The Heroic Version of You

The Problem: Fear

You’re asked to give a presentation, which fills you with dread. And that’s fine, it’s a normal reaction; standing up in front of people to speak can be stressful, and fearing it is sensible and logical.

You must prepare something. But more than that, you must deal with your fear.

 

The Solution: New Thinking

Here’s something that might help: what would your favourite fictional hero do?

Consider Princess Leia, Aragorn, Clarice Starling, Sherlock Holmes, Elizabeth Bennet, Tony Stark, Ellen Ripley, the Joker, Claire Underwood, Hermione Granger. What would their strategy be? Ruthless, reckless, courageous? All three? I know they’re not real people, but considering possibilities without restrictions is the way you access true inspiration. Their way of thinking might capitalise on resources such as flipping great wodges of cash or superhuman intellect, but I suspect that the qualities which draw you to your favourite fictional characters are the ones which you desire the most (and which you may already possess in some form without realising it).

 

Do Something Different

Do something original, unexpected, interesting – something which excites you. This excitement will be conveyed to your audience, which is a very good thing indeed. For example:

• Elizabeth Bennett and Ellen Ripley would identify with the personalities involved, using their wit to create something original, relevant, convincing and persuasive.
• Geniuses like Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne would use whatever medium or technology was most appropriate. Powerpoint? Possibly. Whiteboard? Better. Action figures, models and role-play? Ka-ching! That’s the ticket.
• Princess Leia and Claire Underwood would be relentless, commanding and persuasive, doing whatever it takes to get the job done.
• Detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Clarice Starling (and Bruce Wayne, I know) would get identify the bigger picture: what are the motives? What are the problems to be solved? What really matters?
• Aragorn would just be good at everything because he’s annoyingly skilled and everyone loves him.

I think they could all be called courageous problem-solvers. So:

1. If you can, develop the analytical part of your mind, to augment your communication abilities into something potentially very powerful.
2. Identify your strengths and capitalise on them!

 

Related Posts

Put On the Suit – Become a Hero

Super-Ego! (or ‘Play a Role to Be Yourself’)

Build on What You Already Have