Some motivational and creative quotes - and a gag or two.
“They asked me to be a Bond girl. I said the only Bond part I want to play is James Bond”.
Angelina Jolie
“All great deeds, all great thoughts have a ridiculous beginning”.
Albert Camus
“The place of the father in a modern suburban family is a very small one, particularly if he plays golf”.
Bertrand Russell
“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer if they’re happy’”.
Anton Chekhov
“Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things”.
Theodore Levitt
“I like ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon, Dad. But the version from ‘Glee’ is much better”.
Ellen, 12
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Reasons to be cheerful
A great Edinburgh Festival Fringe We managed to see more than we usually do, and the weather has been pretty good. And I swear I saw a taxi driver smile.
University Challenge is back. Don’t know about you, but I feel great if I can answer just one question!
I have been taken by an irresistible urge to shake hands with famous people I adore. This month, Arlo Guthrie, Ian Rankin, Tom Kitchin, Johnny Vegas. Well, August in Edinburgh is a pretty starry month.
University Challenge is back. Don’t know about you, but I feel great if I can answer just one question!
I have been taken by an irresistible urge to shake hands with famous people I adore. This month, Arlo Guthrie, Ian Rankin, Tom Kitchin, Johnny Vegas. Well, August in Edinburgh is a pretty starry month.
Presentation Tip: Your first priority is to start on time.
There’s a long running online discussion on the pages of a speakers’ group, about speeches starting late. It asked for reasons – in one or two words – why a speaker might not start their speech on time.
Several justifiable reasons were given – fire alarm, emergency, illness. But one thing that struck me was the number of reasons which (to me, at least) seemed to be down to the speakers themselves. “My laptop wouldn’t work”. “My train was late”. “I went to the wrong room”.
These aren’t reasons, they’re admissions of fault. It’s the responsibility of every speaker, every presenter, to arrive on time – indeed, to be there early. In any case, if you’re there early, you can get a feel for the room – and the audience! And you can check your laptop, have a run through – or just relax a bit. Yes, your train might run late. That’s why you get the train two before the one that should come in on time.
My tip? Imagine the worst thing that could go wrong – and leave enough time for that to happen, and you to still start on time.
Incidentally, if you look at the reasons given above, only a few were the one or two word answer asked for. Several responses ran to five or six words. Perhaps that’s why so many presenters also over-run?
Several justifiable reasons were given – fire alarm, emergency, illness. But one thing that struck me was the number of reasons which (to me, at least) seemed to be down to the speakers themselves. “My laptop wouldn’t work”. “My train was late”. “I went to the wrong room”.
These aren’t reasons, they’re admissions of fault. It’s the responsibility of every speaker, every presenter, to arrive on time – indeed, to be there early. In any case, if you’re there early, you can get a feel for the room – and the audience! And you can check your laptop, have a run through – or just relax a bit. Yes, your train might run late. That’s why you get the train two before the one that should come in on time.
My tip? Imagine the worst thing that could go wrong – and leave enough time for that to happen, and you to still start on time.
Incidentally, if you look at the reasons given above, only a few were the one or two word answer asked for. Several responses ran to five or six words. Perhaps that’s why so many presenters also over-run?
Creativity Tip - Stick-to-it-ness
I recently read an interview with James Dyson, creator of both the cyclonic vacuum cleaner and my favourite recent invention, the Dyson Air-Blade™ hand drier. (Even although it makes my hands look like Buzz Lightyear’s face under G Force when I use it).
In the interview he repeated the fact that it had taken 15 years and over five thousand prototypes to develop the Dyson DC-01. Five thousand!
There’s a temptation to think of innovation and invention as an act of instant inspiration. For most creators, however, that inspiration is brought to life through hours, days, weeks – or even years – of development work.
So you need to stick to it. Honing, perfecting, improving – and if you believe you have a great idea, have faith and carry on.
And sometimes, the persistence you show pays off in unexpected ways. I was lucky enough to see the brilliant adman Dave Trott present last week, and he told the story of one of the most famous campaigns in British advertising, “I bet he drinks Carling Black Label”. The line fitted perfectly with the brand, and was at the heart of a campaign that ran for almost two decades (and was brought back years later).
But it wasn’t written for Carling – it was written for a pitch for the Milk Marketing Board. “I bet he drinks milk”.
Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it?
