09 Mar Peel the onion
We took a break from airports and client gigs and booked a stay at Vermejo, one of Ted Turner’s ranches in northern New Mexico. Covering 550,000 acres, the ranch is a jewel, with herds of elk and bison, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing.
One of the on-site guest houses is Casa Grande, where Turner (and Jane Fonda) stayed. We remembered Turner from his days as a business magnate, running the various networks in Atlanta, and his nickname, “the Mouth from the South.” But we knew almost nothing about his devotion to conservation. Or, that he is the second largest owner of protected land in the U.S. We had failed to peel the onion.
It is far too simple to categorize someone based on assumptions. Instead, employ critical acumen and weigh someone’s actions against their words to reveal an accurate picture of who they are. Many speakers present a public or business persona, often in opposition to their informal persona.
When you present, consider how much of the onion you want to reveal. Like preparing a meal, balance is everything, tuned to the audience’s appetite. Make yours tasty and satisfying.
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