You dream of stepping into the spotlight; delivering a career-defining speech; and making a lasting impact.
And you did more than just dream. You took action:
✔ You bought the book.
✔ Signed up for an online course.
✔ Researched the best speaking techniques.
But things stalled...
The book... is still uncracked.
That much-advertised training... just expired.
Google and YouTube presentation experts… sucked your soul.
How can you prevent all THAT from happening this time around?
First up, you need to face two realities:
FALSE FEAR
Public speaking fear isn’t the problem. Sure, nerves are a thing, but any competent speaking coach can help you turn that into a catalyst of focused energy.
You need to go beneath the surface layer and ask:
What is driving those nerves?
What’s really going on down there?
STORY LOOP
Your real challenge is likely the negative story playing loudly on repeat in your mind...
- “I’m not smart enough.”
- “My idea isn’t BIG enough.”
- “My career track isn’t impressive.”
- “I will be criticized, ridiculed, and rejected.”
- “Those top speakers all know more than me.”
- “Who am I to think about changing part of the world???”
I say STOP.
STOP. IT. NOW.
(I’ve got your back.)
You are worthy of being on stage. So too, will be your idea — worthy — when you take center stage.
It is time to rework that internal narrative — change that negative story loop into one that affirms the potential of you and your idea. (Click 8 tips for jettisoning Imposter Syndrome.)
I know this to be true, from personal experience. One of my most accomplished clients — a Harvard researcher who delivered a 47-million view talk — was doubting himself too.
But guess what? On game day, he was confidently standing center stage with focused energy. He delivered his idea worth spreading — and it has literally changed the world for the better!
Remember, success on stage is not about eradicating nervousness; IT IS about transforming fear into a catalyst.
Your deeper, bigger challenge is to embrace the truth that your voice and ideas hold immense value that’s worthy of the spotlight.
P.S. In case you missed, those 8 imposterism tips, click here.
I am DEVIN D. MARKS. This newsletter shares what I’ve learned from deep dives into the world of TED Talks and idea spreading. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to serve 100s of authors, executives, and researchers — from million-view TEDsters to CEOs winning 9-figure funding rounds. My public speaking and story training firm, CONNECT to COMPEL helps leaders, just like you, to maximize your message. We can connect via 617.804.6020, or you can DM me here.
Our speaking must connect with an audience to compel action. In that, Ralph Waldo Emerson is almost CONNECTtoCOMPEL’s muse!
“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.”
David E Guggenheim drills down into the basics of public speaking in his excellent 2023 primer: Public Speaking—From Competent to Captivating: How to Be a Better Public Speaker and Overcome Your Speaking Anxiety, Fear and Overthinking. Written from the perspective of a niche expert who struggled and then learned to excel on stage, I consider it a super addition to the public speaking bookshelf!
Nancy Duarte offers her take on storytelling in this 3-minute video, How To Tell A Story. She’s a master storyteller and the presentation expert who worked with Al Gore on his breakaway climate change speech.
Three principles make the Marks Maximized Messaging (m3) framework so very, very connecting and compelling. Whether you're working on a keynote or a commencement address; an all-hands preso or a pitch, you will want to be:
[✔] 5Fold-Focused
(5 factors here)
[✔] Story-Wrapped
(3 factors here)
[✔] Action-Igniting
(6 factors here)
To begin a conversation about bringing the m3 framework to your next presentation, click here. After all, isn’t it time to…
Let the world LIVE your message!™
P.S. ARE YOU A HOPEFUL TED TALK 🔴 SPEAKER? Did you know the m3 framework is the basis for my award-winning, TED Talk coaching method? Many, many million-view TEDsters have benefitted from my coaching — including Harvard's Dr. Robert Waldinger in his 47M view, TOP 10 TED Talk. Let’s connect and consider your steps to center stage.
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