So today's Mini Moved Me is all about two very simple ways you can break through that 4th wall and set a tone of connection with your audience.

1. Seek out the people in your audience who can bring the rest with them - and then share something together. For me, for years, it was finding the 7th grade boys who know how to do the worm. They do the worm, we cheer them on, and now we're buddies. Now we have a common connection.
2. And secondly, make sure you get out from the front table and make it your deal to get really curious about the people in the room. Get their advice, find out who they are and what they're thinking. (You will know based on more than just what they say, btw. Their body language will say it all.)

Two easy things. I've got a bunch more strategies - but this is supposed to be a "mini" moved me, so we'll have to say them for later.

And of course, you can check out the reminders I got from the Rob Bell experience a few weeks ago: Space, Resonance, Wisdom, and Co-Creation.

Jared Sherlock - magician, entrepreneur, producer, actor - opened up a magic kit at age 8 and decided that he wanted to be a magician. He went on to study theater and boldly took his magic to the world at a young age. I got to see him in action a year ago at the CSB/SJU RedTalks where he gave an astounding 5-minute talk that AMAZED me. It was full of illusions and "trickery" - and yet, it felt authentic and honest. I wanted to talk about that wonderful paradox, and Man! - Jared lives it. I loved this conversation, and I hope you do, too!

If our goal as speakers is to move our audience, then we should be looking for ways to surpass our audience's expectations.

On this week's Mini Moved Me, I talk about going beyond the constrictions of our audience's expectations, to surprise and delight them - not just to do something different, but because by doing so we make a difference.

But it takes intentionality - time - and creativity. Three things that we all have (even if we feel like we don't.) In other words, there are no excuses for doing the same-old, same-old - except that we didn't take the time to push ourselves and try something new.

So, my thought for you today is to use a "Blue Ocean Strategy." Live in a different ocean - get out of the bloody red ocean where everyone else is swimming! - by distinguishing yourself with excellence and a unique approach that is audience-focused.

You don't want to freak people out by working too outside their expectations, but we can raise those expectations - and bring them along with us!

For example - Get out of the red ocean of using your power point notes as your handout! Situate yourself in the Blue Ocean by doing something different - maybe offering a one-sheet that summarizes your points; maybe offer them a symbolic element, like a keychain or a bird (or whatever, who knows, I'm making this up here, people) - something that symbolizes the shape or vehicle or metaphor of your talk! Maybe you don't offer them ANYTHING cause you know that most people don't use or appreciate it, and it ends up in the garbage!

Think like your audience, and do what will delight them.

(For more on the "shape of your talk," check out Brandy Agerbeck's interview with me on the show! It's awesome.)

Geraldine Buckley - minister, writer, speaker, chaplain... and award-winning storyteller! And wow, can this woman tell a story! She was recommended to me by Bob Tryanski (a guest on the show earlier last year who is himself a storyteller).  Geraldine has worked in TV, PR - and then somehow also in a prison - which is what makes her such a fascinating character. I will admit, I didn't get a word in edgewise until about the 10th minute - but that's because I myself was totally taken by her delightful voice and stories. Equal parts wisdom and heart! We delved into some of the big ideas around storytelling - why we do it, how we can discover the stories in our lives, and most importantly - how we can unite through stories.