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We live in a world of perpetual flux, where the only constant is change. In our relentless pursuit of stability, we can become frustrated, exhausted, and overwhelmed. However, in the face of this challenge lies an incredible opportunity – particularly in the world of public speaking – to embrace the power of acceptance. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Last month at my 3-day Leader Speaker Retreat</h3>A dynamic group of senior leaders explored the art of effective communication. Three days of complete immersion into the art and craft of public speaking. We explored their unique presence and what it means to communicate with impact. In a public speaking context, we seek to create a sense of stability, yet, like time (and life), speaking or presenting is ever-changing. The present moment is never the same. The present moment-to-moment newness we must possess when speaking, is a metaphor for life. One of the comments made by the delegates at the end of the three days when we were reflecting on what they might take away from their experience was enlightening:&nbsp;"I found these three days extraordinarily challenging. I've realised I gave myself permission to engage an audience in ways I'd never seen myself do before." What struck me was this delegate's openness to change. She had expressed that she needed help understanding and getting to grips with what she could improve upon before coming on the retreat. And yet she noticed the significance of her willingness to embrace alternative ways of communicating with her presence. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">At the heart of her change lies a simple but important framework</h3>Over two decades, I've designed and developed a number of frameworks to help people master the art (not just the skills) of public speaking. One such framework claims that our actions are preceded by certain behaviours, our feelings by our thoughts, and our thoughts by an intention. When we connect with, and tap into, this 'intentional energy' - our presence - our impact can be immensely amplified. The potential of harnessing this energy goes beyond public speaking. In our approach to personal and professional life, it can inform the actions we take (or fail to take). For businesses, understanding and aligning with the intentions (our 'why') behind the vision helps to build a solid mission and meaningful impact on customers and communities. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Many of us yearn for permanence in an ever-changing world</h3>And with this desire comes fatigue. In a one-to-one coaching session, a client expressed their solemn resignation of never-ending progress. But it's not change that exhausts us, but our resistance towards it? This leads to an essential question: how do we find resilience? The answer may lie in a single word: acceptance. This should not be confused with resignation; rather, it's a conscious choice to welcome the present moment and imbue it with a deep understanding of its impermanence. We must be willing to act, think, feel, and listen as each situation arises. And we must certainly accept, that our level of resilience is subject to change. Acceptance lets us let go of our desire to control how we work with each encounter. It gives us the power to lean into transforming change into an advantage, and to use it to fuel our growth. It reveals a deeper, more authentic presence within ourselves and enables us to speak with greater purpose and poise. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">In a business context...</h3>Understanding our missions' 'why' helps manage change more effectively. By seeing recalcitrant situations as opportunities to grow, we gain an invaluable ability to lead our teams and make a positive impact both within and outside the organisation. The concept of embracing change is not new, but it allows us to divorce ourselves from living in a permanent state of fear and stress. It encourages us to nurture resilience from the inside out, empowering us to move through life with an open mind and open heart. And ultimately, it allows us to step boldly into each moment and lead the dance.

Leading the Dance of Change: Harnessing Acceptance and Intention in Leadership and Public Speaking

