, more immediate, and more satisfying to that one person in need of what we have to say.
Be encouraged seasoned speakers if you wonder if anyone is listening, and go forth those of you who desire to speak with this word of knowledge. In every audience there will be at least one hanging on your every word, and they are the reason we speak.
Fearlessly,
JD
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
No Fear Here!
At a time in U.S. history when the Depression had reeked havoc upon this great nation, Franklin Roosevelt, the President of the United States said, in his inaugural address, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." In the life of a professional speaker, a Soccer Mom taking the podium at a PTA meeting, a Little League Coach addressing parents before the first practice, a department head stepping to the Board Room lectern, or new member at a Toastmasters club, there is fear.
We can all glibly say that we are fearless, and that is in fact how I bill myself, The Fearless Speaker. My first blog is entitled the same. But when the time comes to deliver to an audience, no matter how seasoned or polished we may become, that fear will try to invade our peace.
For me the fear is small indeed, but the tiniest morsel of that dread emotion will yet try to unsettle the most established and credible orators. For those of you who believe yourselves to be more prone to the attack than most, rest assured we all face this nasty little demon. And you can likewise rest assured that you are able to defeat fear as easily as I do. It's all in your preparation.
The Two Keys to Speaking Success, as previously blogged, is your sure foundation. Confidence in yourself and your message, buoyed by solid practice sessions, will get you ready to present. The balance of preparation is divided between knowledge of the venue, an understanding of your audience, great knowledge of the material you will present, and time spent practicing. Did I mention how important practice is??
If the remarks I am to deliver are not rehearsed (practice, practice) so that I know them backwards and forwards, I leave room for the seeds of doubt and fear to creep in. If I have not taken the time to familiarize myself with the venue, its location, the acoustics (if possible), or to otherwise find out all I can about where I will speak, there's room for doubt and fear. It would seem ridiculous to speak to an audience with whom you are completely unfamiliar! Surprisingly, speakers take the stage every day with a canned speech expecting it to play well no matter the crowd. Oops! Know your audience.
You can limit the amount of stage fright you feel. You can control the level of fear. You can be, as far as anyone would ever know...fearless. Victory is found in your preparation.
Fearlessly,
JD
We can all glibly say that we are fearless, and that is in fact how I bill myself, The Fearless Speaker. My first blog is entitled the same. But when the time comes to deliver to an audience, no matter how seasoned or polished we may become, that fear will try to invade our peace.
For me the fear is small indeed, but the tiniest morsel of that dread emotion will yet try to unsettle the most established and credible orators. For those of you who believe yourselves to be more prone to the attack than most, rest assured we all face this nasty little demon. And you can likewise rest assured that you are able to defeat fear as easily as I do. It's all in your preparation.
The Two Keys to Speaking Success, as previously blogged, is your sure foundation. Confidence in yourself and your message, buoyed by solid practice sessions, will get you ready to present. The balance of preparation is divided between knowledge of the venue, an understanding of your audience, great knowledge of the material you will present, and time spent practicing. Did I mention how important practice is??
If the remarks I am to deliver are not rehearsed (practice, practice) so that I know them backwards and forwards, I leave room for the seeds of doubt and fear to creep in. If I have not taken the time to familiarize myself with the venue, its location, the acoustics (if possible), or to otherwise find out all I can about where I will speak, there's room for doubt and fear. It would seem ridiculous to speak to an audience with whom you are completely unfamiliar! Surprisingly, speakers take the stage every day with a canned speech expecting it to play well no matter the crowd. Oops! Know your audience.
You can limit the amount of stage fright you feel. You can control the level of fear. You can be, as far as anyone would ever know...fearless. Victory is found in your preparation.
Fearlessly,
JD
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Two Keys to Speaking Success, Key Two
Key One of The Two Keys to Speaking Success is Confidence. You have to have confidence in yourself, confidence in your subject matter, confidence in your physical appearance, confidence in all the little details that make a speech successful. However, without Key Two - you are finished before you arrive at the venue!
