~ by Michele Cushatt
Last week, one of our SCORRE coaches sent the following video to a few members of our team. His goal was to start a discussion about using this clip at our upcoming SCORRE conference in Rome, GA. What happened afterwards was … well, first just watch the video:
I could hardly watch this video without turning away. The poor guy was eaten alive–not by a ruthless audience but by his inability to deliver what he promised. Even more compelling than the video was the email conversation that took place between several members of our staff afterwards. Here’s a sample of what flew over the internet in less than an hour:
Curtis: We have to use this one.
Michele: This is PAINFUL! Yes, we have to use this. If for no other reason than to say, “Ever felt like this guy?” Great opening clip on the second day, when we unpack SCORRE in more detail. Or we could do it before “Putting it all together.” Then talk about how SCORRE is the heart of your talk, and keeps you from panicking when the “biggest moment of your life” comes.
Mike: Michele, I agree. It’s everyone’s WORST fear.
Jeff: You know what, I bet I know what this guy did: He memorized a whole talk (or tried to) instead of an outline. He didn’t have an objective or supporting rationale, so when he lost his place in his spiel, the whole thing fell apart. Great proof for the SCORRE method. Just my opinion, but it seems that’s what happened. When you’ve got your talk SCORRE’d, it may be messy and less-than-eloquent, but you always know where you’re going.
Curtis: At first I thought the technology let him down and he had a slide that didn’t advance…but if that were the case he would have said something, that’s an easy out. But you’re right Jeff, SCORRE not only keeps you on track but lets you be eloquent in the moment.
Michele: Jeff, that’s exactly what I thought. He manuscripted his pitch, and then memorized his manuscript. He was trying to remember the next line, rather than just speaking from the heart. Without an established objective driving him, an unconscious objective hijacked his opp.
After watching the video and participating in the discussion that followed, I see at least four major takeaways from the experience:
- NO ONE wants to fail in front of an audience.
- Every speaker can potentially freeze in his biggest moment.
- Without the RIGHT kind of preparation, lucrative opportunities can be lost.
- Knowing the heart of your message (rather than a memorized script) is what makes the difference.
With a little training in the SCORRE method, this guy could’ve had an entirely different pitch. Even if he forgot a line in the pressure of the moment, his objective and rationale likely would’ve remained intact. Of course, it’s now too late — this opportunity has passed.
But for every lost opportunity, there’s the hope and possibility of another.
How can you better develop the heart of your message for YOUR next biggest moment?
I watched this guy with my family and cringed.
What a powerful example that memorizing doesn’t work. I am not familiar with the SCORRE method, but I trust by the dialogue here that speaking better with an outline.
I use my photographs as my outline. I am a visual learner, so I create a photo slideshow. The pics serve as my speaking prompts. I have some slides with brief phrases or verses, but it’s mostly just more and more pics.
Would that pass with the SCORRE method?
I hope to someday attend one of these conferences. Especially the Colorado one since I live in the Springs.
Thanks for sharing this post and video. I love learning from other speakers, especially those who are doing it successfully.
God bless,
Tiffany
Thanks for your comments, Tiffany. Good to see your name here! The SCORRE method is a preparation tool that increases your effectiveness in delivery. From what I can tell, the pictures you use could be your prompt, after you’ve done all the hard work of preparation.
I hope you can come in October — we’d love to have you there!
As one who is a year into using SCORRE for practically everything from speech writing to event planning and worship planning, I can identify with this conversation among the coaches. SCORRE has definitely pulled me out of some jams when my brain mis-fires.
I also identify with the man in the video. Recently I was leading a group in a devotion that had been written for someone to pick up and teach to others. I read it thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting points. But in the presentation I got twisted up as I began to realize while presenting that there was no clear objective in the original writing of the lesson. The lesson tried to cover too many unrelated points without much focus on any of them.
My lesson learned? If you’re going to teach someone else’s material, make sure you can SCORRE said material – and if not, re-write it.
Great post! Thanks Michele (aka best SCORRE coach ever!)
- BP
A GREAT lesson to learn, Bryan. Excellent!
I, too, have felt like the guy in the video from time to time. Who hasn’t? That’s why it’s so painful to watch! However, I believe failure is part of the path toward success. You just pick yourself back up, make your adjustments and determine to do it better next time.
You’re doing a great job. Keep it up!
…ohhhhh…that was painful
…now…could/would one of you SCORRE studs or studettes do a quick video of the way that could have been done to see the contrast
…unless you got “it” and are out on your paddle board on the Harp River down there in Nashville.
…looking forward to being with you in a few weeks
I felt bad for the poor guy. SCORRE would certainly have helped him keeps his thoughts/points straight.
Disclosure: I learned SCORRE a couple years ago, but don’t use it much even though I’m a regular blogger.