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
It could be that the PSASA should start with its own membership to eliminate the drivel of speakers giving themselves the "best speaker" accolade as several of them do. I agree Gustav that there is, and never will be a measure for "best speaker". Just look at the attempt (and failure) of the "Speaker of the year" awards. Hell, some of the the nominees even nominated themselves!
ReplyDeleteI believe it's time PSASA monitors its own members and strongly discourage the use of the "best speaker" term.
Erik, although I'm sure many speakers and buyers of speaking services feel irritated by self-proclaimed titles such as "best speaker", it is not the job of the PSASA to police how members and non-members market themselves, and never will be - something you will be aware of having served on the national board for a year. Please also note that the PSASA has never been associated with the "speaker of the year" awards, and never will be. The PSASA awards are aimed at recognising long term, proven speaking excellence and consistent service to the speaking industry. - Paul du Toit, CSP - Presentation Skills Coach.
ReplyDeleteP.S. PSASA = Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa, formally NSASA or National Speakers Association of South Africa.
Eric, I agree. There was a great session at the NSAA in Australia this past wekend, warning members about false or exaggerated claims. The question was asked - do we delude the 1 market place in advertising /promotional claims 2 Each other: Biggest lie: I am fully booked and busy every hour of every day" 3 Clients in presentations (not well researched claims)? The reason is the speakers personalities are inspirational and lends them to exaggerate. That closing opinion was 1. that we must be aware of this reality 2. Our marketing must be exciting but honest.
ReplyDeleteI think I will need to try harder to accomplish my dream. I think it is not easy
ReplyDeletePresentation skills dubai