President's Message
When the Spark Stays Lit
It was just after lunch when I arrived at the Westin in downtown Atlanta. I had two hours before I was scheduled to speak. The main lobby was busy with guests checking in. I went to the concierge desk and asked for directions to the conference registration area and the meeting room where I would be speaking.
After checking in with the meeting planner, I learned that my room had already been set up. I would be the only speaker using it for the remainder of the day. Staying true to form, I was glad I had arrived early. As I entered the room, I pictured an anticipated audience of 40-50 people, but it looked like the chairs had been set up to accommodate a full room. To me, it seemed cold and uninviting with too much empty space. It didn’t take me long to move the chairs closer to the lectern and each other, in Chevron style. Yes, I now liked the warm and cozy feeling. I unpacked my bag and set up my props and giveaways. I tested the audio with the lavaliere microphone and then started playing pump-up music on my iPod speakers. I then “owned” this room. I stood just several feet in front of the first row of empty chairs and began to visualize the faces of the young adults who would be attending my session. I started thinking what might be going through their minds when they entered the room and found just the right seat. Would they be ready to learn more or be exhausted from a full day of attending other sessions?
I closed my eyes and focused on the message I would be sharing with them. My goal is always to have every single person leave with at least one idea they can implement to make a difference in their life. I always hope they will have several, but my goal is that each will have at least one. As I write this, my mind wanders to previous audiences. I’m thinking how interesting it would be to learn what changes any of them have taken. If only there was some way to find out. I remember attending conferences myself, being pumped up, and then not implementing what I had learned. Do the people in my audiences do the same thing or do they create and implement a specific plan?
My program was well attended, considering it was the last concurrent session of a three-day event. They seemed to enjoy participating and asked great questions. I had an incredible time and felt they did too. I couldn’t ask for anything more. After the last person left, I packed my props and music and turned my focus to the late afternoon Atlanta traffic I had facing me on my long drive back home.
Not paying attention, I literally bumped into an attractive young woman as we both tried to get on the down escalator at the same time. I motioned for her to go first. When she didn’t move, I realized she was staring at me with a puzzled look on her face. Then I heard her say, “Oh, my word. I can’t believe it’s you! Do you have a minute? I need to talk to you.” As we both stepped away from the escalator, I could tell she was bursting with excitement. She shared that she had been in one of my audiences nearly two years earlier. Because of what she had learned from my program about making herself her top priority and using her natural skills and abilities, she now has a rewarding job she loves. She is doing exactly what she has always wanted to do. She gave me a big hug, stepped onto the down escalator, and vanished through the revolving doors.
What are the odds of our paths crossing like they did, literally bumping into each other in a crowded lobby. It was so reassuring for me to hear her kind words only hours after wondering what effect my programs have. Do you ever wonder what changes people in your audience will make after hearing you?
As speakers, I believe we have an incredible opportunity to touch lives, even if in a small way. Often our audiences are there by choice or perhaps because they are required to attend. But once they are in their seats, they are all ours. Their time and their minds become our responsibility. It is up to each of us to plant a seed or light the spark that will help them see something they didn’t realize they had. What a privilege it is for us to share our stories, our knowledge and our experiences. How lucky I am to have a job that I love and enjoy!
Martha Lanier is president of IGNITE Your Potential, Inc., where she speaks to corporations and associations on achieving peak performance, leadership and communications skills. Learn more about her programs and services by going to www.MarthaLanier.com. She can be reached at Martha@MarthaLanier.com or by calling 770-886-6033.
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Charles Williams is a powerhouse with relevant experience, appropriate humor, and a lightening quick wit!