Communication begins today not by what we say, but who we are.

When was the last time you heard a famous person give a speech and something they said affected your life? I can name many famous people I have heard, but only a few said something that I can remember, or entertained me enough that I would want to hear them again.

I’ve noticed audiences don’t care what I have accomplished, what I’ve earned or whom I have spoken to previously. They only want to know what is in this presentation for them? Where is the benefit? Will it be entertaining? Will they learn something they can use?

That’s why I tell most people introducing me to just tell why they hired me, what they like about my topic… something people will take away from the presentation. I put my bio in the handouts for the few who car to read them. Everyone has spent time and money to come away with something tangible for their investment… and the bigger the name, the higher the expectations.

Are you the same person when you aren’t in front of the crowd that you are on the platform?  Successful leaders are transparent. What you see is what you get with them. 

There used to be a British comedy series called, “Keeping Up Appearances.” It was about a stuffy woman and her mild-mannered husband. She was constantly trying to impress people and she almost always came across as a phony.

If you are keeping up appearances someone will notice and the word will be out. People will listen more if you earn the right to be heard with your character. I’ve noticed that if I walk around the room greeting people before I lead a presentation, not only is the audience more receptive, they come by afterwards to buy resources and engage me. There is a direct correlation to the relationship after I speak to the relationships I build before the speech.

General Omar Bradley was known as the Soldier’s General. He was a casual person who spent time with the soldiers under his command. He earned the respect of the enlisted men who served under him in WWII so much that he was tagged to straighten out problems with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs after the war. They knew he could be trusted as a person of character, integrity and leadership. Who you are controls what people hear you say. Be the person you want others to follow and watch the receptivity climb as you speak to people.