Comments on: Speakers, Back Away From the Pedestal

By: Art Dwight

Art Dwight — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:08:14 +0000

This is a wonderful message! I’ve had mentors that I’ve admired greatly in the past only to later learn that they didn’t practice what they preached; this is especially true of many so-called motivational speakers. They are great performers. They know the material and can deliver it beautifully, but they lack authenticity when they don’t live by their own words.

What I’ve learned, however, is that it doesn’t matter! If I learn from them, implement their ideas in my life and they work, I have grown and benefitted from that. If they don’t live their own material, that is their loss and it has nothing to do with me, nor should it change the value of what they’ve given me.

By the way, your Wealthy Speaker program is outstanding. You’ve helped me tremendously. And I have a hunch that you practice what you preach.

By: gloria burgess

gloria burgess — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 04:14:27 +0000

Great post, Jane. I’ve enjoyed all of your posts… without letting you know–until now. Keep up your wonderful work! ~ gb

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:17:08 +0000

I agree with many of the comments above — this could apply lots fields and not just speakers. In my experience I find that many of those who are the most uneasy are those who want to be on the pedestal and see everyone’s talent as a threat to their position. Their desire to maintain their lofty position causes the behaviors that pull them down. I try to take joy in the accomplishments of others and hope to never see the great speaking/consulting…etc. of my colleagues as a threat to me.

By: Al Argo

Al Argo — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:43:02 +0000

Great message Jane!

As speakers we can make a difference, but the great change must begin inside us.

Happy Holidays!

By: Gayle Carson

Gayle Carson — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:37:52 +0000

Great post. I agree with you that many people (not only speakers) forget where they came from. Although I think it is terrific to be successful, that success allows you to help others along the way. Thank goodness I had a mom and a husband who kept be humble. Although they are both gone now, I never forget their words. And it is so true about the dirty diapers. I remember after winning a very prestigious award, I came home with the tropy and no one was there. I proceeded to put it on the table in the hall and go grocery shopping wondering if anyone knew a “celebrity” was in their midst. And of course they didn’t and couldn’t have cared less. We all need that!

By: Nikki White

Nikki White — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:29:13 +0000

Great article Jane. I try to say to all my clients, I know for you – it’s speaking to a room full of faces but to the audience you are connecting with each one of them on a personal level. If they approach you afterwards take the time to talk to them, or personally answer an email. Nothing will turn an audience off more (and therefore your word of mouth referrals) than an ego – checking it in at the door is a fantastic comment!!!!

By: Stephanie Chandler

Stephanie Chandler — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:03:29 +0000

I absolutely love this post. Very well stated and excellent advice. It is a great disappointment to meet people who have achieved a certain level of success only to find out that their heads are bigger than the room. Well done!

By: Sherry Strong

Sherry Strong — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:34:07 +0000

Hi Jane,

This article could be published in any industry as the advice is frank and sage. Everyone who serves and serves in their flow is going to get praise and if you are not already full in your heart and spirit, you become unbalanced in your own perspective, you cannot see yourself exactly as you are, you inflate your strengths and minimize your faults. Humility cannot live in that environment. Service out of humility and gratitude is a wonderful thing, it helps when you get back to the hotel room and no one else is around, to just basque in gratitude and not feel like anything is missing.

Your gift of insight and honesty is greatly appreciated. Thanks Jane.

Warmth and wellth,
Sherry

By: Susan Tracy

Susan Tracy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:45:28 +0000

A man’s pride brings him low,
but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. Proverbs 29:23

People tend to put us on a pedestal just because we are at the front of the room. I called my organization “Learning Together”, because I am always learning, and I am happy to help others learn.

I speak about family, at churches and schools mostly. My husband recently had a prideful downfall that has destroyed our family. I have shared stories of our family life with thousands of people over the years. I always emphasized that I was nothing special, and in fact, more challenged than most. Now, through no fault of my own – or was I prideful too? – I have lost half of my speaking business.

We should especially watch out when we are trying to do good and make a difference.

Jane, thanks for this important topic.

By: Dana Zarcone

Dana Zarcone — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:59:15 +0000

Great article, Jane! We need a reminder every so often that we are all equal and that not one person is better than another because of fame, financial status, etc. When I was in 6th grade I had an opportunity to meet Penny Marshall. This was back when Laverne and Shirley was a huge hit and, suffice it to say, she broke my heart. I was a little girl completely excited that I was about to meet “Laverne” and she was sooooo rude to me. I was devastated. It was at that point that I concluded that noone is better than me just because they are more well known than I am or have more money than I do. Its what’s in our hearts that separate us. All of us struggle with life in our own unique ways and its important to stay grounded and connected to who we really are deep down inside, without the ego.