Most of us don't. Most of us just want to do something, receive accolades, and move on. In absence of accolades, we'll accept silent acceptance. Certainly, we almost always wish to avoid the dreaded 'constructive' or 'not-so constructive criticism' of our employers, co-workers, clients, spouses; whoever is involved in the process with us.
Its easy to hear both benign suggestions and harsh criticisms as the same thing: an attack on what we've done - in the case of speaking, often an attack on what we believe and who we are, not just how we sound.
I've worked with clients who are scared to get in front of an audience, as well as those who can 'WOW' an audience - both are capable of climbing to a higher level by learning to crave feedback - to accept that they have someplace better they want to go, and be willing to hear the truth it takes to get them there.
For those that put the sheet over the mirror, or jealously work to maintain the status quo in order to stay 'under the radar', their consequences go beyond just not getting better at their chosen pursuit. Sooner or later (usually sooner), they fall behind the curve, not only failing improve, but deteriorating.
As a speaking coach I take feedback even as I give feedback. I coach individuals from their starting point, not my own. In the past week, I've evaluated three projects that couldn't be more diverse, working with personalities of three distinctly different types. I give feedback, I get feedback, I give more feedback based on their feedback - and improvement happens in leaps instead of steps.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Origin of New Foot Smell
In 2006, I needed to write a speech for a District Competition in Toastmasters that covered Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. The event took place 4 weeks after my amputation. I felt I had to address the situation, without creating a speech which made my audience feel sorry for me.
I developed "Live Your Legacy" which took the story of my Grandfather's preoccupation with leaving a specific legacy with my doubt I could leave a strong legacy if I was unable to walk. When I discussed the surgery, I used terms such as 'upgrade', 'super-deluxe robot leg', and celebrated my solution, my 'New Foot Smell'.
This speech, along with 8 others from myself, 2006 World Champion Ed Hearn, and 2nd place winner Douglas Wilson, is compiled, with background information on our journey to the World Championship of Public Speaking, in our book Win Place & Show.
In December, I'm running a special on the book - with it comes a Video of me performing at the next level, still in a wheelchair, but with the same positive humor that got me there in "Live Your Legacy".
Buy a copy for yourself, your friends, or the guy walking down the street, at http://www.richhopkins.net/WinPlaceShow12.htm!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Is Public Speaking Back in Style
Fellow coach Lisa Braithwaite found this article online - Presidentially Speaking: 59% Say Public Speaking is Back in Fashion suggesting public speaking is back in style!
It outlines a survey of 1700 anonymous USA voters who felt the abilities of President-Elect Barack Obama vs. the ability of Sen. John McCain in the public speaking arena weighed heavily on their choice of whom they would elect.
The conclusion of the article is that 'Public Speaking is Back in Style' - that poor speakers are now held to a higher standard than they have been in years. Whether our presidential election was decided by public speaking is not 100% sound theory - but it certainly had an effect.
Quality public speaking goes beyond keeping your 'ahs & uhms' under control. Physical delivery, facial expression, vocal control, word choice, and authenticity all impact the effectiveness of your communication.
Have you ever heard a bad speech? Have you ever given one? I know I have - and it has driven me to improve my own skills, and dedicate a significant portion of my career to helping others improve theirs.
What will YOU do to ensure your next speaking opportunity, to your employees, stockholders, or association hits the mark? If public speaking is back in style, you may be called to speak sooner than you think!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Why Drive When You Can Walk?
Two of my kids started a new school today. Well, actually, same school, brand-new building! No longer needing to be bussed, they get walked to the school in the morning, and walked back when done.
This is a ton of walking for my wife - who has to drop both off, then walk one home at noon, the other at 2:45. So I thought we'd go pick the older one up by car. Upon arrival, my 2nd grader was down - she wanted to WALK home! So I dropped off my dear wife, and they walked while I drove.