Being in the moment, razor-sharp, unfettered by distractions, wholly alive to everything around you; we've all experienced this. A sports star calls it being in the zone, a jazz musician feels it while riffing an improvisation, a mother in the throes of childbirth recognizes it. This state of hyper-presence, what I call "actual reality," is akin to the psychological concept of flow. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Flow isn't just an abstract state of mind...</h3>It's a profound condition of being that underlies peak performance in various fields, from athletics to arts to business. In the organizational context, flow is vital for effective communication. Flow, or being fully present, involves focusing on the present moment, engaged and attuned to the immediate context, undistracted by the past or future. Consider the exhilaration of a skydive. The adrenalin-fuelled moment of stepping out into the thin air, the all-encompassing rush of freefall, where worries and distractions evaporate, replaced by sheer presence – being in that moment. It is impossible to not be present in a situation such as this. While we often associate such profound presence with extreme circumstances, the reality is that we can harness this state in any moment, given the right awareness and tools. Ever caught yourself steamrolling a meeting or freezing during a presentation? I've been there. Being fully present can prevent missteps and facilitate effective communication in such scenarios. You are at your best when you are in the flow, entirely focused and engaged. It sounds simple, yet it's elusive in our fast-paced world. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">In this constantly changing world, staying present is like watching a movie...</h3>Like a frame in a film, each moment whirls by, blurring into a continuous scene of action. We are tempted to freeze a frame, label it as reality, when the truth is, reality is a ceaselessly changing panorama. We need to evolve continuously to stay present with this unfolding actuality. Today's business world presents unique challenges to staying present. The advent of robust technology and the leaner, flatter organisational structures mean we juggle more tasks and responsibilities. Our energy dissipates, scattered among numerous activities, none of which receive our full attention. Consequently, the underlying problem of how fear influences our presence becomes accentuated. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Fear can be a formidable barrier to presence...</h3>Fear of failure, falling behind, not being good enough, or others' opinions—such anxieties can create a mental fog that hampers our ability to stay present. As an experienced public speaker and executive speaker coach, I recently experienced such an episode. The critical point here is not the fear itself, but the thoughts that fear invokes that deter presence. The fight or flight response, a primal instinct, is how we react to fear. When faced with a threat, adrenaline surges, preparing us to either fight or flee. While this response is crucial in the face of physical danger, the modern world's stressors often elicit the same response, undermining our ability to stay present. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Another common reaction to fear is the activation of the inner critic...</h3>This voice inside our heads incessantly evaluates our behavior. More often than not, the inner critic cripples rather than aids us, preventing us from taking risks due to fear of failure. Overcoming this internal voice is a crucial step toward staying present. Mastering the art of being present requires continuous effort. It involves honing the ability to notice your breath, to see the situation as it is, and to let go of judgement and labelling of sensations. This involves a focus on the physical, a shift in perspective, and acceptance of thoughts and feelings. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Being present is a transformative state that energizes and clarifies...</h3>This new energy derived from being fully present is not merely an amplified state of attention but a dynamic state of flow. In public speaking, this energy inspires and motivates, communicating beyond words. It connects, influences, and drives change. In essence, being present isn't just about existing in the moment; it's about catalysing a state of flow that energizes and transforms, turning ordinary into extraordinary. Research, including studies by McKinsey &amp; Company, corroborates this. They found a direct correlation between high levels of employee engagement, well-being (indicative of being in the flow), and superior business performance. Embrace the state of being present, and witness the transformation in yourself and your world. This is the power of actual reality, a new energy, a heightened state of flow that infuses life into everything it touches, from communication to performance. Let this energy fuel your journey to extraordinary. Being present, staying in the zone, embracing the actual reality is not an aspiration—it's a transformation that unfolds every moment.It is a presence unique to you - your superpower—unleash it.

