How to Drop In and Become an Amazing Public Speaker
On the Big Talk podcast, I ask all of my guests if they are ready to drop in. Today, I am going to share why and how you can drop in and be an amazing public speaker.
The Concept of Dropping In
I went surfing once in Hawaii, and it was not easy. You paddle out perpendicular to the shore from the surf shop until you’re at the spot with some nice waves—or, in my case, where the waves aren’t too big. You’re on your belly, trying to remember the techniques you learned on the board that was solidly planted on the sand 20 minutes ago. Then you hear the instructor’s war-cry: “Paddle!” At this point, you paddle and paddle, and just at the right moment, you stand up and engage with the wave. This is what surfers call “dropping in.”
I love this analogy. You engage with the wave, focus wholeheartedly in the moment, and commit fully regardless of the outcome. This is exactly what I’m asking you to do today—drop in. Focus wholeheartedly in the moment and commit fully regardless of the outcome.
The Importance of Focus
When you take the stage, or when you’re at home writing your talk, is the television on? Are you checking emails while doing research for your talk? When you’re out with friends, do you keep checking your phone? What would happen if you decided to drop in and focus fully? Would you have more productive workdays? Would you create more intimacy in your relationships? Just think about it.
What if you focus on exactly what you’re doing in the moment and engage completely with those around you? If we show up prepared and give 110 percent, committing regardless of the outcome, what would happen? Nobody knows how it’s going to turn out. By committing without expectations, you free yourself from the distractions of wanting a certain outcome, and this is crucial when you take the stage.
Committing Without Expectations
Committing without expectations frees you from the disappointment of outcomes that turn out differently than you had hoped. This is so important in terms of taking a big stage and leading in your life. Let me say that again: if you commit without expectations, you free yourself from the distractions of wanting a certain outcome. You also free yourself from the disappointment of outcomes you’ve attached to that turn out differently.
Benefits of Dropping In
Dropping in means focusing wholeheartedly in the moment and committing fully regardless of the outcome. When you decide to drop in and engage, you will ride that wave every single time. You’ll find that you have more productive workdays and more meaningful interactions. You’ll be a more effective and engaging speaker, and you’ll enjoy the process more because you’re fully present and committed.
