Do you know what ‘mise en place’ means?
If you do, ten points, well done. I do because I just looked it up:
‘Mise en place’ is a French culinary phrase which means ‘putting in place’, as in set up. It is used in professional kitchens to refer to organizing and arranging the ingredients (e.g. cuts of meat, relishes, sauces, par-cooked items, spices, freshly chopped vegetables, and other components) that a chef will require for the menu items that are expected to be prepared during a shift. The practice is also effective in home kitchens.
How about Kung Fu ‘forms’? Yes? Another ten points to you (oh, you’re good). Here’s their definition:
A series of predetermined movements combined so they can be practiced as a continuous set of movements, considered by many to be one of the most important practices in Chinese martial arts. They gradually build up a practitioner’s flexibility, internal and external strength, speed and stamina, and they teach balance and coordination.
Can you see where I’m going with this? Here’s what my computer-like mind* is thinking: successful communication has two vital components:
- Thorough preparation
- Complete adaptability
Here’s what this could mean to you in practical terms:
- Preparation: write great material, be original, have fun with it, and rehearse as much as possible. If you’re really crafty (you twenty pointers) then this will already be happening once your first draft has formed.
- Adaptability: go with the flow. Start with your intended opening and then see how it plays out. Do they want lots of data? Hit them with slides 20-30. Did they like your joke? Give them those social cues. Do they appear to want you to wrap up? Then wrap up. Be in the moment, using your instinct, draw only on what you need from your thorough preparation to achieve your objective.
Learn from professional chefs and martial artists – see how their repeated physical practise shapes their mental state.
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* To be honest, it’s more like a supercomputer from an eighties movie. Essentially, I’ve got the skills but I’m analogue.
Great post Jon.
I spent years struggling with public speaking, stressing myself about learning lengthy and complicated scripts.
As a martial artist it’s about preparation, yes, but then it has to be about adaptability in the moment too otherwise you’re too rigid and not in relationship with your audience. Martial arts and combat are the same. Dance with them both.
Adaptability can ONLY come from preparation. Form is not enough. A true heart, deep knowledge and trust in self are essential too. Martial arts taught me that and made my public speaking better.
Thanks for reminding me of my journey so far and bringing back some great memories.