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Via EmailIf You Can’t Hide It, Paint It Red
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In This Newsletter…
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1. Quotation of the Month
2. Word of the Month
3. Conversation Tip of the Month
4. Conversation Starter: Take a Poll
5. Check Out My Blog
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1. Quotation of the Month
All my failures were practice shots anyway.”
-Cathrine Ann
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2. Word of the Month: rapt
- Deeply moved or delighted; enraptured:
- Deeply absorbed; engrossed:
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3. Conversation Tip of the Month:
If You Can’t Hide It, Paint It Red
Let me tell you about Cathrine Ann, who told her story at a women’s leadership conference in Honolulu. She’s a success now, with a multi-million dollar business she started. Before that, she was a mess: alcoholic parents, abuse at home and at school, ADD, pregnant at 15, homeless, stealing and prostituting. The audience was rapt.
When it came to the Q&A, Cathrine had a problem. The question was complex, and she answered the first part. Then she stopped.
“I forgot the question. Did I tell you I’m ADD?” (We all laughed.)
The questioner repeated part 2, and Cathrine answered energetically. Then she froze. “Oh.” We knew she’d forgotten again.
What would you do in this situation? Most skilled speakers would say, “Oops, I forgot again. Where was I?” Cathrine’s response was unique:
She spun toward the back of the stage, then faced the woman at the microphone. “Why don’t you come up here and give me a hug?”
We loved her for it.
Remember, you don’t have to be perfect when you’re making a presentation. (If anybody’s listening, it’s a presentation.) Just be yourself. If you mess up, say so. In other words, “If you can’t hide it, paint it red.”
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4. Conversation Starter: Take a Poll
Do you have a problem of some sort? It could concern relationships, money, or some personal trait that you admire in others but don’t see in yourself, such as—in Cathrine Ann’s story—the ability to handle yourself when you forget your place. Turn that problem into a conversation starter. The more specific your question, the better information you’ll get. For example,
- “You’re a good public speaker. Could you give me a couple tips to help me be more confident in front of a roomful of people?”
- “I don’t balance my checkbook. Could you give me some tips for getting it done every month?”
- “I’m always late, and you’re punctual. Could you give me some suggestions for getting to work on time?”
Make a project of it. Ask several people. But don’t ask just to start a conversation. Pick a topic you really want to know about.
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5. Check Out My Blog
Guest Blog from Pam Chambers, Hawaii’s top presentation coach:
A Good Presentation Tip from One Smart Cookie
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As always, I welcome your comments, questions and anecdotes.
