Practice, practice, and practice some more

Two of North America’s top trend watchers have made an obvious bit of advice stick. Practice, practice, practice.

We are living in a culture of instant gratification. Post that web blog and use the right tools. Wa la … followers and readers.

Both Seth Godin and Malcolm Gladwell agree that a plan and its execution are what creates success. Stick to a plan, keep at it, and adjust as necessary. Gladwell argues that it takes 10,000 hours to create success. Godin argues that there are sucesses that do not take 10,000 hours because they are unique. I vote for the 10,000 hours of investment. Not many successes have been created with little investment. Successful presentations and speeches take time and investment.

Many who are enamoured with great orators are deluded in thinking that speeches and presentations come easily for them and they don’t require much practice. That inspiring speakers are easily able to impart their wisdom with energy an charisma.

My favourite orator is Winston Churchill. If asked who I would like to have at my dinner table if I could have anyone,  at the head of the table would sit Winston Churchill. The timber of his voice makes my knees weak and his wise words are chilling. I assumed that he was a natural but not so.

Oratory did not come naturally to Churchill he had to study and practice it. He never gave a speech from memory and would spend days preparing it.

If Churchill needed to practice bets are you and I need to practice even more.

Tags: 10000 hours, Gladwell, Godin, orators, practice, success