A little background first. At the close of my junior year in college, I needed an easy A. Been there? I was solidly in my major and needed a break in the schedule. I decided to get that break, and the easy A by enrolling in Drama 101. I was thinking, "How hard can it be? I was in the theatre troop at my previous college before transferring."
The first assignment was a soliloquy from The Rainmaker (the movie starred Burt Lancaster and Katherine Hepburn, def worth a watch). Since I had seen the movie, and as you'll recall I had no shortage of confidence, I figured once again, "How hard can it be?" I found out.
A little more background will help set the scene: I was in a fraternity at the time, and was dressed like the stereotypical frat (broadcloth button down, khakis, and topsiders / you get the picture). On the other hand, and all of my Drama classmates were Drama Majors who loathed frat rats. Not much of a warm greeting on the first day of class.... (insert sound of crickets)
On the day of my long-anticipated performance I choked. Not just the, "Hey Honey, couldn't you have cleaned the bones out of the fish?" kind of choke. No, this was the Nuclear Choke. The professor had to hand-feed me my lines! It was the longest seven minutes in recorded history. To top off the humiliation, my classmates, the Drama Queens and Drama Kings, laughed at me...openly. Yes, I was made to feel their scorn!
I swore that embarrassment would never happen to me again. Ever! Key Two to Speaking Success is Practice.
For the rest of that semester, I was a fraternally pledged, rehearsing maniac! My confidence soared each class as I showed up just as prepared as my classmates, and delivered. In a two-person treatment written by H.P. Lovecraft, I actually did better than my Drama major partner as voted upon by my classmates, and their applause was oh so sweet!
Since then, I practice using the Performance Method (see The 'Jerry' Method post), and practice, and practice, and practice some more. I do not show up unprepared, ever.
When a speaker combines their own confidence (Key One) with sufficient practice (Key Two), speaking success is all but guaranteed. These two keys can overcome a surly crowd, technical glitches, props that don't work, and LCD projectors that don't project. I live by them, and hope you will as well.
Fearlessly,
JD
A little background first. At the close of my junior year in college, I needed an easy A. Been there? I was solidly in my major and needed a break in the schedule. I decided to get that break, and the easy A by enrolling in Drama 101. I was thinking, "How hard can it be? I was in the theatre troop at my previous college before transferring."
The first assignment was a soliloquy from The Rainmaker (the movie starred Burt Lancaster and Katherine Hepburn, def worth a watch). Since I had seen the movie, and as you'll recall I had no shortage of confidence, I figured once again, "How hard can it be?" I found out.
A little more background will help set the scene: I was in a fraternity at the time, and was dressed like the stereotypical frat (broadcloth button down, khakis, and topsiders / you get the picture). On the other hand, and all of my Drama classmates were Drama Majors who loathed frat rats. Not much of a warm greeting on the first day of class.... (insert sound of crickets)
On the day of my long-anticipated performance I choked. Not just the, "Hey Honey, couldn't you have cleaned the bones out of the fish?" kind of choke. No, this was the Nuclear Choke. The professor had to hand-feed me my lines! It was the longest seven minutes in recorded history. To top off the humiliation, my classmates, the Drama Queens and Drama Kings, laughed at me...openly. Yes, I was made to feel their scorn!
I swore that embarrassment would never happen to me again. Ever! Key Two to Speaking Success is Practice.
For the rest of that semester, I was a fraternally pledged, rehearsing maniac! My confidence soared each class as I showed up just as prepared as my classmates, and delivered. In a two-person treatment written by H.P. Lovecraft, I actually did better than my Drama major partner as voted upon by my classmates, and their applause was oh so sweet!
Since then, I practice using the Performance Method (see The 'Jerry' Method post), and practice, and practice, and practice some more. I do not show up unprepared, ever.
When a speaker combines their own confidence (Key One) with sufficient practice (Key Two), speaking success is all but guaranteed. These two keys can overcome a surly crowd, technical glitches, props that don't work, and LCD projectors that don't project. I live by them, and hope you will as well.
