One of my Linked-In groups recently posed a question that warrants sharing. ”What is the most memorable ‘takeaway’ you received from a motivational speaker at an event?” Some of the more compelling comments from group members following, with speaker crediting:
“Over-communicate! People may assume others are in the know, or they just still believe in this day and age that holding back important information to themselves is power…that's the one that continually stays in my head.” (Speaker: Patrick Lencioni)
“…not only can our words positively affect a child and their self-esteem, but our words can also destroy them. Every time I heard this part of his speech I cried. It made me reflect on things I say to my nephew and nieces, that even a ‘well that was stupid’ passing statement might negatively affect them forever because they look up to me.” (Speaker: Stephen Peters)
“…that ‘things’ do not bring genuine happiness, rather what comes from within ourselves and our attitudes bring happiness in our lives and others around us!” (Speakers: Rita Connors, Chip Conley)
The greatest speakers are masters at truthfully sharing personal trial and tribulation stories, or defining moments of vulnerability or failure ultimately transformed into triumph from their experience, yet the stories are universal in that they connect to most everyone on a profound level. The audience reaps the benefits by identifying with the issue or circumstance and understanding how they can apply it in their own lives for positive outcomes.
Oftentimes humor is integrated into the story because it gives us a fresh and refreshing perspective on problems and life in general (universal in its appeal). And, if music is the universal language, it rightfully deserves a place within any great presentation. As oregano and sweet basil are the essential spices to enhance a pasta sauce, humor and music are compulsory ingredients to a complete presentation. If you’re a speaker, next time you get up there to the platform, add these essential spices and start cookin’ up your own memorable takeaways.
BEST MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
“Life is a daring adventure, or nothing.” Helen Keller
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein
“Falling down is how we grow. Staying down is how we die.” Brian Vaszily
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Cavett Robert
“Those who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Ben Franklin
TAKE AWAY MORE TRAVEL BENEFITS
Airlines are starting to re-route their frequent flyer programs with revenue-based incentivizing as opposed to miles flown. Yesterday, Delta announced fundamental changes to its frequent flier program and will reward those who buy its priciest tickets, as opposed to those who fly the most miles.
If you’re a frequent flyer and covet the idea of maximizing your miles redemption, apply for Barclay’s Arrival World Mastercard. Other than the Capital One Venture Visacard, it’s the only credit card that earns double miles per every dollar spent on any purchases made with the card, AND allows you to choose any airline, hotel, or discount travel site with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. Where Barclay trumps Capital One and all others is with a 10% mileage rebate every time you redeem for travel. No cap on miles earned or redeemed, and no foreign transaction fees. Only catch: to be approved, you must have very good credit! Decent credit will do for Capital One. www.barclaycardus.com http://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards
