Don’t Bolt the Door with a Boiled Carrot. Be a Story Teller.

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Sep 18, 2009 Don’t Bolt the Door with a Boiled Carrot. Be a Story Teller.

A few weeks ago, I participated in a webcast hosted by the Washington Speaker’s Bureau. It was a great opportunity to see a live presentation by one of their featured speakers, Tom Morris. Morris has become one of the most active public philosophers in the world due to his unusual ability to bring the greatest wisdom of the past to face the challenges of the present.

As a student of philosophy, I was quickly drawn to his words and suggestions. During the webcast, I asked Tom for some advice on how to regain and build confidence during times of challenge and stress. He replied, “Cindy, an old British proverb says, Don’t bolt the door with a boiled carrot. Some people try to regain confidence just through positive self-talk and inner cheer leading. As important as these can be, we human beings need to know we have the deepest basis for confidence, which is the relevant competence. Be a story teller! Help people to understand how their past has prepared them for the challenges they face. But remind them that the past can’t prove we’ll be successful in the future. It’s up to us to run ahead of the evidence and extend it to the new!”

As event producers, we play a key role in helping our clients tell their stories by staging the optimum environment and methods to deliver their messages. Simply pitching a team building exercise or other positive self-talk without true connection to your company’s vision and values would be a waste of time and an insult to your audience.

I would like to salute the Washington Speaker’s Bureau for their fantastic summer lecture series and special thanks to Tom Morris for sharing wisdom of the ages.