As I get older my memory seems to be getting better and better. Don’t look shocked. You read that correctly. Just this past July I went out in front of an audience and did a full thirty minutes of mostly new material with no notes. Then at my second show that night I did about ten minutes of different material without notes. Recently at Mayberry Days at Mt. Airy, NC I did two forty five minute presentations with no notes. None. No prompts pasted to my water bottle. Nothing written on my fingers. Zilch. I was determined to try it out at that first show in July and I admit, as I have said before, I felt a little bit like a guy about to jump off the high board without knowing if there was any water in the pool. But I did it and I cannot express how glad I am that I did it. My confidence in my memory is growing daily and believe me…If feels good all over!.
I’m 81 years of age and I am still experimenting with my speaking skills. When is the last time you tried an experiment? The great Olympic Pole Vaulter, Champion Bob Richards used to say, “Throw your heart over the pole and your body will follow. ” I challenge you to stretch your talents. Try something new and daring the next time you give a presentation.
Hello Art!
I’ve been getting your weekly e-newsletter for a couple of years now and enjoy it very much. In your “Use it or Lose it” column this week, you said “Try something new and daring the next time you give a presentation.” I work for a natural gas utility as the safety supervisor. What would you consider new and daring when I talk about safety to my employees? I’m drawing a blank right now. Thanks for any suggestions! Rich