12 Jul MAKE THEM SEE IT
Sometimes it seems that so many sports records have been broken that there are few new frontiers. Not so. Kelsey Pfendler, a 32-year-old Grand Canyon River rafting guide, rowed a boat from California to Hawaii. She was the youngest and fastest American woman to have done it, without assistance, in 44 days; the next best time was 86 days.
Pfendler turned her expedition into an online movement. Listen up, you who want to develop a larger audience for your speaking ambitions. She recorded daily video updates about the mental strain on high-endurance athletes, swimming in the ocean, what she saw, what scared her, and even included a clip when a Coast Guard vessel approached her and sang Happy Birthday.
Pfendler made everything visual. Viewers saw her string up a clothesline for her laundry, jump in for a swim and discuss her fears. Pfendler used a variety of content, as well as authenticity to keep her 200,000 social media followers engaged. When she spoke, everything was in the moment, not processed, which is hard to find or experience today. It is such a pleasure to celebrate pioneers like Pfendler who exceed expectations and work hard to fulfill their dreams. Congratulations, Kelsey, for bringing your audience along with you on a great journey.
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