Did I make a Difference?
Recently I saw a bumper sticker that read: “Make a living, not a difference.” Now, I know it was intended to be humorous, but I thought, how sadly true. It’s just what so many people are doing. I think it’s so important that we search for the “worthwhileness” of our our speaking careers –and don’t become a motivational speaker until we find it. Beforehand, if I cannot think of the statement in my speech that will make the difference, that speech is not yet ready to give. After every speech, I ask myself, “Did I make a difference?” After every day, I ask myself, “Did I make a difference?” There are days when I answer…“No.” I then think of situations where I could have handled things better. Could I have been more creative and innovative — perhaps more compassionate or patient? What else could I have done to make a difference? There’s a definite connection between worthwhileness and passion. You can see one brick mason at work and ask what he’s doing. “I’m building a wall,” he replies. You see another brick mason and ask the same question. “I’m building a home,” he answers. Each is performing the same actions, but they have different perspectives, different outlooks on life. Perhaps, too, a different quality of work. Some probably find it much easier to “call in sick.” After all, he only has bricks waiting for him, while the other has a family depending on him. In our public speaking jobs, are we building walls or homes? Have I shown them that they are important? Have I proven that each of them makes a unique difference? If we’ve shown love, if we’ve played our music, then we’ve made a difference. After speaking opportunities, when I ask myself if I’ve made a difference, one of the criteria I consider is whether or not I’ve empowered my public audience? I always try to stay after my speech, so that people have an opportunity to remain connected and be appreciated. People can come up to me and ask questions, give me their ideas, or discuss something I’ve said. I use their comments and evaluations for future speeches.
Tags: Speaking Careers