One of my passions in life is helping my clients and those in my online community improve and strengthen their speaking and presentation skills so that their message will have a powerful impact on all those who hear it. As such, my company, DeFinis Communications, gives people the training, tools and resources to choose the right words and say them with skill and confidence.
Because of this commitment to performance mastery, our clients develop greater poise, power and passion whenever they speak—whether in the boardroom or the dinner table. By helping our clients build a high level of skill and change unproductive behaviors we help them compete and succeed, professionally and personally. It’s what our clients like best.
As part of our teaching approach we show video clips of different speakers to demonstrate various levels of speaking skill. These speakers act as role models by either setting the gold standard for quality performance or showing us what “not” to do. Video is a powerful teaching tool because it addresses the question our clients always ask: “Can you show me what you mean?” Consequently, we are always on the lookout for examples of performance mastery in any performance discipline.
We look for examples of high performance in sports, with such masters as Tiger Woods and Shannon Miller, and in theater, music or dance. Great performances happen everywhere and in many different disciplines. If we are observant and take the time out of our busy schedules to watch such performances, we can learn much about public speaking. Composure, confidence, pride, discipline, timing, rhythm and focus are among the many skills and qualities that are a part of any great performance—including public speaking.
Today I received an email from a friend of mine containing a link to one of my favorite pieces of music and a reminder to “smell the roses.” With the holiday season upon us, my friend’s message was clear: don’t let a busy life displace the joys and wonders of the world. I heard her message loud and clear.
If you can spare 10 minutes and 20 seconds to watch this video you will see a superb example of performance mastery and hopefully be as inspired and delighted as I was.
I am pleased to share this beautiful performance by concert pianist Freddy Kempf, who truly embodies the notion of poise, power and passion. I hope you will enjoy and learn from this master.
