15 Mar Grit not Gift
This August, tennis great Roger Federer will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He recently gave a commencement speech at Dartmouth, and his tennis rules are also a gift to speakers.
Federer won 80% of 1,526 lifetime singles matches, 20 Grand Slams and 8 Wimbledon trophies, but what surprised most people was that his percentage of winning shots was only 54%!
His message was compelling. Focus on each shot, but win or lose, when it’s over, immediately commit to the next point. It is equally true when presenting. An unexpected word stumble is over when it leaves your mouth, so never look back or you’ll break your rhythm and focus.
When asked how he made it look so easy, Federer said, “It’s not about having a gift—it’s about having grit”. Your grit is to speak anywhere and everywhere, rehearse each presentation, and push yourself to keep your material fresh. Always make sure that you’re in tune with the needs of your audience. Actors, athletes and speakers know that you can recover and win if you stay present and keep moving forward.
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