David Bowie was a consummate performer who owned the stage and had the rare distinction of being a true artist and a fantastic entertainer. (Many artists are so self-absorbed that the only people they entertain are themselves.)
Bowie’s quote contains a powerful lesson for all of us who dare to step on stage – whether that stage is real or metaphorical, “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
Dan Kennedy says that the number one marketing sin is being boring. How true.
The number one sin you can make when doing presentations is being boring – yet so many people are. They put no energy, passion, or fun into their performances. Instead, they opt for facts, figures, and logical arguments for why someone should buy. And their sales suffer as a result.
Although you don’t have to look like Ziggy Stardust, think about making your presentations less boring and more entertaining.
Interestingly, I was watching a mentalism lecture by actor Jason Alexander who played George Costanza on Seinfeld. (Yes, he is a world-class mentalist who has performed at the Magic Castle.) Jason said he didn’t want to go one or two seconds without being enthralling or entertaining when scripting his act. He also designed his act around his identity, making his show uniquely authentic.
David Bowie did the same thing. He was constantly reinventing himself and creating albums and shows that were different but authentically him.
The big mistake many speakers make, heck, that many people make is trying to be someone who they aren’t.
Yes, you can and should learn from others, but you must put who you are, your unique self, into your presentations. Open up and let your audiences know who you truly are. Be an amplified version of yourself on stage. You’ll connect with your audience and make more sales.
Kick butt, make mucho DEEnero
Dave “Space Oddity” Dee
P.S. Want to close more sales? Then join us for the upcoming three-day “Sales Mastery” workshop. Email me at dave@davedee.com, and I’ll get you the details.
