Dancing elves in green and red hats, a catered holiday dinner that delighted the taste buds and filled one’s stomach, company that filled one’s soul, gift baskets full of goodies that rivaled the swag of an Academy Awards gift basket, a show of music and comedy, and a sing along to Silent Night – just another typical monthly meeting of the National Speakers Association (NSA) Mountain West Chapter – holiday style. And if the celebration, the food, the gifts, the show weren’t enough, we were also given an idea or two on how to inspire our audience – whoever they may be.
If you have been reading Platform Ponderings regularly, you know by now that this was a typical NSA Mountain West monthly event. We are quite serious about having both fun and providing value to all who attend. For many of us, our success in life and business is the direct result of the support we receive from a spouse, a significant other or a special friend. So this month we invited them to join us and share this exceptional evening of food, entertainment and motivation.
The highlight of the evening was the show performed by Jason Hewlett. Jason entertained us with some thirty or more songs ranging from the 1950s to the present. He had everyone who attended laughing and singing right along with him. Besides impersonating and often parodying singers and songs, Jason delivered a message. The theme of his program, The Gift Is You, emphasized that each of has something special to share with others.
Each of us has, as Jason phrased it, a signature move. Your signature move sets you apart from everyone else. It’s how you use your gifts and talents to enrich the lives of others. Of the many singers and dancers, which performer comes to mind when someone says Moonwalk? Michael Jackson – it’s his signature move. For Jason, his signature move is his big mouth. He admits it and is the first to tell you so. Jason’s mouth is big – both physically and metaphorically.
Jason explained how growing up with his mouth (fueled by a very extroverted personality) got him into trouble at school with teachers and other kids. His big mouth was also the very gift that would eventually give him direction and allow him to excel in life. With guidance and encouragement from people who cared, he developed his gifts of singing and physical comedy. Now he makes a living entertaining and inspiring people – with his big mouth.
What is your signature move? Not everyone is an entertainer like Jason but everyone has something to give to the world. Your gift might be the ability to analyze data and make conclusions that help your clients move their business forward. It might be to inspire audiences to be safer in the work place. It might be to help people see life a little differently which in turn motivates them to make needed personal changes. How can you apply your talents in a way that solves your client’s problem and makes their lives a little bit better?
Elain Witt, our Chapter President, demonstrated one of her signature moves at the end of an already fabulous meeting – telling a story in a way that makes a significant point. She told the story behind the song Silent Night, how a poem writer and a music composer combined their gifts to create one of the most familiar songs of this season. The organ at their church was broken and they needed music for Midnight Mass. So using a guitar as the instrument, the song Silent Night was created.
What does your client need and what talents do you have that will solve their problem? Maybe you will come up with a solution that enriches the entire world, or maybe you will just solve one individual’s unique challenge. Either way, it will be well worth the good you create using your signature move. This month’s chapter meeting was a good reminder to us all that we have some incredible gifts to give to our clients and audiences.
There are a lot of very gifted people at NSA Mountain West who are willing to help you in your speaking endeavors. At NSA Mountain West we can help you find your signature move, your moonwalk (the dancing elves are great at it). We have an overabundance of talent in our chapter that is really kind of embarrassing – in a good way. So come join us and let us help.
Happy Holidays and see you soon!