Fearlessly,
JD
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Two Keys to Speaking Success, Key One
My lifetime of speaking has provided invaluable insights, shortcuts, work-arounds, and band-aids. Don't get me wrong and think even for a second that I believe I have learned all there is to know. Far from it. Each time I speak, there is something to be gleaned, and stored for future use. With that in mind, you may yet take the following to the bank.
There are two keys to speaking success. Upon these two keys all successful speeches are built. Without these two keys, the greatest material, the friendliest crowd, a venue's amazing acoustics, or a sold-out show will not help you as you crash and burn in front of all God's children! Yikes!
The focus of today's blog is Key One in The Two Keys to Speaking Success. It is a key that works in concert with Key Two, as these two keys feed off one another. It can be developed, part of your DNA, or come to you rather organically over time, but it must be present for the good speech to become great.
Key One in The Two Keys to Speaking Success is Confidence. Without confidence most personal endeavors miss the mark of excellence. We all are subject to a greater exposure to failure when we operate without confidence. It is confidence that allows us to take the stage fearlessly. It is confidence that compels us to take a speaking gig with only two days to prepare. And it is confidence that puts our audiences at ease and allows them to trust us.
When teaching 'The Two Keys' I provide the background on where my own confidence came from. It originated from an outing at the lake with my folks when I was about six years old. On this particular weekend, my Mom and Dad had asked me to tell a joke. There were three or four families camping together that weekend, and most of the adults stopped what they were doing to hear the joke.
We all know the humor of a six-year old is not terribly sophisticated, but they laughed! Most likely they were just being polite, but hearing that laughter made me feel great. It gave me confidence. Quite obviously my parents had already laid the groundwork for this success in how I was being reared, but that is the moment I readily identify as the beginning of my confidence as a speaker.
From that point on, I had confidence that my voice was worth hearing. I performed in elementary school plays, volunteered to be on stage for high school fund raisers, was a DJ in college, and with two days to prepare preached a revival sermon in a church, city, and country where I'd never been before. Confidence: It is Key One in The Two Keys to Speaking Success.
Fearlessly,
JD
There are two keys to speaking success. Upon these two keys all successful speeches are built. Without these two keys, the greatest material, the friendliest crowd, a venue's amazing acoustics, or a sold-out show will not help you as you crash and burn in front of all God's children! Yikes!
The focus of today's blog is Key One in The Two Keys to Speaking Success. It is a key that works in concert with Key Two, as these two keys feed off one another. It can be developed, part of your DNA, or come to you rather organically over time, but it must be present for the good speech to become great.
Key One in The Two Keys to Speaking Success is Confidence. Without confidence most personal endeavors miss the mark of excellence. We all are subject to a greater exposure to failure when we operate without confidence. It is confidence that allows us to take the stage fearlessly. It is confidence that compels us to take a speaking gig with only two days to prepare. And it is confidence that puts our audiences at ease and allows them to trust us.
When teaching 'The Two Keys' I provide the background on where my own confidence came from. It originated from an outing at the lake with my folks when I was about six years old. On this particular weekend, my Mom and Dad had asked me to tell a joke. There were three or four families camping together that weekend, and most of the adults stopped what they were doing to hear the joke.
We all know the humor of a six-year old is not terribly sophisticated, but they laughed! Most likely they were just being polite, but hearing that laughter made me feel great. It gave me confidence. Quite obviously my parents had already laid the groundwork for this success in how I was being reared, but that is the moment I readily identify as the beginning of my confidence as a speaker.
From that point on, I had confidence that my voice was worth hearing. I performed in elementary school plays, volunteered to be on stage for high school fund raisers, was a DJ in college, and with two days to prepare preached a revival sermon in a church, city, and country where I'd never been before. Confidence: It is Key One in The Two Keys to Speaking Success.
Fearlessly,
JD
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Speakers! Never Discount the Miraculous
In no way do I ever discount the miraculous! As a Speaker, Evangelist, and Author, I am blessed to have many opportunities to meet a vast array of my fellow humans. They are tall and short, heavy and light, funny and serious, believe like I do and not, but they are all beautiful, and enrich this life’s experience.
