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How Writing a Book is Like Giving a Speech

  

Last week I checked off a long-time bucket list item. I submitted my first book's manuscript to the printer. The first copies arrived this week. It is hard to explain the feelings when a project the size of this one comes to completion. Mainly, I just wanted a nap. Those last few days were hectic and filled with late nights, early mornings, last-minute edits, and the constant fear that maybe my work wasn't successful. And it may not be. That's not - nor has it ever been - the point. 

As I've reflected on what it took to produce the book (co-written with my older brother/best friend), I am struck by the similarity in what it takes to make a great presentation or speech. There are
three things that really jumped out and can be applied to your next communication project (likely even your next email, but we rarely put that much work into our emails!) 

Iteration 
The first pass is rarely worth using. It's the edited and re-edited version(s) that really pops. Because of the size of this work, it took months of phone calls, emails, and reworking plots, details, and creative ideas. We tossed a lot of stuff (including some of my favorite little snippets!) But it's a better work because we went over it again and again. There were a couple of paragraphs that took hours just by themselves. But again, the final product is worth the effort. 

How many times have you changed your next communication? If it's less than three, it's probably not ready!
 
Need outside help 
We are miserable judges of our own efforts. Sometimes we judge low; sometimes we overestimate our abilities. In our case, we knew the message had power based on our discussions with our target audience, but our first effort (see iteration!) did not communicate clearly what we wanted to say. A half dozen early reviewers were gracious enough to tell us the truth. Then there were editors, folks who had walked the path before who gave advice, people who submitted (many unknowingly!) ideas and interesting anecdotes. And probably the most important part of the process was the inspiration of those closest to us - our family and our trusted advisors.  

One person deserves a special shout-out. A friend of mine got so excited about the idea he sent me money for the first copy - several YEARS before it was completed! I didn't even think I could write a book, but seeing his crisp bill taped to my desk pushed me to a place I didn't think I could get. This is, interestingly enough, a major theme of the book itself. 

Who is pushing you? Are you hanging out with people who are better than you, and can make you better? 

Put self on display - feelings (GAP!) 
Probably the hardest part of speaking and writing is the fact that it is YOU who is on display. As a first-time author, I don't harbor any realistic hope of having just created an international best-seller. But I'll never know if I don't allow others to read it. Just like a speech, you have to be in front of the audience. And you could fail. But it's the process of review that grows us AND our message to have the impact and influence that we really want.  

Try. Get out there and see what the world has to say! 

Great book. Great speech. Great meeting. They're an awful lot alike. 

And, by the way, the book - 6 Steps Forward, Every Man Matters - has nothing to do with communication. It's a parable: a work of fiction designed to get men to change gracefully through the stages of life. It's available on
Amazon with information at
www.6stepsforward.com. I'd love to know what you think, even if it's critical. It's already spawned a speaking challenge as well, as we lead a men's retreat this weekend with the material from the book. 

Now, onto the next book! I have at least five others I want to write, including at least two about world-class speaking.

 


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Powerful, Persuasive Speaking Workshop Coming up in May
 

Ever wondered what a class from MillsWyck Communications is like? Check out the video link below for a brief profile of a typical speaking workshop. 

 

Course Profile
Course Profile

 

We are close to another public offering of the life-changing Powerful, Persuasive Speaking workshop. Our flagship course has limited enrollment to maximize the practice time each student gets, and the public course is a great place to get unfiltered feedback and meet some new best friends. What a great way to enter the summer - with new skills to communicate clearly and powerfully!   Information and Registration. 


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Is one-on-one Coaching right for you?
 
On the heels of our thoughts on iteration and putting yourself out there, if you have a high-stakes presentation in your future, consider some one-on-one coaching from MillsWyck Communications to make sure it's your very best effort.  In the last few weeks, we've worked with clients presenting scientific information to world research leaders, business leaders wanting more opportunities, keynote addresses, and someone wanting to just get better knowing that the phone could ring and they want to be ready.  
 
We offer Face-to-Face OR Virtual Coaching Packages to meet your needs and your schedule.   We can use modern tools to make coaching happen anywhere there's an internet connection or do it in person.  
May 2014
In this issue
How Writing a Book is Like Giving a Speech
PPS Workshop in May
Is one-on-one Coaching right for you?
Upcoming Workshops
Upcoming Speaking Events
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Upcoming Workshops
2014 Workshop dates
May 12-13
July 28-29
Sep 22-23
Nov 17-18
Two days that will change your life!  This highly interactive, hands-on workshop gives you the skills to face an audience and deliver content in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. Close that deal, give that career-changing presentation, or motivate your audience to action. Speak with confidence, power, and ease. 
Limited seating.
 
Upcoming Speaking Events

  

Men's Retreat

St. Michael's Episcopal Church of Raleigh

May 2-3, 

Whispering Pines, NC

The topic will be Alan's new book, 6 Steps Forward: Every Man Matters.

 

Are you in Human Resources and need HRCI credits?

Alan has two presentations that are each approved for one hour of credit by the Human Resources Certification Institute -- "Gold Medal Communications" 
and 
"Why business communications is killing modern business and what you can do about it." Please contact us if your business or organization would like to have Alan come out to present.


If you need a speaker for your next corporate meeting or professional organization, contact us at [email protected].  Check out our keynotes or have us customize a presentation or workshop for your group.
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Find out more about our public workshops, corporate training, private coaching, and keynote speaking at www.millswyck.com. 
MillsWyck Communications
Communication  matters.  What  are  YOU saying?
  
Alan Hoffler, Philorator (Teacher & Lover of Speaking)
(919) 386-9238 

Alan Hoffler is the Executive Director and Principal Trainer at MillsWyck Communications.  He is a Trainer, Speaker, Consultant, and Coach who passionately moves others to effective and engaging communication.