Some geniuses don’t know what they’re talking about
until another genius tells them. It happens to the best!
Scott Mautz says on Inc.com that “Bill Gates Accidentally Learned The Key To Public Speaking By Giving A Talk To Warren Buffett And Friends[1].” Undated; the story happened in 2001 yet, nonetheless the lesson still applies today, 19 years later. And it did not come from billionaire Bill Gates actually, but from his friend, billionaire Warren Buffett. Sometimes, you have to teach a billionaire something. (Windows image from Alamy[2])
Mr Mautz writes:
It was 2001, and Gates had recently resigned as CEO of Microsoft to focus on software and philanthropy, and his friend Warren Buffett was curious about the journey Gates was on. So Buffett invited Gates to share that journey in a keynote to Buffett and some of his friends.
At the time, Gates was in the middle of negotiations over the notorious antitrust case that the US government had brought against Microsoft, so the ex-CEO was up late the night before the speech, on the phone with lawyers. He didn't have time to write the full speech he was to give the next day.
What did Bill Gates do? “He focused on telling a simple, clear story he was passionate about.”
What happened? Warren Buffett said afterward, "That was amazing, Bill. What you said was amazing, and your energy around this work is amazing."
Bill Gates had spoken from his notes, “trying to simplify all we had learned into the clearest possible story.” That is to say, “He focused on telling a simple, clear story he was passionate about.”
Know what? You can apply the same exact rule in writing – whether you refer to it as creative writing or simply writing.
By the way, you have to be a good writer first before you can be a good anyone:
You cannot be a damn good columnist, journalist, lecturer, preacher, or speaker if you are not a damn good author in the first place.
Mr Mautz also says:
People aren't drawn to a litany of facts… They're compelled to listen to a story, one told clearly and passionately. A story with an attention-capturing beginning, a fascinating arc (yes, supported with data and insight), and a poignant end that ties it all together.
It’s the same thing with the written word.
Start with the big-picture message.
What is it that you have to say to the audience that will make them better for having heard it? What's your big idea? What's the theme of your message? Make sure this message is worthy before you proceed. It doesn't have to be a revelation, something that no human has ever heard before. A unique perspective on even an age-old problem will suffice.
I repeat, it’s the same thing with the written word:
Look at several windows in search
of a unique, powerful perspective.
Having chosen, write it up shortly and passionately.
Know what? Each of my essays is only 517 words long!@517
of a unique, powerful perspective.
Having chosen, write it up shortly and passionately.
Know what? Each of my essays is only 517 words long!@517
[1] https://www.inc.com/scott-mautz/bill-gates-accidentally-learned-key-to-public-speaking-by-giving-a-talk-to-warren-buffett-friends.html?cid=sf01002&fbclid=IwAR3G5SFWXs9Adg-8GRVpsaNs20dcCMZB7fKjf-hPX6xcChM20IglZm6OX8s
[2] https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/windows-vista-microsoft.html
No comments:
Post a Comment