I regularly say to groups I speak to that your education gets you the interview, and your ability to tell your story gets you the job.
In the time after you get the job, if it’s a leadership role, you will be evaluated by your ability to engage with and influence your team.
Your style should be: do as I do, not do as I say. The do-as-I-say style of management no longer works, if it ever did, thanks to the fact that people are now better educated, have travelled and have world experience.
Speak UP:
We confer values and abilities on people who have good communication skills.
For example, might I suggest American presidents?
Presidents who long after they finished their term of office are still often quoted.
~ John F. Kennedy – Inaugural Address ~
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man”.
~ Ronald Reagan ~
“Are you better off today than you were four years ago?”
A great election slogan – creatively swiped by another American President recently.
~ Barack Obama ~
“Cynicism is a choice. Hope is a better choice.”
My Favourite Speakers:
In Ireland, I have my personal heroes, people capable of engaging and holding an audience in their palm.
BIG Jim Larkin. (As depicted in Strumpet City written by James Plunkett, the first novel about Ireland I read, and still one of my favourites.
John B Keane
Tony O’Reilly
Brendan Gleeson
Mary O’Rourke
The recent presidents of Ireland:
~ Mary Robinson ~
“Feel empowered. And if you start to do it, if you start to feel your voice heard, you will never go back”.
~ Mary McAleese ~
“Change starts with us; we must be the change we want to see in the world”.
~ Michael D. Higgins ~
“Now it is time to turn to an older wisdom that, while respecting material comfort and security as a basic right of all, also recognises that many of the most valuable things in life cannot be measured”.
The days of the great orators who could rouse a large gathering of people onto the public streets and into action are gone.
Without a doubt, the presentation style and situations have changed, but the need for good communication is now an even greater requirement.
The noise and distractions are greater than ever before, and you can be the person who steps up and demonstrates your ability to speak and represent your values.
Step up to the mark:
In your personal life, you will be called upon to speak at important business and personal events weddings, funerals, retirement parties etc.
Situations that are critical to get right not only for yourself but for the people you are speaking to.
You can refuse to be the person who accepts such challenges and probably become the hurler on the ditch at the event.
Or, you can step forward, show leadership and be the person people want to hear.
If you are the person who wishes to take Obamas advice and resist cynicism while providing hope, I can help you find your voice and tell your story.