In the interview he repeated the fact that it had taken 15 years and over five thousand prototypes to develop the Dyson DC-01. Five thousand!
There’s a temptation to think of innovation and invention as an act of instant inspiration. For most creators, however, that inspiration is brought to life through hours, days, weeks – or even years – of development work.
So you need to stick to it. Honing, perfecting, improving – and if you believe you have a great idea, have faith and carry on.
And sometimes, the persistence you show pays off in unexpected ways. I was lucky enough to see the brilliant adman Dave Trott present last week, and he told the story of one of the most famous campaigns in British advertising, “I bet he drinks Carling Black Label”. The line fitted perfectly with the brand, and was at the heart of a campaign that ran for almost two decades (and was brought back years later).
But it wasn’t written for Carling – it was written for a pitch for the Milk Marketing Board. “I bet he drinks milk”.
Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it?
Wednesday 25 August 2010
Stephen Covey would call it Win Win
It has finally struck me that I've got to that age. You know, the one where you turn into your Dad (or your Mum). And it's over music. Which is a bit hard on my Dad, because when I was 13 he took my brother and me to see David Bowie - and he fell for Bowie every bit as much as we did.
So much so that at Dad's funeral the chapel rang to the sounds of "Ziggy played guitar".
Anyway, my son Alex is 15 (16 next week), and some of his music is now getting a bit too, er, extreme. I'm going through the same reactions as a dad is supposed to go through. "Call that music? It's not even a new tune - the original was much better". And, of course, the killer - "You can't even make out the words".
Of course, none of this would matter - he has his own I-pod, and my noise reduction headphones are better than his. However, we spend almost an hour each way in the car together three times a week on the way to his football training, and the battle for control of the radio (Radio 2 vs Galaxy) has become intense. Until last night.
Until now, we had an agreement in place - one of his songs, then one of mine, then his. Interspersed with one of Ellen's (almost 13) if she's in the car too.
But it's not very satisfactory - he doesn't like mine (and sometimes on Radio 2, I don't either) and I don't particularly like his - especially the Ravey Davey ones.
But last night, on our way home, we had a great idea. A revelation. What Covey would call a Win Win.
Alex will make up a joint playlist for his I-pod (names so far include the AK, the AlKen, the Kenlex). On it, he'll put his music that he thinks I'll like - some of the less sweary Eminem, Jay-z, Biffy Clyro and such like. Then I'll put some in of my music - the reggae and funk originals of some of his samples, a bit of glam (although I think that will sound a bit effete for Alex) and 80s/90s hip hop that I think he'll like.
Sorted, as we used to say in 1991.
It was only after we both agreed this sounded like a great idea that I thought about Covey.
In "The Secret Habits of Highly Effective People" he talks about Win Win. And this one is perfect for us. We're both involved. We came up with the idea jointly. We both think it's a nice idea. And we might even learn something from the other's musical taste.
That's the beauty of seeking the Win Win position. Anything else - Win Lose, Lose Win, or even Lose Lose (which would have been the option of agreeing not to play music together at all) creates disappointment and resentment.
In solving problems with your team, your clients, your boss, seek the Win Win position. It's not simply a compromise (in which no-one really feels happy). It's a truly joint agreement which both can enjoy.
So much so that at Dad's funeral the chapel rang to the sounds of "Ziggy played guitar".
Anyway, my son Alex is 15 (16 next week), and some of his music is now getting a bit too, er, extreme. I'm going through the same reactions as a dad is supposed to go through. "Call that music? It's not even a new tune - the original was much better". And, of course, the killer - "You can't even make out the words".
Of course, none of this would matter - he has his own I-pod, and my noise reduction headphones are better than his. However, we spend almost an hour each way in the car together three times a week on the way to his football training, and the battle for control of the radio (Radio 2 vs Galaxy) has become intense. Until last night.
Until now, we had an agreement in place - one of his songs, then one of mine, then his. Interspersed with one of Ellen's (almost 13) if she's in the car too.
But it's not very satisfactory - he doesn't like mine (and sometimes on Radio 2, I don't either) and I don't particularly like his - especially the Ravey Davey ones.
But last night, on our way home, we had a great idea. A revelation. What Covey would call a Win Win.
Alex will make up a joint playlist for his I-pod (names so far include the AK, the AlKen, the Kenlex). On it, he'll put his music that he thinks I'll like - some of the less sweary Eminem, Jay-z, Biffy Clyro and such like. Then I'll put some in of my music - the reggae and funk originals of some of his samples, a bit of glam (although I think that will sound a bit effete for Alex) and 80s/90s hip hop that I think he'll like.
