Show Notes
As speakers, we need our audiences to trust us.
Nobody knows this better than David Horsager. But how does the world expert on trust in all kinds of relationships make his own audiences trust him when that’s the very topic he’s there to discuss?
Well, there are a lot of ways this Hall of Fame speaker does it but – at the heart of it – he thinks it comes down to authenticity.
David is my guest on Standing Ovation and I consider myself very lucky to have seen his ‘mutton busting’ signature story several times in person. To dive into its roots, its nuances, and its adaptability was a real bucket list moment for me.
Clappers, I’m very proud to be able to share this episode with you. Pull up a seat – or a sheep – and enjoy.
Find out about:
- How many iterations David’s signature story has had
- Why you need to use your body as an accent, not just your voice
- How you can be both authentic and practiced, not one or the other
- When you need to kill your darlings
- Whether or not to use visuals
- Whether the geographical location of your talk should change its content
Quotes from the episode:
“Vocal variety and pacing is critical to move the story where you want the audience to go, as well as the words you say.”
“Not being the hero of your story is critical.”
“You can stay totally authentic, and even be more authentic, when you practice.”
Connect with David Horsager
2 Key Questions
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about the speaking business?
“First: be there. If you can take your imagination and go there, it comes through as authenticity. You want people to say, when you come off stage, that you were you.”
“Second: hire it done. As soon as you can hire it done, as soon as it comes to something that’s not in your wheelhouse, hire it done and try to stick to the core things that you do best.”
Who is your dream guest for Standing Ovation?
“I’ve got three. First of all, a phenomenal comedian and speaker – Ken Davies.
Then, Brandon Steiner. The guy basically became a multimillionaire by buying the dirt in the Yankees stadium and selling the bricks, one by one! He’s an interesting in-person storyteller and I’m sure he’d have some great perspectives.”
“Also, Carey Lohrenz. Anyone who can tell you about going up in a fighter jet is worth listening to.”
