John Bates: Commanding the Stage: Secrets from TEDx Coaching and Beyond

In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and John Bates discuss:

• John Bates' journey from undervaluing 'soft skills' to leveraging neurobiology and communication, aiding clients like NASA and Google.

• Lessons from TEDx, emphasizing the delivery of one central idea and insights from coaching nearly 400 TEDx speakers to create impactful messages.

• Practical tips for overcoming the fear of public speaking and the importance of effective communication, preparation, practice, and rehearsal for professional success.

• Strategies for crafting TED-worthy talks through an eight-week course, focusing on a singular impactful idea and customizing for specific audiences.

 

 Key Takeaways:

• Isolating an idea worth sharing is critical to a successful talk, focusing on the importance of connectivity with your audience.

• Practice is not just beneficial but necessary to transition from awkwardness to seeming effortlessly natural in your speaking.

• Stepping into public speaking is a blend of courage and generosity; it's vital to channel your focus on serving your audience amidst the fear.

• Customizing speeches for different audiences and events, rather than chasing the appeal of TED stages alone, can lead to more powerful and memorable presentations.

 

“Public speaking requires courage and is an act of generosity. It is normal to be fearful, but the focus should be on giving to your audience rather than on yourself.” 

-John Bates

 

Access John Bates’ LinkedIn and Website for more speaking tips and exclusive training sessions including essentials like the TED Commandments:

• Thou shalt not simply trot out thy usual shtick.

• Thou shalt dream a great dream, or show forth a wondrous new thing, or share something thou hast never shared before.

• Thou shalt reveal thy curiosity and thy passion.

• Thou shalt tell a story.

• Thou shalt freely comment on the utterances of other speakers for the sake of blessed connection and exquisite controversy.

• Thou shalt not flaunt thine ego. Be thou vulnerable; speak of thy failure as well as thy success.

• Thou shalt not sell from the stage: neither thy company, thy goods, thy writings, nor thy desperate need for funding; lest thou be cast aside into outer darkness.

• Thou shalt remember all the while: laughter is good.

• Thou shalt not read thy speech.

• Thou shalt not steal the time of them that follow thee.

 

About the guest, John Bates: