This morning, I walked into my office to find an extremely handsome, massively muscled and intimidating young man sitting in my waiting room. Now, being a coach of stand-up comics and corporate speakers, none of which are known for their rippling muscles, I was half-convinced I'd walked into the wrong office. But no, this pro-wrestler was actually looking for me. His name was John Morrison and he was on a mission. He wanted to be funnier in the ring, funnier in interviews and he was looking to jumpstart a speaking career.
John explained to me how he uses obstacles such as walls, chairs, and buildings to propel himself. Bingo! This was a very interesting premise - that the obstacles in our lives can actually give us direction and power and make us stronger. That it is the obstacles themselves that propel us forward!!! What a great message for kids who are overwhelmed with broken families, school bullies, broken hearts or just plain acne!
Underneath all the flash and bravado of his pro-wrestling persona, there was a genuine and valuable lesson to be learned and I’ve found that no matter the profession - doctor, lawyer, teacher, manager or accountant - every speaker has an important message the lies just underneath the surface story of their life. It’s my job to help them dig a little deeper to find that message, to explore the metaphor of their experience and help them bring it to a larger audience.
It’s a great moment - that moment of discovery and realization. It always leaves me energized and well, not quite bouncing off the walls like John but happy to have been part of the process of making a difference in other people’s lives.
John explained to me how he uses obstacles such as walls, chairs, and buildings to propel himself. Bingo! This was a very interesting premise - that the obstacles in our lives can actually give us direction and power and make us stronger. That it is the obstacles themselves that propel us forward!!! What a great message for kids who are overwhelmed with broken families, school bullies, broken hearts or just plain acne!
Underneath all the flash and bravado of his pro-wrestling persona, there was a genuine and valuable lesson to be learned and I’ve found that no matter the profession - doctor, lawyer, teacher, manager or accountant - every speaker has an important message the lies just underneath the surface story of their life. It’s my job to help them dig a little deeper to find that message, to explore the metaphor of their experience and help them bring it to a larger audience.
It’s a great moment - that moment of discovery and realization. It always leaves me energized and well, not quite bouncing off the walls like John but happy to have been part of the process of making a difference in other people’s lives.
Nice of him to show some initative while he's on the shelf. Maybe he does have minor public speaking problems and that's why he seemed so much better on his internet shows?
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