Sixteen years as a speaker, my anniversary this very month, and I have learned so much in those years ...
I have learned that preparation for an event is so much more than just practicing your speech.
I have learned that a great night sleep for days before the event is key (because I KNOW I am not sleeping the night before).
I know that hours upon hours of focusing on the audience, thinking of them, envisioning them, guarantees I speak the words they need to hear.
I know that exercise gives me energy but not without the good food to feed that energy, then and now.
And most of all, I know how essential it is to walk my talk. To speak of hope on stage while filling the world with pessimism when I am not will guarantee my words ring as true as the stereotypical salesman's.
And I know being me is the only way to give them what they need. Because simply, they hired me and even when I had no idea why they chose me, I had to acknowledge they did.
And these truths have never failed me.
Prepare, my speaker friend, to KNOCK IT OUT OF DA PARK!
And you will, every single time.
I love you!
HUGSSSSSSSS
Sandi