Are you an incredible speaker? Sorry to hear.

Presidential Posting PSASA October 2009 - Incredible Speakers! by Dr Gustav Gous

Most speakers aspire to become incredible speakers. Unfortunately, many become exactly that: Incredible instead of credible.

The theme this month was inspired by a Facebook posting by one of our members, Anil Salick. It was a newsflash from ‘Sedona’ in Arizona: ‘Sweat Lodge Session by motivational guru James Arthur Ray (co-author of “The Secret’) causes death of 2 people’.

It attracted my attention for two reasons:
1. Motivational Speaker - one of our colleagues in trouble, and
2. I drove through Sedona earlier this year. Sedona, which is en route to the Grand Canyon, is a lovely small town between red rock formations. It’s the so-called new age capital of the world.

What do we make of this? Anil’s remark, echoing many bloggers worldwide was: ‘So much for the law of attraction!’ Promising wealth, health and life and now causing death? Blogger ‘Cosmic Connie’ wrote: ‘As for James Ray, I wonder how Law Of Attraction fans/Secret fans are going to spin this one.’

The story was also picked up by the New York Times. One participant was reported to say that the facilitator forced participants in a ‘Godlike’ manner beyond their limitations.’ Was it negligence, arrogance or overconfidence? We don’t know. Let’s await the outcome. Type James Arthur Ray into Google and follow how the story unfolds.

But may it never be said of motivational speakers what a nurse once said about an overconfident medical doctor who thought he had life and death in his hands: “What’s the difference between God and a doctor? At least God doesn’t think he is a doctor.”

The Sedona incident also raises the issue of credibility. We as speakers can afford to lose money but not reputation or credibility. So take care. Design responsible interventions, stay within the legal boundaries, and remember your disclaimer forms.

But even more important: Make sure that you practice what you preach, that you deliver what you promise, and that you embody your own message. Will you get repeat business if you are:
• a depressive psychologist?
• a marketing guru without clients/work?
• a retired 60 year old with the emotional intelligence of a child?
• a wellness experts who is not so well?
• an overweight health practitioner?
• a motivational speaker (or tennis player!) who needs ‘tik’ or cocaine to get a high?
• a so-called Christian who crooks others out of their money?
• a life coach who hasn’t mastered the art of living?
• a poor/ bankrupt financial expert?
• a NLP practitioner with a malfunctioning programme?

Ag no man – get a life! If your own stuff doesn’t work for you, how do you expect it to work for others? Talk is cheap (a healthy reminder for speakers). You will get away with it once or twice. But lasting relations and repeat business comes from the credibility when you embody your own message.

Your lasting legacy derives from what you do. Claiming to be the custodian of the secret of life and then causing death? You can expect people to tweet: “... your actions speak louder than your words . A life of honour is living your values.”

Warren Buffett has a very simple credibility/ethics test: “Test everything not only by legal standards, but by the newspaper test: Would you like your present action to be reported on the front page of your local newspaper, written by a smart but kind of unfriendly reporter, read by family, friends, neighbours and customers?”

Former Springbok rugby captain Joost van der Westhuizen’s life would have probably panned out differently if he had listened to Warren Buffett.

Another test: What if everybody hears your present conversation? Picture this: How would you react if you receive a ‘pocket call’ (that is when another person carries his/her mobile in his/her pocket and accidentally phones a random number [you] because the keypad was not de-activated)?

You hear the person shouting on the other side – but not at you. You hear the person acting and going off in a real ugly way about something his small child has done. It borders on verbal abuse. Chances are that you may lose respect for that person because there is disconnect between the public posturing and the private picture. Credibility is at stake.

So, do you want to be incredible or credible? Try the latter, live your message: It’s good for business.

May you have a credible month!

Dr Gustav Gous
President: PSASA 2009/2010
gustav@gustavgous.co.za
+27825657451

South Africa needs you...+ Diversity Intelligence. PSASA Presidential Posting Sept 2009

This presidential posting comes for a change not from some other exotic or not so exotic overseas destination, but from Pretoria, the capital of the beloved South Africa, the country where most of the members of PSA Southern Africa live and work. ‘Cry my beloved country’ wrote Alan Paton. Laugh say the comedians and laughter specialists. The Vultures say the place is rotten, echoing Shakespeare, the Humming birds say it is sweet. Just focus on the good things says the Good News Foundation.

