Over the past 20 years, I have worked with hundreds of people to help them shine as brightly as possible before a public audience. Whether we were preparing for a live segment on CNBC, a shot at glory on The Oprah Show, an adrenaline-infused appearance on Bill Maher, a season in the judge’s chair of American Idol, a sit-down conversation with the Wall Street Journal, or an 18 minute opportunity on the TED stage, no two clients were alike, no two stories exactly the same. But there was one thing that separated the good from the truly great on stage or on camera:
The great ones were those who allowed themselves to be completely authentic, who told the audience something that was impossible to ignore, something that was simultaneously fresh and familiar. They make it look easy, these great ones… but for many of us, nothing could be more mysterious or difficult than achieving that seemingly magical state when someone is able to be both captivating and themselves when the stakes are so high. This is the promise of Shine: that it will give you the skills you need to be absolutely yourself, even when the stakes are high. The work begins with these three simple questions:
Who are you when you are with the people you love most? Who are you when you get in front of the room? Is there a difference between the two? If the answer to the last question is yes—there is a difference— then you might be playing stingy with your greatest gift: your true, authentic self. When we are less than authentic, we aren’t able to communicate in a way that is interesting, and arresting. We’re too busy playing a role to be able to care about what the audience needs. It’s no wonder the audience is checking their smart phones while we are talking — they are bored to tears with the watered down version of ourselves we are serving up! I believe that your voice is your greatest power. They say faith can move mountains, but it is voice that tells the mountains where to move. In my workshops and one-on-one client sessions, I see too many people hiding behind masks that no longer serve them (if they ever did). I see smart, talented men and women swallow their ideas and their beliefs, until all that is left is a stifling feeling of frustration, inadequacy and fear. This page is for anyone with the desire to be not just themselves, but the best possible expression of themselves — regardless of the circumstance.
