The power of story telling

Have you ever attended a class where the presenter was so dry that you felt like you were being punished to be there? I attended one such session at a conference recently. The program material was interesting but the presenter was brutally boring. He was trying to impress the audience with his "expert" knowledge on the topic, citing one study after another instead of establishing himself as an expert.

I came away with the opinion this person had read a few articles, and maybe a book or two on the topic and was trying pull off being an expert. It didn't work.

I think what as missing in this program was this "expert's" ability to relate real-life experiences with the subject matter through richly told stories that let the audience know he'd not only stayed at a Holiday Inn Express but he had REAL experience on the topic.

Expert presenters can connect with an audience in amazing ways when they are master story tellers. They can reach the attendees on an emotional level which enhances learning and the storage of information into memory. One of the very best story teller's I've ever heard was Zig Zigler. His presentation style leaves the audience holding on to every word and wanting more.

The presenter in my example left me bored and disappointed. I felt cheated out of my time. Even if he had expert knowledge (which is debatable) his style of presenting surely was novice.

Fire Chief (ret.) Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO, MICP
www.RichGasaway.com

Stop using the "Reply to all" button.

Have you ever had this happen? One of your associates is in need of some information so they show resourcefulness and send out a broadcast email to a group of 20-30 people seeking an answer to a question.

Some of the people on the list, for reasons that I can only fathom relate to ego or ignorance, hit the "Reply to all" button and send their pearls of wisdom to everyone on the original distribution list.

Do you REALLY have to clog up 30 people's email in boxes with your genius? You're making a big assumption if you think we had any interest in the original question in the first place. And you're making a monumental assumption if you think we want to know your answer. Here's a hint... WE DON'T!

Stop hitting the "Reply to All" button when someone sends out a broadcast email for information. Reply to the sender and if someone on the distribution list wants to know the replies, they can ask the original sender to forward the good replies on to them.

Perhaps the only thing worse is when two people on the distribution list decide to carry on a conversation about the question and in the process hit the "Reply to all" with every one of their messages. You may think we are interested in your private (now made public) conversation. Here's a hint... WE'RE NOT!

I'm sure I speak for a lot of people when I say... STOP THAT!

Fire Chief (ret.) Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO, MICP
www.RichGasaway.com

The value of networking

I had a wonderful morning. I got the opportunity to meet and network with another professional speaker/consultant. It was refreshing to learn that our two worlds are very similar and that many of our challenges are the same. I enjoy learning how others have achieved success in their lives and about the turns and bumps they've had along the way.

This particular person is exceptionally upbeat and I enjoyed drawing energy from his demeanor and outlook on our profession and his passion to help others achieve success.

During the discussion I learned of some new opportunities for the delivery of programs to audiences from his circles and he learned of similar opportunities from audiences in my circles.

It was truly a win-win networking session. We never know what opportunities are just around the corner or who we may meet that can open doors and windows for us. I am thankful for having made this new connection, with a new association, and maybe even a new friendship. A couple hours in a coffee shop well spent.

Fire Chief (ret.) Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO, MICP
www.RichGasaway.com

On Dependability

To be dependable means you can be relied on to perform your duties properly and timely. It also means you can be trusted by others to get the job done. To be dependable, one must support the rules of hte organization and follow the chain of command when addressing issues and concerns.

A dependable person gives every assignment their best effort toward the achievement of high standards of performance. To be dependable a leader must set the example of dependable performance.

I have had the pleasure to work with some very dependable firefighters and fire officers. And, sadly, I have also had the misfortune of working with people who talk a good game but deliver very little. They make hollow promises and try to fool others that they are an A-player. You can imagine which of the two were most enjoyable to work with. Be dependable.

Fire Chief (ret.) Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO, MICP
www.RichGasaway.com