Being in the Zone: The New Energy of Presence in Communication

Public speaking is an art form, a medium through which individuals express ideas, persuade audiences, and evoke emotions. However, with its endless array of information and techniques, the modern era often poses an ironic problem for many leaders: the paradox of choice. Drawing parallels with life, there's a notion that true freedom isn't necessarily in maximising choice. Real liberation can sometimes be found where choices are limited. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">The Paradox of Choice</h3>The concept of the paradox of choice, popularised by psychologist Barry Schwartz, posits that too many options can lead to anxiety, indecision, and dissatisfaction. Although primarily applied to consumer choices, this concept has deep resonance in public speaking. As a speaker, the process can feel overwhelming when faced with a plethora of data, delivery styles, and engagement methods. Does freedom in public speaking truly lie in embracing all these options, or does it come from a more measured approach? <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Mastery Over Volume</h3>One of the most daunting tasks is sifting through vast amounts of information on your chosen topic. The internet era has democratised access to knowledge but has also created a tsunami of data. It might be tempting to cram as much information as possible into a presentation to display expertise. However, we all know that true mastery isn't in quantity but in quality. Narrowing down the scope of your talk or presentation (in my coaching work, I call it Being Specific) to focus on essential and impactful points leads to a more concise and powerful presentation. After all, audiences remember how you make them feel with the depth of your insights, not the breadth of your data. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Finding Your Authentic Style</h3>Often the leaders and speakers I work with feel pressured to emulate popular orators within the organisation. Adopting their humour, storytelling techniques, or even their gestures. And with countless TED Talks and workshops available, the choices for presentation styles are vast. However, true freedom in public speaking emerges when you embrace your unique style. By focusing on your strengths and aligning them with audience expectations and the nature of your topic, your delivery becomes more authentic. Instead of attempting to incorporate every possible technique, choosing a style you're comfortable with ensures your delivery remains natural and engaging. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Structuring Your Narrative</h3>Structure is the backbone of any great talk or presentation. With numerous formats available – from problem-solution to chronological storytelling – it's easy to get lost. An intricate structure might seem sophisticated but can risk confusing the audience. Choosing a straightforward and clear structure tailored to your message and audience ensures your talk remains coherent and compelling. It's another testament to the fact that simplicity often trumps complexity in public speaking. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Engaging With Purpose</h3>Audience engagement is the holy grail. The choices here are myriad – anecdotes, jokes, audience polls, stories and more. Yet, the key is to remember that not all engagement methods suit every topic or audience. Instead of throwing every technique into the mix, selecting a few that truly resonate with your listeners is more liberating and effective. By knowing your audience and crafting your presentation to connect with them, you achieve a more profound sense of freedom in your delivery. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Navigating Stage Fright</h3>Lastly, fewer choices in presentation preparation can be a boon for those grappling with stage fright. Overcomplicating aspects of a presentation can amplify anxiety. You can direct your energy more productively by concentrating on your intent, the core message, supporting points, and a clear call to action. Focusing on what truly matters minimises anxiety and enhances your connection with the audience. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">A double-edged sword</h3>In public speaking, as in life, the abundance of choices can sometimes be a double-edged sword. While options provide us with opportunities for diversity and innovation, they can also overwhelm and paralyze us. True freedom in connecting with others often aligns with the philosophy that less is more. By focusing on authenticity, simplicity, and genuine audience connection, you can navigate the vast sea of choices and find your own unique voice. After all, it's not about how many choices you have, but how meaningfully you make them.

The Irony of Choice in Public Speaking: Less is Often More

The authenticity of our stories is not determined by the tags we assign to them, but rather by their intrinsic essence. Imagine, if you will, standing before a crowd, your hand clenched in a fist. You claim there's a precious gemstone hidden within your grasp. The audience may believe you, or they might harbour doubts. In the absence of definitive evidence - actual reality, direct experience of seeing the gemstone or your empty open palm, all they can do is speculate. But then, you uncurl your fingers and reveal whether there's a gem or not. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Belief is merely conjecture...</h3>Suddenly, the concept of belief recedes, replaced by undeniable proof. Just like in this scenario, public speaking relies on the same principles. The words you speak could be the truth or mere fallacies. Based on your presentation, your listeners can only form their own beliefs and assumptions. However, when you provide evidence, empirical data, or share a real-life experience, you’re effectively opening your fist. You're granting them the opportunity to&nbsp;see, in this moment. The necessity of belief gives way to the clarity of direct perception, enabling your audience to base their thoughts and actions on what they now&nbsp;know&nbsp;instead of what they&nbsp;believed. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">The same principle applies to all communication</h3>When it comes to public speaking, as with all communication, we must strive to move beyond conjecture and ground our speaking in reality. It's critical to draw from our own experiences and direct perception or reality to convey truth in its raw, unaltered form. It is not the labels we attach to our narratives that make them authentic but their inherent nature. The potency of public speaking lies in its immediacy. The present moment is all we have; the power of influence lies herein. As leaders and speakers, we are not narrating tales from an elusive, mystical realm. Our presentations should be grounded in the&nbsp;here and now. They are about "awakening" our audience to the realities of the present moment, in all its glory and mundanity. This concept, often called enlightenment or awakening in spiritual contexts, is not as distant or abstract as it may seem. It's readily accessible to all of us, at every moment. This awakening is about developing the ability to fully experience and appreciate the present moment, to glean insights and truth from it. When we stand and present, are in a meeting or just a regular 121 conversation, remember, you're not just there to say stuff; you're there to facilitate an awakening, to lead, to influence, to see (to help&nbsp;them see), to open your fist and let the gemstone of truth reveal itself.

