By Jeff Goins
Risk. It’s the one thing we fear when we’re doing something new or uncomfortable. We don’t want to put ourselves on the line. Because we might fail. And failure is scary.
Yet, we all know anything worth doing will cost us something.
This week, I saw a lot of smart people taking risks. These people were counselors and coaches, dreamers and teachers, speakers and actors. These people had Master’s degrees and long resumes. They were funny and shy, old and young, and many quite accomplished in their fields.
So why were these smart people – many of which communicate for a living – attending a communication conference? What were they hoping to get out of the experience?
Simple. They wanted to get better.
That can be said for all of us, can’t it? Anyone can become a better communicator. Anyone can take a risk. So why don’t we?
All it takes is a change of mind — believing two simple truths:
Truth #1: You Are Not What You Do
One reason we don’t take risks as much as we should is because we are afraid of failure. We equate failing in a task or vocation with failing as a person. Which is just not true.
Our identity doesn’t come from what we do, what we’are able to accomplish. And we know this. But in times of crisis, it’s easy to forget.
When we affirm that we are more than our jobs and social statuses, we are free to fail. And at the same time, free to grow.
Truth #2: What You Do Matters
Another reason we don’t risk is because we’re lazy. We get comfortable. We sit back and “enjoy the ride,” resting on innate talent or past experience.
One thing we’re passionate about at Dynamic Communicators is that even talented people can improve. That’s why we ask you to “disarm” when you come to the SCORRE Conference.
Some people are so talented they’re used to shooting from the hip. This can lead to laziness, even arrogance. And ultimate, it will lead you to compromise your craft, to take shortcuts.
But if you acknowledge that what you do matters, that it deserves your very best, then practice is not an option. It’s a necessity.
What Does this Have to Do with Communicating?
It’s amazing to see what people get out of a simple communication conference. Not only are many challenged to take themselves more seriously as communicators, but some walk away with a renewed sense of purpose.
They are encouraged in their dream, as one aspiring author told me.
They are compelled to rethink how they approach their life’s work, as a retreat director explained.
As it turns out, communication is about more than the words we say or write, the slides we share, and the gestures we make. Without exaggeration, communication is about life — about people and purpose and how what we do matters.
At least, that’s what people have been telling Dynamic Communicators for nearly thirty years.
Two questions:
- If you’ve been to the SCORRE Conference (formerly DCW) in the past, what did you get out of it? Was it more than a list of tips for being a better speaker?
- If not, what’s stopping you from attending our next one?
Share your answer in the blog comments of today’s post. And don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for photos from this week’s conference in Vail.
Also, check out our brand-new YouTube channel, with videos of coaches, students, and speakers from the SCORRE Conference. Here’s one from this past week on awkward hand gestures.
If you can’t see the video in email/RSS, click here.
I came to DCW at the recommendation of Michael Hyatt. Not being a professional speaker or in a speaking area of ministry I was more drawn by the use of the word “Communicators”. Everyone talks but not everyone communicates. Not only did I learn to communicate more clearly but I think I learned to listen with more of a discerning ear for the heart of what other’s are trying to communicate. The instructional sessions were packed with simple but powerful techniques and proven methods. What I hadn’t considered before attending was the 35 bonus messages presented by the other 7 members of my focus group, each and everyone a dynamic communicator with personality and insight to share.
DCW is one workshop I can recommend with out hesitation.
“Everyone talks but not everyone communicates.” Exactly! I’m so glad you came to the SCORRE conference, Lana. It was great meeting you in person!
Before attending the training I had already read Ken Davis’s book, “Secrets of Dynamic Communication,” which helps you distill all your talks or writings into a persuasive or enabling speech.
It’s not as easy as it seems.
Attending this week-long course was so much better than reading the book.
We were put into groups of eight along with a coach. We had to give a different speech each night adding body movement, different voice pitches/tones, etc.
This workshop pushed me in regard to my speaking skills, but the environment was comfortable and fun; not too stressful. What made it so great is that Ken Davis is a gifted and hilarious speaker and the setting (Beaver Creek/Vail Hyatt resort) made it appealing to put in such long hours.
I have been to several speaker trainings over the years but this was by far the best!
In addition to the training, the networking opportunities were tremendous. I think there were about 60 trainees and about 20 stellar speaker/coaches from DCW (now SCORRE). I ate dinner with pastors, representatives from publishers, and all sort of business leaders.
Don’t miss the next training!
We LOVED having you at the SCORRE conference, Lucille. Me, especially.
Thanks for recapping your experience and take-away. I know it’s extremely helpful for those who are considering it. Keep us posted on your progress as you apply it in “real life.” Excited for all that’s ahead for you!
Wow, sounds amazing. What is stopping me: the cost, to be honest. Newly married & my husband just started a company. Time to get on my knees for a miracle…and to take another look at our budget!
I was in the same position when I first heard about this conference, Joanna. I was a married mom of three boys, earning very little income as a piano teacher. Investing this amount of money seemed almost irresponsible to me. My husband encouraged me to attend, calling it an “investment.” I had no idea how right he would be! I’ve earned back every dime I spent and then some. It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Would love to see you there, Joanna!