But everything is not well. We all know that we cannot sing the ‘The Lion King‘ refrain: Hakuna Matata (no problem) without hesitation. There is a big unresolved Matata Matata (BIG problem) affecting business and daily living. Follow the link to my remarks on this on Morning Live with Vuyo Mbuli http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scTwkwgJlY4.

The one unique big problem in South Africa is: How to get people from different cultures to work and live together as one. The politicians made a mistake – they thought with apartheid gone, everything would be fine. They forgot that even before apartheid the real problem already existed – how to reconcile different cultures and orientations in one country. All apartheid did was to say (in a degrading discriminatory manner): You cannot reconcile people – you must keep them apart. But in post apartheid South Africa we still lack the ability to deal with differences and incompatibilities.

I observe that we still lack diversity- and inter-cultural intelligence in joint ventures, BEE companies, corporate teams, sports administration, etc. Relations are not where they should be and accusations of racism are flying around. Not a good thing when we are on the verge of inviting the worldwide soccer fraternity into our (divided) house. It can be embarrassing if we do not do something about it.

This is where the members of PSASA come into play. We thrive on challenges, we feed on problems. We turn threats into opportunities and empower people with new abilities – and get paid for it!

The politicians thought they could legislate integration. They brought us together but nobody taught us how to live together. Because they didn’t allocate money (the SETA billions) and set up programmes to empower people with the know-how on how to work together, the legislation is leading to irritation. It’s now up to the entrepreneurial speakers to do it.

Politicians and motivational speakers have one thing in common – we believe that we are in control of our destiny and can change the world. But we are not politicians. They use power tactics and power play. We use the power tools of ideas whose time has come. Politicians try to change the world through domination (very often High D’s in the DiSC profile) and motivational speakers do so through inspiration (many of us are high I’s in the DiSC profile).

Politicians can legislate and write laws in the Hansard. But we are skilled to engrave better attitudes in the hearts and minds of people, and empower them with new intelligences and winning habits, all through the power of the spoken word.

We’ve done it all along but we must do even better. We must up our game because the stakes are high. Let’s be honest. Very often we suffer from the consultant curse that we map but forget to bridge. What’s the use of the consultant telling you that you’re an extrovert and I’m an introvert but we still don’t know how to relate to each other?

We did diversity training, but very often only trained people to be diverse. We only created awareness but did not focus enough on ability training: How to step out of your world, to step into the world of another and how to create a 3rd space where we can relate successfully – to go from war, beyond explore to scoring together.

South Africa gave hope to the world when, as a country topping the hotspot list in the world, we created the possibility for a new future for all, inspired by the example of Nelson Mandela. This dream can become a nightmare if we do not work hard to turn it into a reality.

My message to PSASA members at this stage of SA’s history:
1. You were born in this country or brought here for a purpose.
2. You can make a difference – you have it in you to make the South African dream come true.
3. Now is the time to see and seize the business opportunities arising from our unique problems. Rise to the occasion.
4. Up your game, serve even better – the future depends on it.
5. Get it right here and the world will open up to you with opportunities (because the rest of the world also doesn’t know how to deal with differences).
6. Go do your magic in your field of expertise: Make history by helping to create a great future. The best way to guarantee the future is to create it.

So let’s go back to our laptops, our blackberries, our drawing boards and PowerPoints ... design relevant stuff for our time. Then they will hire us to come and build their teams, motivate their people, synergise the energies of their people, resolve the conflicts, help people to handle emotions, equip leaders to lead companies to a better place.

South Africa needs
• motivational comedians to use humour to ‘relatavise’ ourselves – to save us from taking ourselves too seriously;
• team experts to get the teams to work to make the dream work;
• inter-cultural intelligence specialists to help BEE companies succeed;
• coaches to empower the powerful,
• speakers to keep the hope and inspiration alive.

