Embracing the Wisdom of a Master Storyteller

In a world where stories shape our understanding and connection, learning from a master storyteller like Ken Burns can be transformative. His documentary series have captivated audiences by weaving historical events with human emotions, creating narratives that are both educational and deeply moving. Engaging with his Master Class not only enhances your storytelling skills but also provides insights into life itself.

By immersing yourself in the teachings of a seasoned expert, you gain more than just technical skills. You learn to see the world through a different lens, understanding the power of narrative to evoke change and empathy. Ken Burns' approach emphasizes authenticity and emotional engagement, encouraging storytellers to delve into the heart of their subjects to uncover universal truths.

The Power of Learning from the Best

One of the most profound takeaways from studying under Ken Burns is the importance of sourcing the best mentors. When you learn from someone who has mastered their craft, you are not just absorbing knowledge; you're being guided by their experience, insights, and passion. This kind of mentorship accelerates your growth by providing you with tools and perspectives that might take years to discover on your own.

Investing in top-tier learning opportunities, such as a Master Class, is an empowering decision. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a willingness to seek out the best to get further ahead. By doing so, you position yourself to achieve outcomes that might have seemed out of reach. This journey of learning is not just about honing skills but also about expanding your vision of what’s possible.

How Exploring Adjacent Fields Can Enhance Your Craft

Beyond learning from the best in your field, exploring adjacent fields can significantly enhance your craft. Ken Burns’ storytelling prowess is not just a result of his expertise in documentary filmmaking; it's also informed by his understanding of history, music, and human behavior. By venturing into related disciplines, you gain a more holistic view of your work, enabling you to create richer and more nuanced stories.

Exploring adjacent fields fosters creativity and innovation. It allows you to draw connections between seemingly disparate ideas, leading to breakthroughs in your storytelling. This interdisciplinary approach broadens your knowledge base and equips you with diverse tools to tackle creative challenges, ultimately enhancing the depth and breadth of your narratives.

Building Personal Connections for Creative Growth

Personal connections are a cornerstone of creative growth. Meeting Ken Burns, even briefly, exemplifies the impact of connecting with those who inspire you. While a handshake and a chat might seem minor, these interactions can provide motivation and affirm your path. They remind you that the giants in your field are not unreachable and that their journeys can inform and inspire your own.

Seizing opportunities for personal connection, whether through networking events, workshops, or meetings, opens doors to collaboration and mentorship. These relationships foster a supportive community that can offer feedback, share resources, and provide encouragement. Engaging with others who share your passion enriches your creative journey, offering new perspectives and fueling your enthusiasm.

Applying Ken Burns' Storytelling Techniques in Your Own Work

Applying Ken Burns' storytelling techniques involves more than replicating his style; it's about embracing the principles that make his work resonate. Focus on narrative structure, emotional depth, and authenticity. Use these elements to craft stories that not only inform but also connect with your audience on a personal level.

Incorporate a strong sense of place and time, capturing the essence of your story’s setting. Pay attention to the details that breathe life into your narrative, making history tangible and relatable. By doing so, you create an immersive experience that captivates your audience and leaves a lasting impression.

Transforming Life Lessons into Compelling Narratives

Storytelling is not just an art form; it's a way to transform life lessons into compelling narratives. Ken Burns teaches us to look beyond the facts and explore the heart of the story. By focusing on the human experience, you can turn everyday moments into powerful tales that resonate with your audience.

Reflect on your own experiences and the lessons they have taught you. Consider how these insights can be woven into your stories, creating narratives that are both personal and universal. By sharing your journey, you invite others to find their own reflections and connections, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the human condition.

In conclusion, learning from a master of his craft, Ken Burns through MasterClass offered invaluable insights into storytelling and life. By sourcing the best mentors, exploring adjacent fields, and building personal connections, you set the stage for creative growth and success. Embrace these lessons, and let them guide you in crafting narratives that inspire, educate, and transform.

"It ain't bragging if it's true." Will Rogers.

