Gary Forman is a friend of mine. He’s a great speech writer. He was working on a stump speech for himself. He came over to read it to me and get my feedback.
It was fabulous, and so was he, a fierce partisan in the world of communication.
But what I really liked was a magical and playful phrase evoking the importance of putting yourself into any talk you make. He called it, “The youie youness of you.”
Gary is adamant on the subject of authenticity, self-expression, and presence. He made the case that the greatest asset you have is the uniqueness of you. Nobody has had the exact same life experiences that you’ve had. Like a snowflake, you are unique.
But what if your Youie Youness of You is not ready for prime time? What if you are monotonous, hard to hear, fidgeting, with a disorganized presentation? Does that still work?
It is liberating to hear Gary speak about the Youie Youness of You. He gives us permission to let our talents take over, to trust ourselves, to be ourselves, to break the rules, to take the road less traveled, to let it all hang out.
However, I’m not going to tell my audience that I’m nervous. I’m not going to tell them I am worried my armpits are moist and aromatic. And I’m definitely not going to scream at the guy who asked me that really embarrassing question on stage. I’m going to rein myself in a little.
So I am hiding a part of myself to avoid confrontation and embarrassment. It’s just easier.
Authenticity is a performance. It’s one way we can choose to present ourselves. Excited is another way. And how about humble? Or solemn? That’s a good mask hang on your face.
Should the President let it all hang out? Would you like to listen to a wandering stem winder for forty-five minutes?
Gary is smart, opinionated, and experienced as a writer and performer, so the Gary-like Garyness of Gary is ready for prime time.
But if someone sucks raw eggs, what are you going to do then? You, Caspar, will need to learn how to project yourself and sell your ideas effectively.
I don’t think so.
Or could the youie youness of you be gently groomed, educated and instructed to follow some of the rules of public speech to ensure listeners will listen and not sneak out the back door.
I suppose I’m a bit of a technician. I don’t think the average guy should walk on a wire between two buildings without some serious training. Nor do I think he should walk out on stage to deliver a speech or presentation without an adequate amount of knowledge and skill.
Nevertheless, Gary is right. No matter what you talk about when presenting, your audience is thirsty for the youie youness of you.