Show Notes
The best stories are all about connection. They connect with us and help us to connect the dots about something.
When Colette Carlson tells the story of her father surviving a prisoner of war camp, all thanks to an unexpected moment of connection, you can imagine how many layers pile up and drive home the power of connecting.
Colette tells beautiful stories with poise and passion – but how does she manage the prickly subject of speaking about her father’s intensely personal experience? When did she realize this story was a winner? And how has she learned to adapt it for the four different types of audiences she speaks to?
All of these questions and plenty more are answered in the latest episode of Standing Ovation, Clappers. Prepare to feel moved – and connected – by Colette Carlson’s signature story.
Find out about:
- How Colette’s story is enhanced by visuals, but not dependent on them
- How she gave herself permission to share a personal story
- What it means to embrace the applicability of your story
- Why there is a right way and wrong way to customize your story
- Whether Colette intentionally picks out stories from moments or just lets them happen
- What Colette thinks will help Clappers tell better stories
Quotes from the episode:
“If I start getting too flowery, too descriptive, it doesn’t align with me. I’m kind of short, to the point, tell it like it is, and it seems to lose some of the authenticity.”
“Your opening and closing are the most impactful.”
“A lot of my stories where I get hit the hardest in my heart, that make me want to change, are stories that have to do with my children. Most of my stories have a tendency to go back to my family.”
Connect with Colette Carlson
2 Key Questions
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about the speaking business?
“The advice whenever you create a blog or branding is to ask who your audience is. And I really have 4 very distinct audiences. I have struggled against that my entire career.
If I had started in one specific area, got known for it, and then chose to add on other programs, it would have been more effective than the other way around. I would encourage people to pick their lane and try not to be the be-all-and-end-all.”
Who is your dream guest for Standing Ovation?
“Diana Nyad not only has the best stories, but the best way of telling them. When she tells a story, I am mesmerized. I’ve seen her speak 3 times and she can do voices, accents, she can sing, but it’s always done with such beauty and grace and I could watch her over and over again. I think she is one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