In 2003, I was a delegate to the All Nations Conference of Ministers in Cape Town, South Africa. It was the first time I had crossed the Atlantic; the first time I had been on a plane for 20+ hours; and it would be the first time I would preach a sermon. I found out the day before departure that I would, in fact, be closing a revival service! What?!! All I could say to the news was, “Oh my. Wow. Are you sure? Okay. Well, praise God, He must have something in mind.” And He did.
At the time, I had been writing an internet column for almost three years. I printed eleven columns from the more than 150 I had written, packed them in my carry-on, and looked forward to writing a sermon during the 20 hour transit. I was given no information about the theme of the revival, the order of the service, or the congregation. If you have ever been asked to speak, and the person booking you says something like, “Oh we trust you! Whatever you want to share will be fine,” be gratified for their trust, then, whether or not you are a person of faith…start praying!
Sitting in the church the night of my arrival in Cape Town, I was enjoying the amazing experience of being in a different culture for worship! South African pop singer, Ricardo, was the Pastor’s guest, and doing some of his own songs when, quite suddenly, he decided to sing an old hymn. When he sang the first lyrics of ’How Great Thou Art’ tears streamed down my face. I looked down at the sheet on my lap, a column I had brought with me entitled, How Great Thou Art!
Eleven columns had been printed from more than 150. Of those eleven, I had selected ‘How Great Thou Art’ for the text of my remarks. And the theme of the revival, which I discovered upon entering the church, was Miracles in Motion! Two men (me and Ricardo), on two separate continents, six time zones and eight thousand miles apart, having never met (at least not until after the service), had one message on our lips, How Great Thou Art! Yes, God had a plan.
Speakers, you never know when your remarks are going to touch the lives of someone in your audience. Do your very best at all times to be prepared, and if it applies to you, be prayed up as well. We bear a wonderful and awesome responsibility to our audiences to bring them our very best, and in doing so, we will find that not only are they blessed, but we will be as well.
Fearlessly,
JD
In 2003, I was a delegate to the All Nations Conference of Ministers in Cape Town, South Africa. It was the first time I had crossed the Atlantic; the first time I had been on a plane for 20+ hours; and it would be the first time I would preach a sermon. I found out the day before departure that I would, in fact, be closing a revival service! What?!! All I could say to the news was, “Oh my. Wow. Are you sure? Okay. Well, praise God, He must have something in mind.” And He did.
At the time, I had been writing an internet column for almost three years. I printed eleven columns from the more than 150 I had written, packed them in my carry-on, and looked forward to writing a sermon during the 20 hour transit. I was given no information about the theme of the revival, the order of the service, or the congregation. If you have ever been asked to speak, and the person booking you says something like, “Oh we trust you! Whatever you want to share will be fine,” be gratified for their trust, then, whether or not you are a person of faith…start praying!
Sitting in the church the night of my arrival in Cape Town, I was enjoying the amazing experience of being in a different culture for worship! South African pop singer, Ricardo, was the Pastor’s guest, and doing some of his own songs when, quite suddenly, he decided to sing an old hymn. When he sang the first lyrics of ’How Great Thou Art’ tears streamed down my face. I looked down at the sheet on my lap, a column I had brought with me entitled, How Great Thou Art!
Eleven columns had been printed from more than 150. Of those eleven, I had selected ‘How Great Thou Art’ for the text of my remarks. And the theme of the revival, which I discovered upon entering the church, was Miracles in Motion! Two men (me and Ricardo), on two separate continents, six time zones and eight thousand miles apart, having never met (at least not until after the service), had one message on our lips, How Great Thou Art! Yes, God had a plan.
Speakers, you never know when your remarks are going to touch the lives of someone in your audience. Do your very best at all times to be prepared, and if it applies to you, be prayed up as well. We bear a wonderful and awesome responsibility to our audiences to bring them our very best, and in doing so, we will find that not only are they blessed, but we will be as well.
