Be remarkable: "on how to say so what"

A woman with remarkable focus

Seth Godin the world's leading marketer once said "if you're not remarkable, you're invisible."

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that playing it safe and blending in doesn’t lead to greatness. In fact, it could be the riskiest choice. Stepping away from the pack takes courage - but that’s where the magic happens.

This blog/newsletter series "Be Remarkable" is my way of sharing powerful insights in little bites to help you communicate more effectively and stand out. In each edition, I’ll share three sharp, actionable takeaways from my coaching, training, and speaking sessions—quick, practical wisdom designed to make a big impact in meetings, presentations or general messaging (for your team, media, potential clients).

be remarkable (presentations)

First up, "less is more" every time. Be an "essentialist" - that means you focus only on what is essential to make your point. As you look at what you have in front of you, ask this question "so what?" If you're answer to that question is unconvincing to you, it MUST go. Remove it. Your presentation will come alive when you only include the gold. Anything superfluous weighs you down, lowers your energy and reduces the impact.

be remarkable (meetings)

As is often the case, it's not what you say it's how you say it. If you want to have more impact, slow your pace. It gives you time to think about the point you're making. It gives people in the meeting more time to process your comments/advice/feedback etc. It will also probably mean you don't talk for ten minutes when one might have been sufficient.

be remarkable (in general)

I thought I'd end with a good "social" example. Next time you're out at a networking event, try to override the inner dialogue, which is saying, "I really wish I wasn't here, when can I leave, is this really going to be worth it" and replace it with a different mindset "I love these events, it's a chance to get to know one or two more fine people" and take a positive step forward. Go up to someone new and say "I don't think we've met....I'm...." It's a great way of making someone else feel comfortable because you had that composure and conviction and they'll assume from this you are well known to many and a great person to start engaging with.