The Colonel said, “Activate your brain before you engage your mouth, kid. You will never know who your words are influencing.” I can’t even REMEMBER the first time Dad said that to me; he said it so often. I tend to be a talker. (I know you find that shocking!) When curious people ask me how I got into the speaking profession, I tell them that for my entire life, people have been telling me to stop talking! In college, I studied non-profit public relations and theater. In public relations, you really have to think before you speak, so you are representing your client in the best possible light.
When I began my speaking career, The Colonel felt it important to reiterate this sentiment to me. “Now you are speaking to arenas full of people who are there to hear your wisdom and your insights. Feed them only the best. You never know when some off-hand comment from the stage that you forget about the next day will stick with someone for life. You will never know who your words are influencing.” I take this very seriously, and I repeat it to all of my audiences when speaking on communication. If you think there is any possibility that what you are about to say might be construed as offensive to anyone within earshot (not just the person you are speaking to), don’t say it. We’ve all had those, “well, I probably shouldn’t say this, but…” moments. If you think you shouldn’t say it, don’t.
Significant leaders think before they speak, so activate your brain before you engage your mouth.
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