When it comes to selecting the perfect speaker for your corporate event, the choice carries immense significance. A motivational business speaker possesses the unique ability to infuse your gathering with electrifying energy, leaving a lasting impact on attendees. Among the array of options, one name truly stands out: Vince Poscente. Renowned as one of the best business speakers in the world, he is the epitome of small business speakers who possess the power to elevate your event to extraordinary heights in 2022 and beyond.

Crafting an Inspiring Narrative

A paramount element of any corporate event is the ability to weave an engaging narrative that resonates with the audience. Vince Poscente, a top business speaker in 2022, brings to the stage a compelling journey from Olympic skier to Hall of Fame Speaker. His tale is nothing short of captivating, a narrative that effortlessly captivates and motivates attendees. As one of the best public speakers of the 21st century, Vince's skill in entwining his personal journey with business insights is a catalyst for inspiring transformation and accelerated achievement.

Strategies for Swift Success

Vince Poscente, among the best business speakers in the world, is renowned for delivering actionable strategies that drive remarkable results. In the fast-paced realm of modern business, time is a precious commodity. Vince understands this dynamic implicitly and imparts a blueprint for swift success that resonates deeply with small business speakers and global enterprises alike. His mantra, "Do what the competition is not willing to do," embodies a philosophy that motivates and empowers, encouraging individuals and teams to shatter limitations and conquer challenges.

Vince's unique ability to translate his Olympic triumphs into actionable business tactics is an unmatched attribute. His keynote equips attendees with the tools to navigate today's dynamic landscape, fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and unparalleled achievement.

Entertainment Meets Education

An exceptional motivational business speaker, like Vince Poscente, has the knack for seamlessly melding entertainment and education. Vince, a top business speaker in 2022, crafts an immersive experience that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. His presentations are infused with infectious energy, humor, and interactive elements that ensure both enjoyment and enlightenment.

Vince Poscente is not just one of the best public speakers; he's a master at fostering engagement. Attendees don't passively listen; they actively participate in an experience that extends beyond the event, leading to sustained growth and improved performance.

A Visionary Voice

Selecting a top business speaker in 2023 or 2024 requires an eye for visionary thought leadership. Vince Poscente's insights extend beyond traditional success paradigms, prompting attendees to challenge conventions and embrace change as a catalyst for progress. He is not just a speaker; he's a transformative force that sparks innovation and inspires organizations to reimagine their potential.

Inspiring Transformation

The hallmark of a remarkable public speaker lies in their ability to drive tangible change. Vince Poscente, one of the best public speakers of the 21st century, leaves an indelible imprint that resonates beyond the event. His strategies empower attendees to ignite transformation, propelling individuals and teams toward a future defined by unparalleled achievement.

In a realm where motivational business speakers are key to sparking growth, Vince Poscente rises as a luminary. His prowess as one of the best business speakers in the world, combined with his narrative artistry, actionable insights, engaging delivery, and transformative impact, solidifies him as an exemplary choice for your corporate event. Amidst a world where the distinction between good and bad public speakers is stark, Vince Poscente shines as a beacon of inspiration and success, ready to illuminate your event and lead your audience toward an exceptional future.

Since the mid-90s, I have had the privilege of being a keynote speaker, sharing my experiences, and inspiring countless individuals and groups to reach their full potential. Motivational speakers play a crucial role in driving positive change, but with the abundance of options available, choosing the right speaker for your event can be a daunting task. In this article, I will share insights and provide valuable tips on selecting the best motivational speaker for your audience.

As an experienced speaker, I have been featured alongside renowned personalities like Zig Ziglar, Mel Robbins, Jim Rohn, Molly Bloom, Michael Gerber, Sally Hogshead, Sean Achor, and Gino Wickman (to name a few).

The Importance of Choosing the Right Motivational Speaker

Motivational speakers possess the ability to ignite passion and empower individuals to overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and unlock their true potential. To ensure the success of your event, it is crucial to choose a speaker who possesses effective communication skills, personal experiences that resonate with the audience, and a profound understanding of human psychology. By carefully considering the following three key factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting a motivational speaker.

