Sound Bites

I had the opportunity to hear from Morgan Spurlock, the documentary film maker behind Super Size Me.  The format was that of a conversation with the evening's moderator asking questions to various film makers.  This was not an overly rehearsed event.  In fact, the format just kind of evolved as the evening's moderator found that several well known film makers accepted his invitation to be a part of the evening.

Many of these on-stage conversations were kind of rambling and as I sat in the audience for two hours, my attention waned.  But that all changed when Morgan Spurlock took his seat on the stage.  It was clear that he has had fair share of media training, or at least experience with talking to the media.

Spurlock's every answer was concise and powerful.  His rate of speaking was noticeably faster than the other film makers on stage that evening.  His energy level was also higher than those who spoke before him.  This made a huge difference.  Even though he was the last speaker of the evening, it was much easier to pay attention to him.  Enthusiasm is contagious.  The next time you take a podium, give off the enthusiasm that you wish the crowd will display toward you and your message.