Fearlessly,
JD
The Performance Method - Cocktail Speeches
In The Performance Method, we conceive and perform the entire speech in our mind before we begin actual rehearsal. We rehearse multiple times before we ever commit a word to paper. This is my speech discipline, and I heartily recommend it. What I call ‘Cocktail Speeches’ are those sub-ten minute speeches which are somewhat personal in nature. The information disseminated tends to be derived from our life experience or from knowledge we already possess and need not research.
I have found the concept of writing a speech to be particularly bothersome in the realm of Cocktail Speeches. I say this because we are speaking from our own lives, and/or from our own personal interaction with the information we are to provide. So to say ‘we lived it’ is to accurately portray our relationship to the material. That being the case, I can see the need to jot down a note or two if recollection of a sequence of events is necessary, but let that be the last time you count on the paper to remind you of what you have lived (and learned).
The first time I gave a speech in Toastmasters (Ice Breaker, 4-6 min.) I stepped to the Lectern without notes and delivered it. One of my new, fellow Toastmasters marveled that I had spoken without the benefit of notes. My response was, I lived it; I know it. This was not an arrogant response but simply the truth borne out in The Performance Method. For a short speech which draws upon personal experience or knowledge, committing anything to paper for the purpose of memorization is to succumb to fear and laziness.
Give your brain a good workout! Push it to perform! Force it to remember key details; to forge links and transitions in your short speech; to commit to organization; and to supply you with information on demand, when you need it. It takes effort, requires discipline, and no small measure of fearlessness the first time you do it. But on the other side is a level of confidence in your own abilities that is worth far more than the paper you saved.
Fearlessly,
JD
I have found the concept of writing a speech to be particularly bothersome in the realm of Cocktail Speeches. I say this because we are speaking from our own lives, and/or from our own personal interaction with the information we are to provide. So to say ‘we lived it’ is to accurately portray our relationship to the material. That being the case, I can see the need to jot down a note or two if recollection of a sequence of events is necessary, but let that be the last time you count on the paper to remind you of what you have lived (and learned).
The first time I gave a speech in Toastmasters (Ice Breaker, 4-6 min.) I stepped to the Lectern without notes and delivered it. One of my new, fellow Toastmasters marveled that I had spoken without the benefit of notes. My response was, I lived it; I know it. This was not an arrogant response but simply the truth borne out in The Performance Method. For a short speech which draws upon personal experience or knowledge, committing anything to paper for the purpose of memorization is to succumb to fear and laziness.
Give your brain a good workout! Push it to perform! Force it to remember key details; to forge links and transitions in your short speech; to commit to organization; and to supply you with information on demand, when you need it. It takes effort, requires discipline, and no small measure of fearlessness the first time you do it. But on the other side is a level of confidence in your own abilities that is worth far more than the paper you saved.
Fearlessly,
JD
The 'Jerry' Method
The ‘Jerry’ method?? Okay, admittedly I need a new name for my speech preparation discipline. So while explaining the ’Jerry’ method I’ll be thinking of the new title. Agreed? Agreed.
Some years back I was asked to be a Guest Lecturer for a Bible School class at a local church. My message that night had been thoroughly researched and carefully written. I knew the information not just from my recent research in anticipation of its delivery, but from other studies of Scripture that had taken me to the same texts. I was aware of context, history, personalities, and a number of relevant cross references in advance of preparing my remarks.
With my lecture written, I was ready for the class – or so I thought. I felt unable to discuss the topic of the lecture apart from reading what I had written. What had happened?? I knew the subject matter; I knew the background information; I knew the personalities to be discussed, but why the need to read rather than having the freedom to properly teach?
At that time the aim of my lecture/speech preparation was the creation of a written product. I felt chained to the page. Today my research is just as detailed, but I no longer focus on producing a paper; instead my focus is on performance and delivery. Geared toward performance, I now visualize the entire event in my mind before composing a word.
By the time I begin rehearsal I will have set the stage for success in my mind, but not a word will yet be written. I research then rehearse what I have learned while continuing to conceive the lecture or speech in my mind. When finally the lecture or speech arrives on paper, I know it cold. My general knowledge of the subject matter now enhances the specifics of the remarks, and I am able to give the class or audience a memorable and interactive experience.