And the customer service specialists – please go and help the Airports company to welcome people in a better way! Please teach the porters who put your suitcase on a trolley, not to reply to a R10 tip: “Is this all?”

Are we ready for 2010 as one of our members Gary Bailey urges us to be? Not yet. But we can be with the input of all PSASA members.

You were born for a time like this, destined to be here. So, go do your magic – here in South Africa. Because charity begins at home. But don’t be surprised if the world opens up to you if you make it here. New York, New York? No, Pretoria ‘O Pretoria; Tshwane ‘O Tshwane, if you make it here, you will make it anywhere ....

Dr Gustav Gous
President: PSASA 2009/2010

Who is the best speaker? PSASA Presidential Posting Aug 09

The Best Speaker?
This presidential posting comes from Dubai – the city of world records: The highest building in the world (the Burj Dubai, 818 meters); the highest and only 7star Hotel in the world (the Burj al Arab, 321 m), a ski slope in the middle of the desert, the man made Palm Island (one of three) – one of the only human structures visible from space - the other being the great wall of China. The thing I appreciate about Dubai is that it doesn’t want to be better than other cities, it wants to be better than itself. The ruler of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed al Maktoum ( or as my wife calls him: Sheik Alamagtag al Maktoum) and his father will go down in history as some of the greatest visionary leaders of all time. I remember the day when I witnessed when the Burj Dubai officially became the highest building in the world reaching 102 floors, surpassing Taipei 101 (509 m). On that very day when they became the best, they had already plans in place to build an even higher building – to improve on themselves. And even after the global credit crunch, Dubai is not only standing, but recovering.
Why all of this information about Dubai? Speakers also want to be the best. But who is the best speaker in South Africa? Is it the PSASA members with the CSP award to their name? Or the Speakers Hall of Fame accolade? The other day I was reluctantly pulled into a conversation with the undertone of: CSP speakers are actually not the best, the best ones are actually those who make the most money. It made me think: Who is the best speaker in South Africa? Is it the one with the best audience ratings: At least 10 out of 10 or close to it for your last 20 presentations. Or is it those with the best qualifications and content? Only PhDs can qualify for this assuring great research content. Or is it the speaker with the highest media profile? The most well known one with the best TV personality? Or is it the one with the greatest impact in the country’s destiny, like Clem Sunter, who changed the course of South Africa’s history by presenting to both sides of the political spectrum in the change-over times in South Africa?
And then it occurred to me: Why don’t we get little groups going in the PSASA for all the people belonging to the categories. A group for the top earners, and those with the highest ratings audited by an auditing firm, and a PhD groupie ...etc. And then get a super-duper-pooper groupie for those who qualify for all these groupings. That is probably the best speaker!
You can see where this is heading: This is ridiculous. Elitist groupies have never in the past, and will never in the future serve the purpose of the PSASA. The purpose of the PSASA is to assist you to be the best, your best, not to be better than others.
Mastermind groups are not elites groupies for ‘masters’ but groups where the best get together to become even better: to speak better, organize their businesses better, network better, make more money but most of all, to be better: Working on the creative tension between your personal “As is ...” and “To be....” picture .
Usain Bolt would never have broken one world record after the other, if he compared him with others. He is the best, but he is so far ahead that comparing him with others will only hold him back.
The PSASA, like the Medical Association, is not only for specialists but for GPs and specialists alike. The PSASA is at a good stage in its history. Well functioning Chapters with mastermind groups taking off at a rapid rate.
I wish you the best for this busy time of the year. Be the best – exceed yourself!

