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.)
Here’s a quote from Bowie that 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 how can you make 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.) Mr. Alexander said that when scripting his act he didn’t want to go one one or two seconds without being enthralling or entertaining. He also designed his act around who is really was so his show came off as uniquely authentic.
David Bowie did the same thing. He was constantly reinventing himself and creating albums and a 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.
This is also a problem with most speaker trainers. They teach their students to become carbon copies of themselves.
Yes, you can and should learn from others but you need to 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 “TGIF” Dee
Kick butt, make mucho DEEnero!
Dave “Space Oddity” Dee