This was once the ‘Jerry’ Method. As promised a new, more definitive title for my speech prep discipline has been created. It is now The Performance Method. More on the practical application of The Performance Method to come….
Fearlessly,
JD
Some years back I was asked to be a Guest Lecturer for a Bible School class at a local church. My message that night had been thoroughly researched and carefully written. I knew the information not just from my recent research in anticipation of its delivery, but from other studies of Scripture that had taken me to the same texts. I was aware of context, history, personalities, and a number of relevant cross references in advance of preparing my remarks.
With my lecture written, I was ready for the class – or so I thought. I felt unable to discuss the topic of the lecture apart from reading what I had written. What had happened?? I knew the subject matter; I knew the background information; I knew the personalities to be discussed, but why the need to read rather than having the freedom to properly teach?
At that time the aim of my lecture/speech preparation was the creation of a written product. I felt chained to the page. Today my research is just as detailed, but I no longer focus on producing a paper; instead my focus is on performance and delivery. Geared toward performance, I now visualize the entire event in my mind before composing a word.
By the time I begin rehearsal I will have set the stage for success in my mind, but not a word will yet be written. I research then rehearse what I have learned while continuing to conceive the lecture or speech in my mind. When finally the lecture or speech arrives on paper, I know it cold. My general knowledge of the subject matter now enhances the specifics of the remarks, and I am able to give the class or audience a memorable and interactive experience.
This was once the ‘Jerry’ Method. As promised a new, more definitive title for my speech prep discipline has been created. It is now The Performance Method. More on the practical application of The Performance Method to come….
Fearlessly,
JD
Paprika and Parsley
I learned a valuable lesson a couple of years ago when I was launching my speaking business, and soaking up all that Toastmasters has to offer (which is considerable, btw!). For an Evaluation Workshop I was charged with delivering the well-organized speech of a speaking veteran. I conceived a masterpiece, if I do say so myself.
A week prior to delivering this three-minute wonder of words, I realized I was rehearsing so much that I had memorized the speech. Memorization can be a trap for even the most seasoned of speakers, professional or not. When we memorize a speech we open ourselves to forgetting a line, a word, a transition. In so doing we may draw a blank on the next line, word, or section of the speech. On the night of, I did the unthinkable, and forgot an entire minute of the three minutes speech!
However, at the conclusion of my remarks I was warmly congratulated on a well-delivered, and wonderfully organized speech. Truly it was the work of a seasoned, speaking veteran! I smiled, received the well wishes, and turned to the voice in my head where I heard, “But it was only two-thirds of the speech!!”
Have you ever prepared a dish for a family reunion or the random potluck dinner? Things happen as we know and you may not have the paprika for the deviled eggs, or the parsley to garnish your signature dish. You have to serve what you brought, and cannot go by the store. Guess what? NO ONE NOTICES!
Therein is the lesson…. Your audience, like the folks at the family reunion or potluck dinner, are not aware of all you have put into the recipe for your speech or presentation. If you deliver on the expectation of your audience, which for this speech was organization, you have done your job. Make note of your omission, goal yourself to learn from your experience, and next time check the pantry of your mind for paprika and parsley before taking the stage!
Fearlessly,
JD
A week prior to delivering this three-minute wonder of words, I realized I was rehearsing so much that I had memorized the speech. Memorization can be a trap for even the most seasoned of speakers, professional or not. When we memorize a speech we open ourselves to forgetting a line, a word, a transition. In so doing we may draw a blank on the next line, word, or section of the speech. On the night of, I did the unthinkable, and forgot an entire minute of the three minutes speech!
However, at the conclusion of my remarks I was warmly congratulated on a well-delivered, and wonderfully organized speech. Truly it was the work of a seasoned, speaking veteran! I smiled, received the well wishes, and turned to the voice in my head where I heard, “But it was only two-thirds of the speech!!”