Outcome: Inspiring Transformation

One of the primary considerations when choosing a motivational speaker is defining the desired outcome. Ask yourself, what do you want the audience to think, feel, and do after experiencing the speaker's message? Whether it is to inspire innovation, encourage teamwork, or promote personal growth, understanding your desired outcome will help you identify a speaker who aligns with your event's objectives.

Budget: Balancing Investment and Value

Budget is an important practical constraint to consider. While it is crucial to allocate resources wisely, remember that the impact of a motivational speaker extends far beyond the event itself. Investing in a speaker who can genuinely engage and inspire your audience can lead to long-lasting benefits for your organization or group. Consider the potential return on investment when making your decision.

Connection: Harmonizing Values and Style

To maximize the impact of a motivational speaker, it is essential to evaluate whether they share the same values and style as your audience. A speaker who can connect on a deeper level and understands the unique challenges and aspirations of your audience will have a more profound impact. Look for a speaker whose authenticity resonates with your audience, fostering a genuine connection that sparks inspiration.

Exploring the Top 100 Motivational Speakers

Now, let's delve into the list of the Top 100 Motivational Speakers (created by Eric Papp) featuring a diverse range of professionals who have made a significant impact in the industry. From dynamic communicators to experienced thought leaders, this list offers a wide array of options to suit your event's specific requirements. Take the time to review their profiles, watch their videos, and consider their expertise, style, and relevance to your audience. To ensure your picker is a good one, contact your favorite speaker's bureau agent to ensure you're getting the right fit for your event. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right motivational speaker is a crucial step toward creating a transformative event experience. By considering the desired outcome, budget constraints, and connection with your audience, you can identify a speaker who will captivate, inspire, and motivate your attendees. Remember, the impact of a great motivational speaker extends far beyond the event itself, fostering positive change and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. Embrace the power of motivation and unlock a world of endless possibilities for your event or organization.

If you're curious about the value I'd deliver to your team or audience, reach out to info@vinceposcente.com (The email is free. The speech?... not so much ;-)

Chances are, if your lips are moving you’re selling something. The importance of stellar communication starts with active listening - not talking.

If you’re trying to get across a message to an employee, coworker, or even a teenager then it’s important to, as Stephen Covey says, “seek first to understand then to be understood.”

Once your lips start moving it may be too late to really have impact and influence. As we all attempt to go through our days and accomplish certain objectives it’s clear other people will likely be part of the solution.

Please join me as I walk through this topic with Rock and Rich. Their style of podcasting is one I think you will enjoy.

In the meantime, just know, that if your lips are moving, chances are you are selling something. Choose your words wisely based on what you’ve first sought to understand.

Hear the podcast with this link:
https://lnkd.in/gZZtWC-V

#influence #coworker #communication #rockandrich #setbacktobreakthrough

Passion makes up for a lack of humor chops or mediocre speaking skills.

Over the years, our office regularly gets calls from folks wanting insights regarding the speaking business. 100% of the time I personally take those calls because I was in their exact same position many years ago. Hence, I pay it forward with 15 minutes on what’s essential in this biz.

Every few weeks we’ll get a call from a celebrity agent, or best-selling author looking to go from good speeches to great audience experiences. In these cases, I’ll offer a three-month speech coaching contract. (PS I have my own coach as one should never underestimate the value of an outside perspective.)

One of my past speaking clients had a significant market presence in the financial world. This guy lives entirely in his left brain. Data makes him all giddy. Telling jokes and presentation humor is NOT his jam.

“Vince, how can I be funny?” he asked during one session.

“You can hire Mack Dryden. Also, you can also lean into your passion,” I replied. “When you talk about compound interest as the 8th wonder of the world it’s truly entertaining in a dorky sort of way. You get all animated and passionate about it. Keep doing that and you don’t necessarily have land jokes in your financial talk.”

