The Courage of Walter White

Walter White is a complete hero.

I pity his condition, but I greatly admire his intellect and courage. He faces his lack of social skill, success and money head on, taking deadly risks in the process. I see his terminal disease – while bringing about his ‘career change’ – as empowering him and almost liberating him from blame, perhaps completely in the audience’s eyes.

To take the stage in front of any group of people – children in a classroom, colleagues in a meeting, delegates at a seminar, or an audience in a comedy club – takes courage.

But – and it’s a big but – you have been granted a certain power by that audience: the effect of what you say is magnified by their attention. The greater the audience’s focus and goodwill, the greater the effect; a bored group of teenagers will be a lot tougher than an excited comedy club audience (although they will turn nasty if you don’t show them the funny). By being there, they’re granting you permission to speak to them, they’re giving you a platform, and the greater the preparation, the greater the return.

So do yourself a favour and put in the work: research, write and rehearse. Because if the audience are receptive, your material will have a major impact.