Have you ever prepared a dish for a family reunion or the random potluck dinner? Things happen as we know and you may not have the paprika for the deviled eggs, or the parsley to garnish your signature dish. You have to serve what you brought, and cannot go by the store. Guess what? NO ONE NOTICES!
Therein is the lesson…. Your audience, like the folks at the family reunion or potluck dinner, are not aware of all you have put into the recipe for your speech or presentation. If you deliver on the expectation of your audience, which for this speech was organization, you have done your job. Make note of your omission, goal yourself to learn from your experience, and next time check the pantry of your mind for paprika and parsley before taking the stage!
Fearlessly,
JD
The Voice Inside
Last December I was blessed to encourage a combination of children, tweens, teens, and adults during one of my Fearless Speaker clinics. The primary message delivered that day was that our voice is important. As my audience learned that day the physical voice manifested through the interplay of diaphragm, vocal chords, lungs, and tongue is only the most obvious voice we possess.
Our inner voice, the one we define as the voice of our spirit, soul, or mind, is of singular importance. We may call it a still, small voice or a whisper of the mind, but let us never call it inconsequential, irrelevant, or unimportant. This is the voice of dreams, aspirations, and inspiration.
Most recently I followed this theme as a keynote in a business luncheon and encouraged the men and women in attendance to listen once again to that voice. It was just four years ago that I listened and set upon the life change I now celebrate every single day! My goal each day is to be better than I have been, and to do more than I have done.
Find that voice of your dreams. They can still come true. This is my testimony….
Fearlessly,
JD
Our inner voice, the one we define as the voice of our spirit, soul, or mind, is of singular importance. We may call it a still, small voice or a whisper of the mind, but let us never call it inconsequential, irrelevant, or unimportant. This is the voice of dreams, aspirations, and inspiration.
Most recently I followed this theme as a keynote in a business luncheon and encouraged the men and women in attendance to listen once again to that voice. It was just four years ago that I listened and set upon the life change I now celebrate every single day! My goal each day is to be better than I have been, and to do more than I have done.
Find that voice of your dreams. They can still come true. This is my testimony….
Fearlessly,
JD
The Fearless Speaker
In 2008 I was sitting in my Study at home when I asked the age old question, “Why am I here?” Have you ever wondered that very same thing? It seems to be a rhetorical question. After all haven’t we all contemplated our existence on this planet? Well I really wanted to know so I let the query run. By letting ‘the query run’ I mean that what I did not do was dismiss the question with a comment like, “Aw that’s crazy. Who can know such a thing?”
Ever been in a conversation when you and the person with whom you are speaking are trying to think of the name of a movie, an actor, a song, or whatever, and each of you are drawing a blank? I have been in that situation countless times. Invariably one of us says something to the affect, “I’ll probably think of it at two o’clock in the morning!” You both laugh and go on to another topic.
The computer between your ears, the human brain, continues to process that query, and sure enough a couple of days later you are enjoying lunch in a restaurant when the piece of information that had escaped you just pops into your mind! Then you call your friend, share the good news with them, and you both laugh again.
Well, I let the query ‘Why am I here’ continue to run. I did not dismiss it as an unanswerable question. Within days I began to get an unusual answer in the form of memories. Almost in chronological order memories of my having spoken to this group or that came back. It may have been as a child telling jokes to my parents’ friends, acting in a school play, performing on stage, or being a DJ at my college radio station, but there they all were.
It was a bit like the forest had been hidden by the trees. Of course I knew all about the dozens upon dozens of times I had spoken to an audience both informally and formally. I had simply regarded all those speaking opportunities as just the use of a gifting, but not as a life’s calling.
Having all of those ‘speaking’ memories arrive within days of the question, “Why am I here?” left me with no doubts I had received THE answer. I am here to speak. Okay, but what about? Here is where the answered question led to memories even more specific. My message would contain words of encouragement was the clear mandate and answer to the follow up.
Through the years I have been an encourager. I am naturally optimistic, and very often will approach people to whom I have never been introduced (you see, I have never met a stranger) to share a compliment, or otherwise say something positive.
With an answer to my simple but profound question in hand, I made the following decision: If I am on this planet to speak encouraging words to people then I will make doing so a life priority. Making it a life priority led me to determine that I would let nothing stand in the way of the simple objective to speak encouragement into the lives of as many people as possible. Therefore all doubts about my future path have been erased, and so too any fears about how to proceed.
I became The Fearless Speaker based upon this epiphany. Today, I assert to Event Planners, church leaders, speaker boards, and anyone else who hires or engages Speakers, that I will speak in any venue to any audience of any size at any time! I am The Fearless Speaker! My fearlessness is based upon the premise that my life’s message is one which men, women, and children need to hear.
We all need to be encouraged in who we are! This old world takes its toll on all of us. We get beat up daily by the cares of life, the drama of bills, bad jobs, poor relationships, and all the other nonsense that distracts from a peaceful life. Folks need to hear good news about themselves, and about their prospects for grabbing the brass ring of life.
How about you? Do you know why you are here on this rock we call Earth? If not then I strongly encourage you to find out the answer to this all-important question. Once you have made your discovery then be fearless in your determination to pursue your life’s purpose. It will enrich your life, and the lives of all those around you.
Fearlessly,
JD
Ever been in a conversation when you and the person with whom you are speaking are trying to think of the name of a movie, an actor, a song, or whatever, and each of you are drawing a blank? I have been in that situation countless times. Invariably one of us says something to the affect, “I’ll probably think of it at two o’clock in the morning!” You both laugh and go on to another topic.
The computer between your ears, the human brain, continues to process that query, and sure enough a couple of days later you are enjoying lunch in a restaurant when the piece of information that had escaped you just pops into your mind! Then you call your friend, share the good news with them, and you both laugh again.
Well, I let the query ‘Why am I here’ continue to run. I did not dismiss it as an unanswerable question. Within days I began to get an unusual answer in the form of memories. Almost in chronological order memories of my having spoken to this group or that came back. It may have been as a child telling jokes to my parents’ friends, acting in a school play, performing on stage, or being a DJ at my college radio station, but there they all were.
It was a bit like the forest had been hidden by the trees. Of course I knew all about the dozens upon dozens of times I had spoken to an audience both informally and formally. I had simply regarded all those speaking opportunities as just the use of a gifting, but not as a life’s calling.
Having all of those ‘speaking’ memories arrive within days of the question, “Why am I here?” left me with no doubts I had received THE answer. I am here to speak. Okay, but what about? Here is where the answered question led to memories even more specific. My message would contain words of encouragement was the clear mandate and answer to the follow up.
Through the years I have been an encourager. I am naturally optimistic, and very often will approach people to whom I have never been introduced (you see, I have never met a stranger) to share a compliment, or otherwise say something positive.
With an answer to my simple but profound question in hand, I made the following decision: If I am on this planet to speak encouraging words to people then I will make doing so a life priority. Making it a life priority led me to determine that I would let nothing stand in the way of the simple objective to speak encouragement into the lives of as many people as possible. Therefore all doubts about my future path have been erased, and so too any fears about how to proceed.
I became The Fearless Speaker based upon this epiphany. Today, I assert to Event Planners, church leaders, speaker boards, and anyone else who hires or engages Speakers, that I will speak in any venue to any audience of any size at any time! I am The Fearless Speaker! My fearlessness is based upon the premise that my life’s message is one which men, women, and children need to hear.
We all need to be encouraged in who we are! This old world takes its toll on all of us. We get beat up daily by the cares of life, the drama of bills, bad jobs, poor relationships, and all the other nonsense that distracts from a peaceful life. Folks need to hear good news about themselves, and about their prospects for grabbing the brass ring of life.
How about you? Do you know why you are here on this rock we call Earth? If not then I strongly encourage you to find out the answer to this all-important question. Once you have made your discovery then be fearless in your determination to pursue your life’s purpose. It will enrich your life, and the lives of all those around you.
Fearlessly,
JD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)