April 27, 2009
The time has come to say “goodbye.”
As I watch them strap her in, it’s clear I won’t be getting another chance.
But what do I say when I LIVE purely by the grace of her sacrifice? …the bitter consequence of choices I made on December 23rd, 1986; when she and I journeyed through darkness and dreams to a narrow ledge at the very edge of death, and I learned of fate, forgiveness and friendship. Especially friendship.
For Rusty was my best friend. She was adventurous, joyful and filled with humility as only a 1972 Volkswagen bus can be!
read more »
April 15, 2009
This week’s post is an introduction to the method I use to craft meaningful stories, and the acronym I’ve created to share it. – Robert
We have all been there before: sitting in our seats listening to a darned good speaker who makes us laugh and reflect and nod like bobble-head dolls, all on cue. And then, three to five minutes after the speaker is done, we can’t remember what it was that kept us so engaged much less what we were supposed to do with it. Any time this happens the presenter failed either to ask this question… “What is your purpose?” or to deliver on its answer.
The first time it was asked of me had nothing to do with speaking.
read more »
April 8, 2009
We’ve all heard it said that adults fear public speaking more than their own death. As Jerry Seinfeld puts it, “I guess this means that most people at a funeral would rather be in the coffin than delivering the eulogy.” Would it spoil the joke if I let you in on a secret? Well, either way I am going to. Here goes…
…three
…two
…one
“Public Speaking” is a myth! Surprise!!
Now don’t get me wrong, I am well aware that people speak to large groups of ‘public’ every day. The myth lies in the presumuption that ‘public speaking’ is fundamentally different than any other mode of speaking. It’s not. Furthermore, my own experience has taught me that understanding the truth of this is the single greatest key to conquering the speaking fear.
read more »