Walking wasn't the bad choice for my daughter. She didn't care that it was cold, that it took longer, or that it required actually using muscle. She saw it as a chance to be outside, be with mom, and have fun.
Do you ever look at the oft considered bad ways to do things for their benefit? Taking the long route? Enjoying the journey, the process?
Its so easy to speed through the tasks of daily living. Before we realize, we've sped all the home.
This is a ton of walking for my wife - who has to drop both off, then walk one home at noon, the other at 2:45. So I thought we'd go pick the older one up by car. Upon arrival, my 2nd grader was down - she wanted to WALK home! So I dropped off my dear wife, and they walked while I drove.
Walking wasn't the bad choice for my daughter. She didn't care that it was cold, that it took longer, or that it required actually using muscle. She saw it as a chance to be outside, be with mom, and have fun.
Do you ever look at the oft considered bad ways to do things for their benefit? Taking the long route? Enjoying the journey, the process?
Its so easy to speed through the tasks of daily living. Before we realize, we've sped all the home.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Spin of Perspective
Yesterday, the 15th ranked Brigham Young Cougars escaped with a win over the struggling Washington Huskies in Seattle. After Washington quarterback Jake Locker rushed into the end zone for a game-tying touchdown with 15 seconds left, he joyously threw the ball straight up into the air as he was mobbed by excited teammates.
Unfortunately, his youthful spirit violated the new anti-celebration rules, causing him to be flagged for unsportsmanship. The new rules cover everything from planned celebrations to slash-the-throat gestures to, apparently, spontaneous displays of joy.
A look at the actual NCAA rule:
Rule 9/2
2. After a score or any other play, the player in possession immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot. This prohibits:
(a) Kicking, throwing, spinning or carrying (including off of the field) the ball any distance that requires an official to retrieve it.
(c) Throwing the ball high into the air.
been called.
This moved the ball back 15 yards for the extra point, which BYU skillfully blocked, and this wonderful college game was denied the chance of reaching legendary status in the annals of overtime.
Instead, the papers today are all talking about the rules, the officials who could have overlooked the call, the dynamics of a longer extra point, etc.
For my purposes, lets talk public relations from the standpoint of the BYU coach. After the game he said that "But I do know this: throughout the entire game, there were all kinds of [celebratory] plays on both sides," he said. "That [one] was the most visible. But celebration is a penalty. Whether it was or not, I didn't see it, but if it was, it should have been called. Even if it was on our team, it should have been called; the rules are the rules.". Fair enough - a safe stance that avoided calling the other team a bunch of celebrating whiners.
BUT - what if......
What if Coach Bronco Mendenhall had come out with some righteous anger on the side of his opponent? Said "its a shame the officials made that call" and "It takes what could have been a classic memory for both sides and turns it into yet another game severely impacted by officials".
He'd won the game. His kids did what they had to do, block a long extra point, which still should have been an easy make for the Huskies. But to show frustration for his opponent, to empathize with the plight of Jake Locker, who didn't do anything more than be happy to score, how many points would Coach Mendenhall have scored for himself and his University. He may have been fined by the NCAA for criticizing the officials - but he can afford it.
The reward would have been the ultimate in sportsmanship: showing empathy for ones opponent, and championing the spirit of college football - if the not the letter of the law.
Unfortunately, his youthful spirit violated the new anti-celebration rules, causing him to be flagged for unsportsmanship. The new rules cover everything from planned celebrations to slash-the-throat gestures to, apparently, spontaneous displays of joy.
A look at the actual NCAA rule:
Rule 9/2
2. After a score or any other play, the player in possession immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot. This prohibits:
(a) Kicking, throwing, spinning or carrying (including off of the field) the ball any distance that requires an official to retrieve it.
(c) Throwing the ball high into the air.
been called.
This moved the ball back 15 yards for the extra point, which BYU skillfully blocked, and this wonderful college game was denied the chance of reaching legendary status in the annals of overtime.