Seeing Beyond Belief: The Power of Direct Perception in Communication

Just sit for a moment and relax. Take a couple of deep breaths. Now, try not to think of an elephant.&nbsp; And here's something else to contemplate. Picture a square circle. Try harder, and make an effort. As you've probably realised, both exercises are by nature impossible. Often though, we put our efforts into tasks very much like these. We focus our energies on impossible goals or where the means to accomplish our goals are entirely out of our hands.&nbsp; <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">Communicating with presence</h3>In my experience of helping executives master the art of communicating with presence (which is more than the proverbial public speaking skills), we often put too much effort into the skills, the storytelling, the slides, and the body language. We want to know what's right. Where should I move to? How should I sit or stand? What should I do with my hands? What am I trying to achieve here?&nbsp; Thus, we often think of effort as straining, forcing, or pushing, but what if there is no straining, force, or pushing? What if the power source of change is within us? <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">The push to a greener planet</h3>The same pushing happens with climate change and the move to New Energy. And whilst there is no doubt of the urgency for change, what if we could inspire people to see the need for change for themselves? What if we help people use the right effort through the right view? When you see that putting your hand in a flame is painful, you don't need to strain to keep yourself from doing it.&nbsp; <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">We know what's right</h3>Right effort means simply being present. It means being here, staying here, and seeing what's happening now. It's not about trying to control or bring something about, like straining to get everyone in the room to go along with your view.&nbsp; Right effort is naturalness. The naturalness of movement, the naturalness of thought. It's the naturalness of becoming&nbsp;this&nbsp;moment; this is the energy within the art of public speaking. And&nbsp;this&nbsp;energy can be present in our communication that drives the change in attitude, behaviour, investment and infrastructure building to facilitate the transition. Right effort is different from how we usually understand effort. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">At the moment, we just want control</h3>Usually, we try to control or be different, try something new, improve the situation, or improve ourselves. Human history is filled with this kind of effort.&nbsp; And here we are with our improved human world that we've spent much time and energy working on. It's working out well for us, right? Not. We've improved the rivers, the lakes, the land, our society, and our ways of living to the point where we now wonder if the human race will survive. We keep doing the same with ourselves, constantly pushing for more. Gosh, I know that desire myself. First, The right effort is cutting off the fragmented and fractured way of communicating or speaking. When we're in such a state of mind, we see things needing manipulation and control. We need to move to energise our way of communicating wholly through presence.&nbsp; <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">How? What's the solution, then?</h3>We must first see what we can control and what we can't. Otherwise, we'll waste our efforts trying to do the impossible while ignoring what is easily within reach. It is tapping into a new energy source within us when public speaking, in a meeting or in a 1-2-1 conversation, thus taking in the whole scene being presented to us, at that moment.&nbsp; It is drawing energy from within and using this to connect with others to drive change, putting effort into influencing the moment-to-moment states we can affect, thus helping us all to have the right view of the importance and the urgency of moving to a greener planet.

