Maximise and adapt your talents or lose them, perhaps for good – Mountain Lesson No.28

Maximise and adapt your talents or lose them, perhaps, for good.

This weekend I was fortunate enough to spend the day with the crew for Dutch travel show 3 Op Reis, as their local host for Adelaide.

Besides having to brush up on my Radelaide facts—and learning a few along the way, did you know we were the first city to legalise nude swimming—I had to adapt to speaking in front of camera, unrehearsed, adhoc, and being put to the test by the very quick-witted host Nienka.

Public speaking is feared by many, right up there with death and taxes. If you can speak in front of a room, then you can probably speak in front of camera. It’s not about being polished, but instead about being authentic. 

Bring your natural talents and authentic self to your work, and the scope of your work grows, along with the opportunities. The Dutch people love Nienka for her playful, fun attitude—something she brings with her from hosting kids TV shows.

What talents and skills do you have that you can mash together to make an engaging and professional product or delivery?

Remember, it’s not what you do but how you do it! My mentor Blair Singer teaches us that context (how you do it) is more important than content (what you do). It’s no good being the most educated or awarded professional in the room if you put your audience or team to sleep. 

Take a look at what you are passionate about. What do you enjoy talking to others about and perhaps even teaching them about? What do your friends and colleagues say are your natural talents and strengths? What are your engaging behaviors? If you got paid to do whatever you wanted for the rest of your life, what would it be?

As for using my superpowers, I’m looking forward to speaking next week for the South Australian Tourism Industry Council about how our natural talents are our superpowers for success.

Love what you do and do what you love.