5.5. SNAPSHOT OF A PRESENTATION GOD: BRUCE LEE

Nothing presents like a fist in the face. But even lacking that option, we can still learn a lot from the late martial arts master. Bruce Lee wasn't just good at martial arts; he revolutionized them by creating a brand new style called Jeet Kune Do, thereby changing expectations about how the arts were learned. Here's what we can learn from Lee for that upcoming presentation.

5.5.1. Pragmatism

Being pragmatic mean having a basic understanding of priorities: If you want to deliver an authentic, original presentation, don't place exclusions on how that presentation comes into being. I see presenters every day who limit what they can and can't do on stage according to the assumptions they've made about themselves such as, "I'm not creative," "I'm not energetic," or "I'm not good with words." At the end of the day, just decide what's more important: what you "know" about yourself or giving a great presentation. We can choose to be whatever we need to be when we prioritize a goal over our own egos. Again, creativity isn't a gift; it's an attitude.

5.5.2. Espionage

Put the martini down because I don't mean pursuing your lifelong dream of living life on the razor's edge. Lee possessed the spirit of espionage in spades—a deeply held belief that learning was available everywhere. The casual observer would assume that a 5′7″, 135-lb. martial artist couldn't learn much from the 6′3″, 220-lb. heavyweight champion of the world Muhammad Ali. He did, though, despite their differences in frame and style. Lee ventured out of his niche frequently and was even reputed to be an ardent fan of professional wrestling. So take a cue from Lee and practice maintaining this level of heightened awareness. Themes, stories, illustrations, and tactics will come to you much more easily if you open your eyes to the world around you. Everything is fair game for inspiration.

5.5.3. Build a Brand

Bruce Lee constantly innovated. His competition focused on established techniques and perfecting existent strategies; Lee mastered them, then moved on. He lived and fought in his own realm, and his competition was often forced to assume a purely defensive posture in the face of such originality. Innovation inspires ownership, one of the most powerful forces in life and business. Top performers are accountable for themselves—a quality that's clearly magnetic. Don't settle for just finishing the presentation; set out to build a brand out of yourself and the expertise you possess. The ownership will add originality and accountability to everything you do and will greatly improve the quality of your content.

5.5.4. Open Your Heart

Lee turned the exclusive world of Kung Fu into an accessible international phenomenon. His films are engaging to nearly everyone, regardless of martial arts interest. His studios welcomed non-Chinese students, which at the time was an act of unprecedented integration. He encouraged and uplifted his co-stars on the set throughout his acting career, despite having every right to be aloof and egomaniacal (I think the ability to beat up everyone on earth at least explains, if not justifies, an ego).

So let me reiterate: Don't ruin your audience's day. Dynamic content may require a combination of strategy and innovation that forces you to change what you've been doing, but life is short. Shouldn't we embrace change at every turn? The strategy is as simple as putting the steps to great content in your calendar. Take time to clarify objectives; create a space for real, in-depth brainstorming and theme development. Make a detailed outline that serves as a roadmap for your message, and then practice like it's the last chance you'll ever have to speak. The energy that freewheeling creativity and disciplined preparation create is unmistakable. Your audience not only will appreciate your efforts but will be inclined to follow you.

The innovative mindset, however, will take more than just calendar entries. You'll have to connect your heart to your presentation's outcome, since nothing else alerts the mind like a heartfelt, earnest goal. Engross yourself in the opportunities your speaking engagements create, and you'll be surprised at what pops out at you during everyday life. Strategy is a cognitive effort; innovation is a movement of the heart. The revolutionaries are more than great speakers: They're connected to their message in a revolutionary way. How can you ratchet up the feeling and energy necessary to take your presentations to the next level?