KO#17: No Such Thing as a “Natural”
Welcome to the 17th issue of the Knockout Your Sunday Scaries Newsletter, an every-other-week newsletter by me, Kristy Olinger, with a focus on workplace communication and self-development. I’m glad you’re here. Was this forwarded to you? Get yours: Subscribe here
Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
Hi there,
Seth Godin forever ruined my ability to receive a compliment. A very specific type of compliment that I receive following a well-delivered presentation or workshop. It goes something like this:
“You’re such a natural at public speaking.” or “I wish I had your talent for speaking.”
Of course the intention is complimentary, and I’d always received it as such…. until coming across Seth Godin’s work on this topic which turned these compliments into insults.
Godin called attention to the fact that talent and skill are different things. Talent is a natural ability, skill is learned through practice. By crediting talent, the person discredits the many years of practice that I’ve put into being an engaging speaker.
These days when someone calls me a natural I do one of two things:
Smile, say thank you, and accept the compliment that was intended (while screaming in my head).
OR, for the right person and in the right situation, I say something like
“I appreciate that, but there’s no such thing as a natural. I’ve worked hard over many years to develop this skill and you can too.”
Anyone can become a powerful speaker because speaking is not a talent, it’s a skill. This is great news for you, because it means you didn’t have to be born with innate talent for speaking in order to do it well. If you’re not sure how to practice to improve your speaking skills, learn how I can help.
📚 What I’m Reading: Likeable Badass, by Alison Fragale
This book cracks the code of how women can show up as both assertive and warm to get the success they deserve. It’s the kind of book that I wish existed when I was just starting out in my career, because it is full of actionable strategies. BTW, we are interviewing Alison this week on the podcast and I CANNOT WAIT.
Content Round Up - In Case You Missed It
Even if you’re following me on social media, the algorithm may or may not put my post in your feed. Here is what has launched over the last 2 weeks, in case you missed it.
Episode 161. How to Respectfully Disagree in a Divided World - PODCAST
This episode was impeccably timed (if you’re in the U.S. please get out and vote on Tuesday!). We talk with Justin Jones-Josu on how to disagree with others in ways that improve understanding and relationships.
Episode 164. #Kristy On Motivating Others, Accountability, and Speaking Concisely - PODCAST
In this solo episode I am answering YOUR questions received on Instagram via DM or from participants of my Communication Accelerator program.
Be More Concise - VIDEO
This video combines my two most valued tips for how to share an idea fully without overwhelming the audience.
You made it to the end! Congrats & thanks. ❤️ Have a great two weeks.
Stay Curious,
Kristy
P.S. If you’re in the U.S. be sure to vote on Tuesday if you haven’t already
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