Dr Gustav Gous
President: PSASA
gustavgous@email.com

Five kinds of Speakers July 2009 PSASA

Presidential Posting by Gustav Gous

From Arizona to Emperor’s

Posted from the mother of all speakers Conventions: The NSA in Phoenix, Arizona. Speakers from many cultures joined the Americans in their annual convention. The message was clear: KEEP IT REAL. Let’s all go beyond the fake and beyond just selling time. Let’s go for real transformation.
An Australian shared the following: One of their PSA Chapters previously had 600 members. Now in the midst of the worldwide economic crunch, they have only 300+ members. When I asked what happened, he said: “When the tide went out it became evident who swam without cozzies (swimsuits)”. The longevity of a speaker is determined by two things: Great speaking content and the ability to run a good business.
In South Africa we have thus far had minimal resignations and more people joining at a regular rate. But it is important that we be prepared for any eventuality and not be caught with our swimsuits around our ankles and our bikini tops around our necks. The purpose of our association is to prepare us to weather any storm and to be men and women for all seasons.
Only the truly transformational speakers will survive in the long run. Speaking of which: There are five kinds of speakers.

1. The Victim. They fake and talk big but in private they blame their lack of success on external circumstances like the economic downturn.

2. The Informational speaker: They follow the ‘Jug and the Mug’ method. They polish their image as the wise sage and see their task as to empty their beautiful content into the receptive minds of the lesser mortals down there. It’s all about them. They show the theoretical way but do not go the way. All talk, no walk.
Twitter killed one or two of those during the break-away sessions in Arizona: Some of the rooms emptied while others filled up during the parallel presentations. Why? Because participants were Twittering/ Tweeting each other: ‘My session is boring, how is yours?’ Reply: ‘Great. Come over. We’re in the Grand Canyon Room.’

3. The Manipulator: At least they are not victims. They take control. They get bookings because they can manipulate their environment. It’s all about power play: The thrill is to overpower their audiences (sometimes even bullying them) with their strong personalities. Lots of audience participation (read manipulation) like jumping on chairs, forcing people to do irrelevant actions, sometimes even humiliating individuals who oppose them.

4. The Motivational/ Inspirational speakers: More advanced, they serve as channels of contagious energy. They ignite the fire of inspiration and motivate to action. But the energy fades after a while because they don’t always know how to facilitate lasting change.

5. The Transformational speakers: They bring about change because of what they are. The can keep it real because they are real. They know that they must not only facilitate behaviour change, but must take people from one state of being, to a better state of being. They create amazing audience experiences: Change zones where you know your life will never be the same again.

The speakers who made the biggest impression in Arizona were the real people who went beyond the fake of trying to sell an image. They shared true life experience (real content) with all the successes and failures attached to it.
One speaker, Keith Ferrazzi, had a refreshing new angle during his plenary session at the NSA. His book is not another selfhelp book but a ‘others help you book’. Title: “Who’s got your back”: Who are the three people you allow to give the right to help you, defend you, but also to critique you in order to grow.

A real friend will tell when you screw up. PSASA Mastermind groups can serve this purpose and help us to become our best. A mastermind is “An originator, someone who creates new things”. Create a PSASA Mastermind group in your area to recreate yourself, your business and presentations.
I want to coin a new phrase. Let’s all commit to be “Transforming Speakers”: (1) Speakers who transform the world. (2) Speakers who transform themselves to become the REAL person you are destined to be.
The PSASA is your home to help you in this process. Our next convention is at Emperor’s Palace next year where we will focus on the real game we all play: Not the game of Soccer or the game of Business but the overarching Game of Life. Read all about it elsewhere in the newsletter.
Until then, let’s enjoy our chapter meetings and mastermind groups.
Dr Gustav Gous
President: PSASA
gustavgous@email.com