Instead, the papers today are all talking about the rules, the officials who could have overlooked the call, the dynamics of a longer extra point, etc.
For my purposes, lets talk public relations from the standpoint of the BYU coach. After the game he said that "But I do know this: throughout the entire game, there were all kinds of [celebratory] plays on both sides," he said. "That [one] was the most visible. But celebration is a penalty. Whether it was or not, I didn't see it, but if it was, it should have been called. Even if it was on our team, it should have been called; the rules are the rules.". Fair enough - a safe stance that avoided calling the other team a bunch of celebrating whiners.
BUT - what if......
What if Coach Bronco Mendenhall had come out with some righteous anger on the side of his opponent? Said "its a shame the officials made that call" and "It takes what could have been a classic memory for both sides and turns it into yet another game severely impacted by officials".
He'd won the game. His kids did what they had to do, block a long extra point, which still should have been an easy make for the Huskies. But to show frustration for his opponent, to empathize with the plight of Jake Locker, who didn't do anything more than be happy to score, how many points would Coach Mendenhall have scored for himself and his University. He may have been fined by the NCAA for criticizing the officials - but he can afford it.
The reward would have been the ultimate in sportsmanship: showing empathy for ones opponent, and championing the spirit of college football - if the not the letter of the law.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Day the Voiceover Died.
Voiceover master Don LaFontaine died Monday at the age of 68.
In case the name doesn't ring a bell, watch the video below:
You may have heard people suggest you watch a movie with the sound down to feel the impact a soundtrack truly makes. A voiceover artist does just as much in a preview, or in driving the plot of a commercial. Mr. LaFontaine's voice became identifiable to us without us even realizing it. He narrated both our TV and Movie lives.
His voice was his brand, just as much as Sinatra, Johnny Cash, and Pavarotti.
Is there something about you that you can brand? It doesn't have to be exclusive - there were plenty of other voices on the airwaves. It doesn't have to be complicated or catchy. Carol Burnett had the ear tug, Johnny had the golf swing, Michael Jackson had his glove. Not their only talents or IDs, but memorable nonetheless.
Look for things that make you who you are, instead of always looking to create new concepts. The do it everywhere for 25 years. And you will be remembered as fondly as the Master of Voiceovers.
In case the name doesn't ring a bell, watch the video below:
You may have heard people suggest you watch a movie with the sound down to feel the impact a soundtrack truly makes. A voiceover artist does just as much in a preview, or in driving the plot of a commercial. Mr. LaFontaine's voice became identifiable to us without us even realizing it. He narrated both our TV and Movie lives.
His voice was his brand, just as much as Sinatra, Johnny Cash, and Pavarotti.
Is there something about you that you can brand? It doesn't have to be exclusive - there were plenty of other voices on the airwaves. It doesn't have to be complicated or catchy. Carol Burnett had the ear tug, Johnny had the golf swing, Michael Jackson had his glove. Not their only talents or IDs, but memorable nonetheless.
Look for things that make you who you are, instead of always looking to create new concepts. The do it everywhere for 25 years. And you will be remembered as fondly as the Master of Voiceovers.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Holy Perspective, Batman
Everytime I read an article about how great the Dark Knight is doing at the box office, it is followed by a disclaimer. Because of inflation, not nearly as many tickets are being sold. It would have to do over 900 billion to beat Titanic, and 1.2 billion to beat Star Wars.
What does nobody mention? How 'bout the fact that there were so fewer alternative forms of entertainment when both of those movies came out? Cable TV, the Internet, Video games - these didn't exist for Star Wars, and were not nearly as advanced or addictive in the late 90s. Not to mention no one thought they'd be able to see Star Wars at home on DVD within 6 months of its release. We just prayed the commercials would cut out too much with the Network Light Sabres once it came on TV.
The Dark Knight may not be the biggest movie in history. So what? It's still amazing that a 70 year old comic book hero can take over the world for a month.
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