My brother, internationally acclaimed rock guitarist Robert Fripp, talks about performances.
“A principle is universal, a rule is inflexible, a law is invariable. Music so wishes to be heard that sometimes it calls on unlikely characters to give it voice, and to give it ears. This wishing-to-be heard calls into existence the Performance Event: where music, musician, and audience may come together as one, in communion.
This communion has six different forms of being and experiencing itself; and these forms, or principles, are simultaneously present within the Performance.
The first three are:
When people get together with music, something happens.
In a performance: things come together, mysteriously; and go better than we might anticipate; and better than we deserve.
A performance can take on a life and character of its own.”
In my world of speaking performances, like the enchanting world of music that my brother speaks of, there exists a profound and universal principle: the Performance Event. This principle, just like the soulful desire of music to be heard, underscores the magnetic pull of a message yearning to be shared, a story waiting to be told, and an idea eager to inspire.
It is within this Performance Event that great speakers, much like musicians, find themselves in a sacred communion with their audience, where the essence of communication transcends the spoken word, creating an experience that is both transformative and unforgettable.
This communion, as my brother tells us in his unique and articulate way, manifests in distinct forms of being and experiencing.
For speakers, these principles illuminate the path to delivering presentations that captivate and resonate with their audience.
The Power of Gathering: Just as when people come together with music something extraordinary happens, the same is true for speaking. The act of gathering for a presentation creates a unique energy, a collective anticipation for the ideas and insights that are about to unfold. This shared experience lays the foundation for a memorable event.
The Mystery of Synergy: In a performance, be it musical or speaking, elements come together in a way that often surpasses our expectations. This synergy, mysterious and potent, allows a presentation to transcend its components, delivering a message that is more impactful and enduring than anticipated. It’s a reminder that in the realm of public speaking, we are often graced with outcomes better than we might deserve.
The Emergence of Character: Much like a musical performance, a speaking event can take on a life and character of its own. This principle highlights the dynamic nature of presentations, where despite meticulous planning, the actual performance can evolve into something uniquely powerful, characterized by moments of spontaneity and genuine connection.
These principles, drawn from the universal language of music, serve as a challenge for speakers who strive to deliver presentations that are heard and felt.
They remind us that at the heart of every speaking performance is the opportunity for communion, for a shared experience that transcends the ordinary, making every message memorable and unforgettable. This reminds me of my book title, Deliver Unforgettable Presentations.
“What an honor to watch true professional at work! Your presentation on Good to Great Presentations was stellar. Our audience of dental speakers was amazed and impressed at your ability to coach four other speakers. In a few minutes, you transformed their presentations. Your experience, knowledge, and ability show through everything you do. Thank you for accepting our invitation to open our conference. Nobody could have done better.” Vanessa Emerson, Founder, Dental Speaker Institute
