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