Amplify your presence - release the energy in your communication

Unlocking your unique presence harnesses a connection between you and your audiences; it is thriving leadership and produces results. A new energy supply is of paramount importance for saving the future of this planet. The same need applies to how we communicate the change. The right energy choices for the future of this planet and the right messages require you to present and interact with your audiences knowing how to connect with&nbsp;your&nbsp;energy. We, humans, are nothing more than vibrating energy. We are cells, which are made of atoms, which are made of particles, and those so-called particles are vibrating energy. Through this energy, we connect; we feel and respond. The words we say when presenting, leading a meeting, or chatting with friends and family are merely the outer shell of a deeper, energy-fuelled connection with one another. One morning this week at home, I got out of bed to a gorgeous sunrise. I hadn't been able to sleep; the story of my life this past year. I stood in the kitchen looking out at people who had started to go about their day; it was so quiet and still. At that moment, I felt a calm intense energy, alertness, a sense of being alive. I noticed that this same energy powered my actions and my coaching conversations over the rest of that day. This energy I call presence. It drives our body language, the words we choose, the emotions we bring to bear, and our impact on our audience. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">So why all this presence malarky? What's the reason for presenting with presence?</h3>The irony is that we need words to communicate, but they tend to get in the way. Indeed, writing this is proving difficult to convey the message I want related to what presence is. Teaching it and helping executives to use it is best mastered through doing, by experiencing it in reality. The power of making individuals in audiences feel something is essential, and experiencing the emotion behind what you say builds the connection. The first thing that grasps an audience member's attention is your energy and passion; being able to emote (appropriately) in a talk, a meeting, or a presentation is as important (if not more) than the words themselves.&nbsp; Energy is all around us. It's in your voice, body language, attitude, and others "get it" from you the moment you enter a space. Your presence has the power to engage, repel or just plain bore.&nbsp; <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">What is presence?</h3>What we don't often recognise (because we are "too busy" focused on the words, the actions, the stuff, and the results) is a vast expansiveness of&nbsp;in-the-moment&nbsp;power and influence. And yet we spend most of our lives valuing surface-level interactivity. We communicate by numbers.&nbsp; I define presence as our intuitive nature. The essence of me, of you. The energy that is within us, in each moment. Presence is our ability to connect with this energy and the understanding of how to use this energy to connect with another in a way which is unique to&nbsp;them. <h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2">So how do we harness the power of presence?</h3>There is a way to move beyond per-functionary presentation (communicating by numbers) by experiencing rather than comprehending reality from moment to moment. This experience is not based on any conception or belief. It is direct perception itself. It's seeing before signs appear, before ideas sprout, and before falling into thought. Much like my early morning look out the window before I started to think about what I was experiencing, I experienced an energy-full-stillness. To lead the change, you have to harness this power of presence whilst presenting. It's nothing more or less than seeing things as they are rather than as you wish or believe them to be. This liberation of mind, this direct awareness of reality as a whole, is fully accessible to anyone willing to attend to their&nbsp;actual&nbsp;experience.&nbsp; This enduring power of taking the horse to water and making the horse&nbsp;want&nbsp;to drink is about one simple but elusive thing; awareness, not awareness of something in particular, but awareness itself. Being awake, alert, and in touch with what is actually happening when speaking, presenting or in a meeting.&nbsp; It's about relying on the direct experience of this present moment. It's not about belief, doctrine, formula, tradition, or storytelling techniques. It's about energy-fuelled freedom.&nbsp; It is our unique presence that amplifies the words that connect us and drives communicating the need for change.

Blog

Leading the Dance of Change: Harnessing Acceptance and In...

Being in the Zone: The New Energy of Presence in Communic...

The Irony of Choice in Public Speaking: Less is Often More

Seeing Beyond Belief: The Power of Direct Perception in C...

Amplify your presence - release the energy in your commun...

Unlock Your Inner Power: How to Harness the Power of Pres...