Sorted, as we used to say in 1991.
It was only after we both agreed this sounded like a great idea that I thought about Covey.
In "The Secret Habits of Highly Effective People" he talks about Win Win. And this one is perfect for us. We're both involved. We came up with the idea jointly. We both think it's a nice idea. And we might even learn something from the other's musical taste.
That's the beauty of seeking the Win Win position. Anything else - Win Lose, Lose Win, or even Lose Lose (which would have been the option of agreeing not to play music together at all) creates disappointment and resentment.
In solving problems with your team, your clients, your boss, seek the Win Win position. It's not simply a compromise (in which no-one really feels happy). It's a truly joint agreement which both can enjoy.
Friday 20 August 2010
Should speakers and presenters use humour?
...only if they want to get paid. Or so goes the old cliché.
I take it even further. Speakers should only use humour if they want to engage with their audience. Or make a point. Or be remembered.
I believe that humour is an integral part of any successful speech or presentation. But I also believe that it has to flow as a natural part of the speaker's presence, and be an integral aspect of the presentation.
One of the best ways of developing a natural humour style is to watch and learn from the best.
So this Wednesday, August 25th, I have invited Jeremy Nicholas to deliver his superb presentation "Putting the U in Humour" to the Scottish Chapter of the Professional Speaking Association. If you are a professional speaker - or aspire to be one - you really should come along.
Jeremy (or Jem to his friends, like what I am) is an award winning TV and radio broadcaster, after dinner speaker, compere and media trainer.
Does his approach work? Let me give you just one example. In 2005 a politician named Barack Obama heard him speak, and now he's the US President. Given this track record, what could Jeremy do for you?
The venue is the Apex European Hotel, Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh. Timing is 7pm for networking, with the session starting at 7.30pm. Cost is £18 if you are a Member or Candidate of the Professional Speaking Association, £20 for guests (cost includes a networking supper).
I take it even further. Speakers should only use humour if they want to engage with their audience. Or make a point. Or be remembered.
I believe that humour is an integral part of any successful speech or presentation. But I also believe that it has to flow as a natural part of the speaker's presence, and be an integral aspect of the presentation.
One of the best ways of developing a natural humour style is to watch and learn from the best.
So this Wednesday, August 25th, I have invited Jeremy Nicholas to deliver his superb presentation "Putting the U in Humour" to the Scottish Chapter of the Professional Speaking Association. If you are a professional speaker - or aspire to be one - you really should come along.
Jeremy (or Jem to his friends, like what I am) is an award winning TV and radio broadcaster, after dinner speaker, compere and media trainer.
Does his approach work? Let me give you just one example. In 2005 a politician named Barack Obama heard him speak, and now he's the US President. Given this track record, what could Jeremy do for you?
The venue is the Apex European Hotel, Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh. Timing is 7pm for networking, with the session starting at 7.30pm. Cost is £18 if you are a Member or Candidate of the Professional Speaking Association, £20 for guests (cost includes a networking supper).
Thursday 19 August 2010
Half-time at the Edinburgh Fringe.
It's the half way point of the Edinburgh Fringe 2010 - we're at the Amen Corner of comedy, theatre and music, ready for the back nine from now until next weekend. The Fringe finishes for 2010 on Monday, 30th August (although a lot of shows give their last performance on Saturday 28th).
So you have just ten days to get here by railway, take a plane, sailboat or any of the more unlikely forms of transport in that song. In other words, I don't care how you get here, just get here if you can.
Of the great things we've seen so far, most continue all next week. We were lucky enough to get tickets for the Gilded Balloon Press Show, at which the stand-out acts were Caroline Rhea (Former Auntie to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, now a great stand-up), and two musical comedy groups: the brilliant Dead Cat Bounce, and the er, awesome Axis of Awesome (take a look at their Four Chord Song on You Tube). Oh, and compere Jarred Christmas, also doing his own show at the Gilded.
Still on are Jason Byrne at the Assembly Hall (on The Mound - what an incredible venue, if you can get over the huge statue of John Knox glaring at you in the queue), Blood Brothers at C Too, and a huge number of current superstars including Tim Vine, John Bishop, Stephen K Amos and Kevin Bridges. And Diane loved Barbershopera - go figure.
