Speak From the Heart

…even if your roots are small town and you’re presenting to movers and shakers.

The sweetheart of Canada, Nancy Greene Raine, spoke at a Spirit of Vancouver breakfast this past week.

Nancy has always been my hero.

What a ride she has had…from the tiger of ski hills to winning a gold medal at the 1968 Winter Olympics–from her down to earth viewpoint she made me realize the bottom line importance of investment in Olympic athletes. The investment in our athletes is the spirit they bring by opening our eyes to the appreciation we have of where we live. In turn the torch that the athletes carry with them for the rest of their lives is a legacy they will be proud of forever.

Nancy is the champion of athletes (at any level) who also crows about what makes Canada a special place.

She is what she is. No pretense.

When she spoke on Friday she told us about her pride in winning the gold medal and we felt her pride too. After all of these years she choked a little while reminiscing. She shared  insight into being a mom, wife, and sister. And from my perspective a selfless mentor.

Nancy doesn’t speak corporate speak, and she is articulate. When she voices her opinion, people listen because it is from her heart-no bull crap.

A member at my meeting breakfast table cracked a snooty snivel when Nancy used a small town colloquialism. The sniff made my ears burn a bit.

Nancy has been elected a Canadian senator and for me represents what the role should exemplify.

She is Canada’s Olympic ambassador and is quoted as saying, “The ambassador job involves representing the federal government and hosting guests and bigwigs at the Games”. She said her “embassy” will be her vehicle, driven by husband Al Raine, which “that will act as my office, my purse and my suitcase.”

Bigwigs & embassy…you’ve got to love her!

*****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****

I believe in the use of clear, concrete, and concise language…for all occasions.

This video clip showcases Don Watson via ABC Fora – speaking about his book, “The Absurdity Of Corporate Speak”. As serious as the topic is, Don plays it straight and has his audience in stitches while he points out the ridiculousness of double speak.

Thanks to Kristian Salvesen & David Resseguie for posting the video clip on Twitter.

Province newspaper article: Nancy Greene Raine Canada’s Olympic Ambassador by Damian Inwood

Tags: 2010, 2010 Winter Olympics, Authenticity, Corporate Speak, Nancy Greene, Nancy Greene Raine, Olympics, Speak from the Heart