What was your experience like working with a TEDxSanAntonio curator?
Dan Norris: I had the fortune of working with Rebecca Helterbrand. Rebecca is one of those rare individuals who can quickly identify the areas of your talk that will resonate with an audience. She also asks fantastic questions to help you reflect and revise the portions that do not. Even as an accomplished speaker, it is easy to become intimidated when someone carefully reviews and coaches every word of your talk. Rebecca’s caring approach and commitment to being honest lead me to deliver a much better talk than my original plan – and ultimately to improve my delivery in other areas.
What first brought you to TEDxSanAntonio?
DN: I’ve always been a fan of TED and often find myself watching talks in the evening. I train and deliver keynotes professionally and surprisingly never considered doing a TEDx talk myself. Several customers and colleagues recommended I apply. I was grateful when the opportunity came up to participate in TEDxSanAntonio – I strongly recommend the experience to anyone with an idea to share.
What tips do you have for future speakers?
DN: One of the things I walked away with during my TEDx experience was a sense of wonder. You will be associating with speakers from many different walks of life – and some will advocate for ideas you may have never considered. I found it fascinating to learn from the other great speakers at the event. If you focus all of your energy on your talk, you are missing a significant part of the TEDx experience.
Another tip – be prepared to present without your slides! You never know when there will be a technology glitch.
What’s your favorite TED talk?
DN: Gosh – this is a hard one to answer. I have too many favorites! But I can tell you one talk that I keep coming back to: Hannah Brencher’s talk on “Love Letters to Strangers” haunts my thoughts in the most wonderful way. Her story of channeling her own sadness and depression into writing and hiding love letters all over the city sincerely moves me.
I think most of us have at least one handwritten note that we cherish; whether from a relative long gone, a lover, or maybe a dear friend. Her act inspired others to do the same; spreading joy and love to people that desperately needed it. I watch her talk whenever I feel gloomy or melancholy. Hannah’s selfless act reminds me that when I put others first and act out of compassion, the world inevitably becomes a better place. Compassion and empathy help us more effectively influence change.
How has your life changed since doing your TEDxSanAntonio talk?
DN: I continue to train, coach, and speak at events nationwide – just with a few more gray hairs than when we last met. The biggest change in my work is relating the latest research on the science of influence into change management and values-based cultural transformation. We are helping individuals and organizations dramatically reduce the dysfunction that drives away top talent-and ultimately-customers.What is your favorite quote from your own talk?
What is your favorite quote from your own talk?
DN: “Whenever we communicate, we are influencing AND we are being influenced.”What projects, etc. are you working on now?
What projects, etc. are you working on now?
DN: An interesting project I have been contributing to is helping individuals find their “highest and best use” at work. People spend oceans of time and energy trying to reach aspirational goals that don’t match their talents or contribute to their happiness. It is amazing to see how lives can become unlocked when they channel their energy in the right direction. Compassion and honest conversation can have a dramatic impact on an individual’s engagement and their overall success.Where/how can we keep up with you now?
Where/how can we keep up with you now?
DN: You can follow me on Twitter at @DanNorrisCMCT or on LinkedIn by searching for Dan Norris CMCT.