Speaking in Tehran, Iran June 2009 PSASA

Presidential Posting by Gustav Gous

Believe it or not, this month’s presidential posting comes to you from Tehran in Iran. Would you have accepted an invitation to speak on Innovation, Creativity and change in a closed country in the midst of huge turmoil? Some PSASA members would and others not. Four South Africans went: Myself, Frank Furness, Graham Codrington and Paul du Toit. The deepest motivation for a speaker is, if given the opportunity, to speak into the lives of others: To be sowers of liberating thoughts that can take root and come into fruition via action. Action leads to habits, habits to culture and a changed culture can change the destiny of a company or even a country.
The hunger for knowledge in the small towns and Tehran was telling - a far cry from audiences elsewhere in the world who are unteachable because of their arrogance.
Herewith a few observations relevant for PSASA members:
1. Professional speakers can go where few others can, because of the value they bring. Seize the opportunity when it shows itself.
2. Never underestimate the transformational power of professional speaking. Good content and style, in this case on Innovation, Creativity and Change - can make a difference. There is nothing as powerful as an idea whose time has come.
3. South African speakers rate amongst the best in world - according to the organizer this conference (+- 600 attendees) rates as one of the top 2 conferences ever (out of 16 previous conferences with other well know international speakers) staged by his company in Iran. 4 South Africans. So step out, create an international profile and footprint for yourself and go compete in the international arena. Don’t be surprised if you do really well!
4. All future speaking will be intercultural speaking, because we live in a global village. If you are not yet an intercultural speaker, then become one. It is not enough any more to just be a skilled presenter. Now is the time to master the art of intercultural presentation skills. It will also empower you further to deal with the inner diversity in audiences in South Africa. Inter-cultural intelligence is a must for al PSASA members.
5. All over the world there is a movement away from the ‘jumping on the chair shouting slogans, ra-ra-rally’. In Iran there is a need for content speaking with audience participation. They need the speaker to cut the perfect balance between style and content while having fun.
6. Lastly: We are just seeing the beginning if the internet revolution with its free flow of information. The window to the outside world for many young Iranians, is the internet, and the ability to communicate ideas through communication networks. It was telling that all SMS’s were blocked, during the time here, as well as social networks like Facebook and You Tube. Even internet connectivity and mobile phone calls were cut during riots. Frank Furness is right - all speakers (PSASA members) must have a strong internet footprint – it will revolutionize your business.
I wish that all PSASA members can experience audiences as hungry for knowledge and good content, as the Iranians. This Hunger will drive Iran to a great future, and the new generation will help create it via a free flow of information!
Have a great month
Gustav Gous
President: PSASA
gustav@gustavgous.co.za

Consumers or Contributors? May 2009 PSASA Presidential Posting by Gustav Gous

The Presidential Posting by Gustav Gous
Contributors – not only consumers

I’m sitting in a pizzeria in Camps Bay, experiencing the typical life of a professional speaker: Life in the fast lane (plane?), with the odd break to smell the roses or the sea breeze.

I’m glad to be a member of the PSASA because I’ve experienced in the past 14 days once again the best of camaraderie and input the association can offer.

From attending the debrief of the Singapore Professional Speakers meeting with Scott Friedman (who introduced me abundantly to business partners there) to experiencing the professionalism Haydee Antezana shared at the Johannesburg Chapter meeting, to seeing the brilliant tools shared by Jurgen Tietz at the Pretoria Chapter meeting, to sitting in the first board meeting of the year with the chapter presidents in Durban... What a life!

Congratulations to Lars Löfstrand, who is now the Vice-President of the PSASA, and automatically next year’s president. Lars and Andy Brough will help put together the 30 April to 2 May 2010 PSASA National Convention at Emperors Palace (next to the Johannesburg International OR Tambo Airport). Please diarise that. A call for speakers will go out soon.

Marlene Ward will take responsibility for the PSASA Academy again; Richard Mulvey will oversee the 2010 Awards; Robin Wheeler continues to do the newsletter; and Dr Fritz Holscher will promote mastermind groups.

Please volunteer to make your professional talents available to the above project leaders and your local Chapter presidents. This will make us even more of a thriving association of go-givers, who are contributors not only consumers.

Congratulations to past PSASA president, Billy Selekane, who was awarded the highest honour for a non-toastmaster: The Leadership and Communication Award, an honour he shares with amongst others Desmond Tutu and FW de Klerk.

Remember to get a feel for what’s happening internationally by clicking on the logos of the PSAs in other countries. Why not nominate yourself to speak at their conferences – we as South Africans have a lot to offer!

Remember to make 2009 the year of the ear, where you listen with two ears and talk with one mouth. It will help us to customise content better!

Gustav Gous
President: PSASA 2009 / 2010
drgous@iafrica.com

Die Antwoord??

Does 'Die Antwoord' have the Answer? If this is The answer - what was the question?

Welcome to Gustav's blog

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