Talk from your heart...

When called upon, give it your best shot. That’s all you can do.

 

Study, practice, and prepare.

   And when it’s your turn, take a 

      Deep breath and do the best you can.

 

I used to love emceeing the company’s monthly and annual award ceremonies. These programs spotlighted people’s outstanding performance, made them feel good that someone cared, and reinforced to all employees that a good deed can be its own reward. We had each supervisor introduce their nominee, presenting both professional and personal stories and anecdotes – in the beginning they were nervous, but I explained theirs should be extemporaneous stories about what they knew and, over time, these presentations became great improvs. Whether talking about your employees or telling your own story, view it as a chat between friends rather than a presentation to be nervous about. In fact, everything we do in life and professionally can be approached like two friends telling stories about things they know and do. More conversational than formal. Personal and heartfelt. It’s all a stage, and in the end, it’s all improvisation. Talking about your employee’s best efforts, conducting pre-shift meetings, giving detailed instructions, or running a board meeting. It’s stuff you know, so talk from the heart and treat it like an improvisation. Just be yourself today.

 

Alan Arkin (1934 – 2023): American actor and filmmaker; winner of Academy, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Tony Awards as well as nominations for six Emmy Awards.