Comments on: Do You “Own Your Podium”?

By: Susan Stewart

Susan Stewart — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:18:27 +0000

Great message once again, Jane!

Yes, we speakers have a message that we are passionate about (much like those athletes who have a passion for their sport) and we too can stand in our power to shine our light! The word “power” is not to be taken in the ego-mind way to suggest we are superior to others, but rather, that we inspire others through the high (vibrational) energy we put out in the airport, hotel, event venue, and of course, on stage. We tend to fall in love with those olympic athletes (and all athletes for that matter) who not only are good at what they do and exude confidence, but they also combine grace, humility and humour with their excellence and I believe those very qualities win the hearts and minds of our audiences as well. Adding on to what Bill said earlier, our clients may be looking for a STAR…an 11…someone who is bigger than life, but I also think they want someone who entertains and lifts others up while their feet are kept firmly on the ground.
2 Words: ALEXANDRE BILODEAU

- Susan Stewart (and new client of Jane’s!)

By: jane

jane — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:39:45 +0000

Here is an interesting article provided by Olympic Gold Medal Rower Adam Kreek. We discussed the pro’s and con’s of the “Own the Podium” message for Canada’s winter Olympic athletes and he had some terrific points, good article for anyone interested.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/our-unaccustomed-swagger/article1489838/

By: Allen Phillips, Atlantic Speakers Bureau

Allen Phillips, Atlantic Speakers Bureau — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:35:08 +0000

My concern with this message, is that all too often a speaker’s quest
for confidence is manifest in projecting arrogance, albeit
unintentionally, it is still disastrous!

By: Donna

Donna — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:22:26 +0000

Hey Jane, loved the post. I think “Own Your Podium” make for a good speakers program don’t you. I live in Vancouver and the vibe around the city was electric. Thanks for the post. It was great.

Donna Hutchinson
Fitness Business/Marketing Coach

By: Bill Stainton

Bill Stainton — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:59:40 +0000

Jane,
I totally agree with you! Coming from a show business background, my firm belief is that the audience wants their speaker to be a star! They want somebody just a little bit larger than life. If real life is a 10, they want you (the speaker) to be an 11.

The only thing I’d add is that this begins not just when you enter the room, but the minute you arrive at the airport. And I mean your departure airport, because you never know when an audience member might be on your plane! (Yep, it’s happened to me and I know it’s happened to others, too!) Here’s the way I look at it: Let’s say the meeting planner has sent someone to pick you up at the airport (your arrival airport, of course). They’re waiting at baggage claim, and they see a herd of people coming towards them. You want to “own the podium” (in this case, the extended “podium” being the airport) so that the person picking you up will spot you and say, “Ah…THAT must be our speaker!”

The point, of course, is that the show begins well before you take the stage!

Your pal,
Bill

By: Dan Miller

Dan Miller — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:01:24 +0000

Jane – love your post here. And I love your claiming the Olympic theme for all of us speakers. I just returned from speaking three times in one day – I felt totally prepared and the audience was super receptive. Your point that our confidence builds credibility and puts the audience at ease is critically important. If we flounder, our message will be lost, no matter how accurate or inspired the forming of that message was.

By: Mimi Meredith

Mimi Meredith — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:34:43 +0000

Jane,
This is my favorite of all your posts! I love the fact that you talk about authentically conveying our personal best from the minute we enter the room. It’s not a sense of ego or false bravado, but of confidence that immediately tells the audience that they’re in the hands of a professional and they will get a return on their investment and more.

Thank you!
Mimi Meredith, author, speaker, blogger and Jane follower!