ON CONSISTENCY

You do not get a second chance to make a first impression. Every successful speaker knows this. So here are some questions to ask yourself as you build consistency and a strong brand identity.

Is my keynote speech content driven and dynamic?
Am I being authentic?
Do I have a clear CORE MESSAGE that prevails in my speech?
Am I keeping on point?
Is their audience interaction?
Do my stories reflect the 3Rs? Educate? Engage? Entertain?
Am I the same person on and off stage?

The Coach thinks . . . it is about having fun – for you and your audience. A mature speaker does not take him/herself too seriously.

www.schrift.com Sandra Schrift (c)June 2007

On Pacing

Often my clients ask me how long will it take before they get their first paid speaking engagement. And I say, "that depends on how much time you have to pursue the necessary steps to get the booking." Someone said it best with the following story. "The story of the tortoise and the hare is misleading. It leaves out any consideration of steady hares. In a long race, the hare who can pace himself wins. Most hares do not pace themselves well. They get a fast start, but they become sidetracked. There is nothing wrong with being a tortoise. If you are a tortoise, you rely on a thick shell. A thick shell slows you down. This is the price of safety. It is a very high price. The habits of the tortoise are rarely pleasant for young hares."

The Coach has learned . . . "those hares who learn early on to act like tortoises gain a tremendous advantage. They will lap the competition."

Sandra Schrift (C) 2007

ON SAFARI # 2

Two weeks ago I wrote about some of my African safari experiences. And still I think about the mystery of these animals. How they make their lives work without the intellect, language, science and culture that we enjoy as a human beings. They appear to be less destructive of nature than we are. They just seem to make things work and get by. I looked at the lion and wondered what is she thinking? What are her goals in life? Does she ever have a crisis, like me? Amazing . . . animals are so different from us.

The Coach is reminded by Samuel Butler . . . 'Man, unlike the animals, has never learned that the purpose of life is to enjoy it.'

(c) 2007 Sandra Schrift www.schrift.com