I am hoping by now that everyone knows WHAT “storytelling” does for influencing and persuading audiences and WHY it works. Without citing any of the brain science that has been widely reported, it most simply triggers us to connect with what we don’t yet know and care about, with things we do know and care about. I spent […]
New Series: The Cultures of Storytelling Read More »
As TEDxColumbus marks its 10th anniversary, let’s memorialize the culture of support that TEDxColumbus has created for the speakers to deliver such consequential and memorable talks.
One Lesson from 10 years of TEDxColumbus Read More »
In the The Greatest Showman , P.T. Barnum uses a well placed story to recruit his first circus actor. The scene starts with a knock on the front door. The actor’s mother answers. P.T. says, “I’m looking for your son.” The mom replies, “I don’t have a son.” He responds, with paper in hand, “I see
Storytelling as a Competency for Leadership: Lessons from The Greatest Showman Read More »
This blog is in our series of coaching reflections, where we pick an experience while working with a client in public speaking, keynote talks, TED-Like talks, presentation skills, executive communication, storytelling, content framing and/or executive presence. Background: Head of a division of a global company has been invited to give a talk at a a leadership
First, a quick refresher on the classic tale. Goldilocks, after breaking and entering into the empty home of The Three Bears, proceeds to eat the dinner the bear family worked very hard to prepare. First she tries one porridge and decides it’s too hot. The next bowl is too cold. The last bowl is juuuuuuust
Goldilocks inspires to aim beyond “just right.” Read More »
In our classes, we often ask: Who gave the most important vision speech in U.S. history? Someone has always answered: MLK’s “I have a Dream.” (correct) I would argue that no one will ever be close in the gravitas of his words, during that time, with that consequence, and with his delivery. But last night,
A talk for the ages. Read More »
Wow, what a way to start the year. I didn’t take my own advice. Mid way through a recent assignment (an event featuring 5 different talks from the same company), I was told that I offended an executive by what I thought was a simple suggestion. The suggestion was, “Have you ever recorded yourself?” I
Feedback without a License Read More »
The City of Columbus asked me to host a roundtable discussion on the city’s culture and how it informs us as an intelligent community for the Intelligent Communities Forum. We were giving the breakdown of culture by art, heritage and attitude and curated the conversation around it. I was chosen due to my role of co-host
Hosting the Columbus Culture Roundtable for the Intelligent Communities Forum Read More »
This month I’ve been asked twice to orient / train / tell / brief people on how to coach speakers inside their companies. I’ve struggled with responding as I never like to say no, but in this case, it’s the only answer. I came to appreciate that I haven’t clearly articulated (pun intended) why I
On Coaching Speakers Read More »
It was five years ago this last winter that I applied for one of the first TEDx licenses. And apparently, I’m one of the few crazy enough get a 6th consecutive one. Our event has grown both in size and maturity, and it’s become a well anticipated event in Columbus each fall. As we began choosing our speakers this year,
Lessons from the Front Row: What not to do in your TEDx talk Read More »
