Gary Forman is a friend of mine and a really good speech writer. He came over to my place to get my feedback on a speech he was working on.
It was short and fierce, and so was he–a fierce partisan in the world of communication.
What I really liked was his insistence on putting yourself into any talk you give. He called it the YOUIE YOUNESS OF YOU.
He made the case that the greatest asset you have is the uniqueness of you. Nobody has had the exact same life experiences that you’ve had. Like a snowflake, you are unique.
When Gary speaks about the YOUIE YOUNESS OF YOU, he gives us permission to let our talents take over–to trust ourselves to break the rules, to take the road less traveled, to let it all hang out, to speak from the heart.
I’m more cautious. I’m not going to tell my audience that I’m nervous. That my armpits are moist and aromatic…that I feel like I want to puke.
What if you are not ready for primetime? What if you haven’t done your 10,000 hours? What if you are monotonous or hard to hear? A weak trumpet with a disorganized presentation? Does the YOUIE YOUNESS OF YOU still work?
Maybe I’m interpreting the YOUIE YOUNESS OF YOU too literally. Maybe all Gary is saying is don’t hide your light under a bushel.
Be yourself! Dare to be dull. Don’t put on a show.
I get that. I think the difference between me and Gary is that I work–and have worked for a long time–in a pretty buttoned-up corporate environment, whereas Gary has roots in stand-up where I hardly dare tread.
Nevertheless, I like Gary’s insight. No matter what the topic, when you are presenting your audience is thirsty for the YOUIE YOUNESS OF YOU.