Have you ever met an influential person and you didn’t know what to say and before you knew that moment of opportunity had passed? That’s what happened to Yves when he had a chance meeting with Pope John-Paul. To say he was unprepared is an understatement. He bumbled his words nervously and suddenly the moment was gone. He vowed that if he ever had a chance to meet the Pope again, he would have a much different response. In fact, the preparation paid off and when he amazingly found himself in the room with the Pope, he had a MUCH different outcome. Here the three things he did to make this second meeting not only memorable but more rich than he even imagined.
1. He prepared three questions
He knew he had limited time to speak with the Pontiff, so he thought about the most important questions he could possible ask if he had the chance.
2. He wrote out the questions over and over again
By repeatedly writing the questions out, he was burning those questions in his mind so he could be totally present without looking at any notes.
3. Practice Practice Practice!
It can be nerve wracking to meet influential people. You want to be confident and secure in your ability to communicate and get the most out of the connection. So, practice over and over so that when you have that meeting, you are totally present and can focus on the other person and their answers.
Tonight as I travel to Aix en Provence for an economic summit of some of the top leaders of France, I have prepared my three questions, I have practiced them and role-played so I can be totally present. I don’t ever want to find myself at a loss for words if I ever have the chance to meeting people and either do you.
Have a great Front-Row Friday!
Your Head Usher,
Marilyn