Do you worry about making mistakes when you speak? Don't worry about it because
someone will be glad to come up afterward and correct you. From the first time
speaker to Tony Robbins, someone in the crowd is always there to point out the
misstep.
What should you do with the critical listener?
1. Weigh the comment. Is it valid? Will the mistake create detriment or harm
the listener when applied? Most after speech corrections are personal preference
not life principles.
2. Ego Booster or Anal Retentive? A majority of corrective comments come from
people looking for a quick ego lift, or those who have anal-retentive personalities.
The former gains emotional affirmation through "constructive criticism;" the latter
possesses the inability to let things go. Just because they take mistakes so seriously,
it does not mean you have to.
3. Don't overanalyze. Replaying the comment over and over in your mind will not
help you become a better speaker. Trying to understand why the person said it
the way it was said won't help either. Listen and leave it.
4. Weigh the source. A word from your boss should have more bearing than a stranger
who is jealous.
From the Democratic Convention
Have you caught some of the convention this week? It's a great source of information
for speakers. Here are a few things I've noticed...
1. Speaking to an exciting crowd who will accept almost every word without filtering
it puts you in a winning position every time. If you know you're going to be speaking
to an audience like this go ahead and shuck your fear. They're ready and roaring,
so don't hold back.
2. Up close camera work magnifies nervous physical traits. Ear tuggers, glasses
pushers, and lip lickers beware.
3. The best and worst are easily separated. When it comes to sheer presence and
connection Barack Obama has stolen the show thus far. He was able to leave political style
and move to a more conversational style. The more politicalized a speaker the
less believable he/she becomes. Speak conversationally.
Have an AWESOME day!
Critiquing Criticism