Now, I may be the most white, middle-class English person you’re aware of (in fact, I probably am), but I certainly know a thing or two about hip hop (please don’t call it rap*). I draw great inspiration from this phenomenal musical form for my public speaking philosophy, specifically:
- Have fun.
- Be yourself.
- Disregard convention.
- Get your audience’s attention.
*Regarding the difference between the two: “Rap’s something you do, hip hop’s something you live.” – KRS ONE.
I should mention that profanity and violence have no essential place in hip hop. They have featured prominently, but for me that’s simply an issue of freedom of expression. As Voltaire (1694 – 1778) said: “I disagree strongly with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” When it comes to public speaking, you should probably avoid the use of either profanity or firearms. Just to be sure.
Okay, assuming that for your talk about the new office training initiative you’ve decided not to take a loaded semi-automatic into the boardroom, or start your introduction by calling the audience “b*tches”, here’s what I take from those four aspects:
- Enjoy what you’re doing. If not, why bother?
- Show them who you are (see my post ‘Reveal Yourself’)
- Be different. Don’t do it like everyone else.
- Grab them by any means necessary (except with the use of profanity or violence).
And there you have it. Hip hop was originally all about partying and competition, and while I imagine you’re not thinking of dancing, or verbally attacking your fellow presenters, you should definitely try to enjoy the whole thing. People who enjoy themselves in their work often inspire others to do the same.
Fresh.