Another gentleman who netted over $200m per year approached me to be his speech coach. He wanted to improve his speaking skills at his industry events. On our 15-minute call, I reviewed what I saw from his recording in front of 500 business leaders. I declined to coach him for one reason - his desire for presentation skills was not worth 3 months of his or my time. He had all the passion in the world. He was better on stage than he thought. His passionate take on overcoming obstacles superseded any “ums” or lack of speaking chops he demonstrated.

Whether it’s a presentation, leadership style, or sales acumen ➡️ lead with passion and your platform skills become secondary.

#leadershipskills #salesskills #speakingskills #speechcoach

Here’s what I learned from writing eight books on leadership for the self. It’s easy to write a bad book. It’s a worthy challenge to write a good book. What makes a good book?

Psssst. This also applies to memos, emails, and letters.

If you’ve got a book in you, here are a few objectives that I personally strive for (and hopefully achieve):

💡 Make it a Page Turner. Every sentence, paragraph, and chapter should entice the reader to want to read the next sentence, paragraph, and chapter. If you get the reader so flipping curious to know what’s next, give yourself a gold star.

💡 Make it Innovative or Counter Intuitive. If the reader thinks, “No $#1+ Sherlock,” then you’ve missed the mark. Use this as your mantra… “Never state the obvious.” Example: “Fall is here and the leaves are turning color,” or “You may be stuck between a rock and hard place,” then you have lost your audience.  Think of clichés and aphorisms as toxic book sludge.

💡 Bring People Into an Experience. Content does not rule the day if the experience doesn't lead the way. Yes, you want to grab someone’s attention with a point that has them think, “Gee, I didn’t think of it that way.” But then quickly transition into a story that has them noodling on what this must have felt like. At this point, you can support the story with your irresistible content.

This video is an exploration of a story-forward concept that is full of content designed to help people like you and me to get past any personal earthquakes. Heck, the Dalai Lama liked it…

I trust this helps.

#authortips #leadershipskills #TheEarthquake #dalailama #setbacktobreakthrough

Catch a decision maker off guard with your willingness to walk away and they’ll lean into what you have to offer.
 
In 2010 Music World Entertainment hired me to motivate their staff to “do what the competition is not willing to do.” MWE’s founder, Mathew Knowles helped his daughters Beyonce and Solange Knowles build their careers. First guiding Destiny’s Child then managing two successful solo careers.
 
From the age of 10, Max Poscente made it clear he would be a professional musician. I brought him to Houston to check out his dad's speech while he might gain some insight from the rest of the agenda. COO John Cawley was the first to recognize Max's potential and suggested my pre-teen son perform his own music while everyone ate lunch. Max rarely played covers back then.
 
Mathew jumped up, “Max how about you come down to Houston in a month or two and we’ll record one of your songs? Would you like that? Come to my office at the end of the day and we’ll talk about it.”
 
Waiting in the lobby, as the setting sun peeked through the window, Max insisted we should leave because “Mr. Knowles wouldn’t get my music.”
 
I encouraged Max to hear Mr. Knowles out. It was a fascinating conversation as Max finally admitted, “Mr. Knowles, I appreciate your interest, but I don’t think this will work. I just don’t think you’ll get my music.”
 
Mathew went from tilting back to leaning forward. He started selling Max on why he would be good for Max’s music career.
 
Skip ahead to Mathew and his A&R team flying up to Dallas to see Max’s band rehearse plus the makings of a 360-degree deal. At that time Beyonce wanted to spread her wings. She left MWE. With this tectonic change, Max, Mathew, and John continued their friendship as each went their separate ways.
 
I think back to that time, 12 years ago, when a music icon went from a gracious posture to a let’s-do-this vibe.
 
Here’s to friends knowing what they want and going for it.
 
#DecisionMakers #Beyonce #MusicWorld #setbacktobreakthrough

Here's a little experiment going head-to-head with Chat GPT with my own Vince Poscente style of writing.

First read the article I wrote.

Second is the Chat GPT version. What do you notice?

Building Character (by Vince Poscente)

Who sets out to build character? Maybe someone who has hit rock bottom and realizes a different way is needed. Possibly someone who doesn’t like what they see in the mirror? It could be a simple case of just trying to be a better person.

Helen Keller perceived it this way, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Any way you approach the development of character, chances are it will be a path of either discipline or a dose of ‘ye shall overcome.’ Ease and quiet is definitely a curl up and enjoy this moment but driving forward and skinning knees is going to be a way to a richer life experience.

Is there a way to enjoy trials and struggles? Look to your character to answer that riddle:

💡 Are you curious? Then make your curiosity character trait front and center. Take away learning from this challenge.

💡 Are you creative? Do you get energy from the process of seeing the world in a new and fun way? Then ensure you fashion your approach creatively.

💡 Are you a solution-oriented person? Does the feeling of solving problems give you the spice of life?

There is a myriad of ways to develop your character. You can both grow by choice or circumstance.

Either way, let’s grow.

OK... here is the Chat GPT version of my "Building Character" article:

Building character is a journey that requires discipline and perseverance. This journey can be initiated for various reasons such as hitting rock bottom, wanting to be a better person, or simply realizing that a change is necessary. The development of character is not a smooth road, as Helen Keller once said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

Trials and struggles are a natural part of the character-building process, but that does not mean they cannot be enjoyed. One way to make the most of this experience is to embrace your unique traits and use them to approach challenges. If you are curious, make sure to make your curiosity a character trait and take away learning from every challenge. If you are creative, use your imagination to fashion a creative approach to every situation. If you are solution-oriented, allow the feeling of solving problems to give you the spice of life.

There is no one right way to develop your character. Some people grow by choice, while others grow through circumstance. However, one thing is for certain, character growth is a personal journey that requires a significant amount of self-reflection, self-awareness, and introspection.

Character development is a lifelong journey that is essential to living a rich and fulfilling life. Whether you grow by choice or circumstance, the process will involve discipline and perseverance. Remember to embrace your unique traits and use them to make the most of every challenge. With the right mindset, you can turn trials and struggles into opportunities for growth and personal development.

****************

So what do you think? Please leave comments below.

You may think you're the exception. BUT... everyone has Blind Spot Bias.

We each have a tendency to see other people being more biased than we are. In fact, in one study - over 85% of Americans reported they are less biased in their thinking.

People are motivated to see themselves in a positive light while biases are generally seen as undesirable.

Everyone has unconscious patterns and personal ‘factory defects’ if you will. There are things about each of us, we don’t know we have.

Let’s say elbow skin for example.

Roll your sleeve up and give your elbow skin a pinch. There, see that, you have no feeling in your elbow skin. A factory defect you weren’t likely aware of.

Another 'factory defect'... you have a Blind Spot.

Take this quick test. Cover your left eye. Keep your right eye on the + sign while you slowly bring your face closer to the screen. At some point the black spot will disappear then reappear. THAT is your blind spot.

When it comes to topics you’re passionate about, you also have a combination of blind spots. Blind Spot biases are enhanced by confirmation bias and repetition bias. You recognize data as aligning with your way of seeing the world, and bingo you have reinforced or confirmed your bias. Or, you hear a certain bit of information repeatedly and you are in the sights of repetition bias. 

If you hold your gaze from a fixed position, there is nothing you can do about your optical bias. It is by seeing something from a different angle or position will you then see what you couldn’t see before. The same can be said in life.

If you are posting your bias on social media or arguing your point with a significant other, know, you may have an unconscious bias, A BLIND SPOT that’s a factory defect somewhat like the unfeeling elbow skin of objectivity. 

For leaders and sales folks who are driving forward without an awareness of your blind spot biases... give us a call. The value of an outside perspective can be priceless. 

#Goals #selfawareness #biases #BusinessLeadership #setbacktobreakthrough