I just spent a month working from Florida.
It’s nice to get away from the Chicago cold.
Plus, my mom lives there.
Have you ever noticed how honest your family is?
Your colleagues may not tell you about your flaws… but, man… your family will.
When I was young (and sometimes still now), my mom would say, “Kathryn, the Reader’s Digest version, please!”
Reader’s Digest is the largest subscriber-based magazine in the world. It features short stories, jokes, and advice.
I loved reading it when I was younger. But I couldn’t for some reason, tell a story succinctly like the “Reader’s Digest version.”
It’s easier when you write. When you write, you can go back and edit yourself. I highly recommend that and we’ll talk about how to in a moment.
When we’re telling our story on stage, in the media, on a panel, during a wedding toast, in a job interview, or even just on a date, we don’t have that editing function always working in our brain.
We can drone on and on… which isn’t good.
If your editing skills aren’t honed, you could be seen as boring, annoying, and worse: it could actually cost you that job, date, or client you’re hoping to land.
Preparation is key.
Don’t go into any important conversation or interview without first outlining what questions you may receive and how you should answer them to make your audience act.
Write your story, toast, elevator pitch, speech, or those job interview answers out. Once you see it on the page, it will become more apparent what can stay and what needs to go.
What are you headlines? The soundbites people will remember? The quotes they may tweet? What are the takeaways?
Practice your story over and over, and do it out loud.
Find someone you trust to tell you the truth.
Tell the person you’re practicing with to stop you where they get bored, where they feel they had enough… and where they are no longer entertained.
Record yourself.
Play it back.
Listen to your delivery.
Watch your body language.
You’ll notice your energy wane when you’re no longer interested.
If you’re bored – that’s a good signal to cut that piece out.
Be okay with the editing.
Develop a thick skin, but also stay vulnerable. This is your story. Your baby. Your life history. It’s important to be passionate about your story, but at the same time, be okay with the editing.
Know when to let go of what’s not as engaging to other people.
When the mission is to engage, entertain and teach — edit yourself down to what’s essential and entertaining.
You have one shot to keep your audience.
While I have you…
I’ve created a special program just for healthcare professionals who need media training so they can confidently show up on camera, attract more patients, move up in their careers, and let their expertise shine. If that’s you or someone you know who can benefit from this, click here to learn more.
If you’re looking for tips, tricks, and techniques on public speaking, landing media interviews, or creating a message that stands out, check out and subscribe to my YouTube channel. I’m dedicating 2022 to publishing up-to-date and timely videos for you.
And whenever you’re ready… here are two more ways I can help you build your brand, own your voice, and stand out:
- Looking for one-on-one coaching or a consultation with me? Schedule a complimentary call here to speak to our team about how we can help you.
- Follow me on Instagram here for more media and public speaking tips, videos… and a little fun.
