col’s blog

“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” ─ Jerry Seinfeld

Public speaking can be terrifying. I sympathize with the speakers I work with … and understand why they get so nervous before speaking at a big event. When you go out there live and in person, you are vulnerable. You don’t control everything, and you can’t brute force your audience into agreeing with your point of view. You have to seduce them, and respond to their energy.

People respond favorably to speakers who are present, authentic, and authoritative without being arrogant. And to be authoritative without being arrogant, you have to prepare. Preparing requires thinking and reflecting on what you hope to achieve with the event, and what you want to convey. You also have to understand how the audience sees the world … and how they see you. Regardless of whether their perception is “accurate,” it’s the framework you have to work within.

Even if you have the best prep in the world (i.e. having col on the case), there are wildcards that can derail your best laid plans. In those cases, the best thing you can do is stay in the moment … go with it … do the dance.