Three Days

Darren LaCroix

What happens three days AFTER you hear a presentation?  Did anything stick that inspired you to make a change?  What about your own audience?  Do you hear from anyone three days AFTER you speak?

This past weekend, I had the fortune of attending a key note presentation given by a man who has profoundly changed the way I even THINK about speaking… let alone speaking itself:  Darren LaCroix, the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking.  My greatest takeaway from his speech was Three Days.  The most important part of your speech is not the opening; not the closing; not even the body!  But, the message that the audience takes away… and what they do with it THREE days later.

Well, here we are… the third day after Darren's speech.  What do I find in my inbox this morning?  An article he wrote… and not just any article.  One that centers around the opening of MY speech at the District International Speech Contest!  That got me thinking…  my contest run is done for this year… what do I focus on now???  Darren’s voice popped into my head..

“Liza, how many times have I told you???  Stage Time!  Stage Time!  Stage Time!!”

Gasp!  That's it!!!  I told my husband I'm going "back to school."  Back to the basics.  Of all the at-home study programs and books I purchased about public speaking, I haven't FINISHED one!  Not one!  My husband's response?   "Why?"

I said, "Because I want to get better."

He quipped, "You already are better."

I replied, "But, I want to get MORE better."  {Please don't kill me for butchering the grammar on that one}

I had such a deep connection with the audience last weekend, I almost didn't care about the results... almost (hey 2nd is not bad!).    I absolutely adored the experience I had on stage.  But, why wait a whole YEAR???  Yes, I have my Toastmasters Club.. and, sure I can join more clubs if I want.  But, I think a different direction might be in order....

Finishing those books and at-home study projects is great... but it CAN'T stop there...

Darren told us a story about Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE (in my opinion one of the BEST female public speakers on the planet!) and  how she got started by speaking at her local Rotary Club... now, she is fulfilling her dream helping others become better.

So, guess what?  I've already reached out to my local Rotary Club leaders to try and do the same!  And, that's just the start... my home town supports other groups, too:  Lions, Eagles, Chamber of Commerce, and, VFW (ok, I might not be able to relate to THAT one right away... but it's worth a shot!!!).

Now that I have a path forward, I can see where my growth can lead me.  What is yours?  What did you hear three days ago that has changed YOUR perspective?  Have you started something that you never FINISHED?  Go FINISH IT!!!

And, the next presentation you prepare, remember that what is most important about your speech is NOT what you do on stage... it's what your audience does THREE DAYS LATER...

Have a great day!  and Keep Powering Up!