Some of the shows we've seen have now finished their run - a brilliant Guys and Dolls by Forth Children's Theatre, The Rupert Pupkin Collective, and the incomparable Jason Manford.
Try to see something you'd never normally go to, as well as the bigger names. And if you're around, give us a buzz.
So you have just ten days to get here by railway, take a plane, sailboat or any of the more unlikely forms of transport in that song. In other words, I don't care how you get here, just get here if you can.
Of the great things we've seen so far, most continue all next week. We were lucky enough to get tickets for the Gilded Balloon Press Show, at which the stand-out acts were Caroline Rhea (Former Auntie to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, now a great stand-up), and two musical comedy groups: the brilliant Dead Cat Bounce, and the er, awesome Axis of Awesome (take a look at their Four Chord Song on You Tube). Oh, and compere Jarred Christmas, also doing his own show at the Gilded.
Still on are Jason Byrne at the Assembly Hall (on The Mound - what an incredible venue, if you can get over the huge statue of John Knox glaring at you in the queue), Blood Brothers at C Too, and a huge number of current superstars including Tim Vine, John Bishop, Stephen K Amos and Kevin Bridges. And Diane loved Barbershopera - go figure.
Some of the shows we've seen have now finished their run - a brilliant Guys and Dolls by Forth Children's Theatre, The Rupert Pupkin Collective, and the incomparable Jason Manford.
Try to see something you'd never normally go to, as well as the bigger names. And if you're around, give us a buzz.
Wednesday 18 August 2010
Why it's wrong to be right
When it comes to creative thinking, it's often wrong to be right.
It's wrong to be the one who knows everything. The one with the greatest experience, or the fastest mind. The one wearing the tee-shirt with the words saying "Been There, Done That".
Because when you think you know what works (and what doesn't) it can be difficult not to judge new ideas as they come along - and find them wanting.
New ideas need space to breathe. Room to grow. Time to mature. New ideas arrive undeveloped and raw. Sometimes (and these are the really great ideas) they initially sound silly or even stupid.
They don't come with a budget breakdown, a list of features and benefits, or a PowerPoint presentation to help convince the Board.
So we have to suspend judgement when generating ideas. And I mean completely!
No thinking about whether the idea (at this point) is affordable. No judging about whether it fits with the current campaign. No deciding whether it can or can't be done. At this point, it's just an idea. Get it up on the flipchart, and move on to the next idea.
The difficulty is, when we know it all, we find it hard to suspend our judgement. We've been recruited, or promoted, because we have a lot of experience. We think quickly. We know what works, and what doesn't. Or at least, we think we do.
To come up with innovative ideas, and new solutions, we need to stop being right. We have to say "OK, I'm prepared to open my mind to new ways of doing this. I'll pretend (at least for a while) that I don't have the experience, the knowledge, the understanding of what works and what doesn't".
In other words, when it comes to coming up with new ideas, you have to ban the boss-ness.
Or alternatively, ban the boss.
It's wrong to be the one who knows everything. The one with the greatest experience, or the fastest mind. The one wearing the tee-shirt with the words saying "Been There, Done That".
Because when you think you know what works (and what doesn't) it can be difficult not to judge new ideas as they come along - and find them wanting.
New ideas need space to breathe. Room to grow. Time to mature. New ideas arrive undeveloped and raw. Sometimes (and these are the really great ideas) they initially sound silly or even stupid.
They don't come with a budget breakdown, a list of features and benefits, or a PowerPoint presentation to help convince the Board.
So we have to suspend judgement when generating ideas. And I mean completely!
No thinking about whether the idea (at this point) is affordable. No judging about whether it fits with the current campaign. No deciding whether it can or can't be done. At this point, it's just an idea. Get it up on the flipchart, and move on to the next idea.
The difficulty is, when we know it all, we find it hard to suspend our judgement. We've been recruited, or promoted, because we have a lot of experience. We think quickly. We know what works, and what doesn't. Or at least, we think we do.
To come up with innovative ideas, and new solutions, we need to stop being right. We have to say "OK, I'm prepared to open my mind to new ways of doing this. I'll pretend (at least for a while) that I don't have the experience, the knowledge, the understanding of what works and what doesn't".
In other words, when it comes to coming up with new ideas, you have to ban the boss-ness.
Or alternatively, ban the boss.
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