AMA: Imposter Syndrome & Audience Feedback

Just stepped off stage from a keynote in South Carolina, heading back to Texas to gear up for PLATFORM™ and answering your questions. 🥳

We have two damn good ones this week.

Let’s get to it. 👇

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Imposter Syndrome/Phenomenon

First, I like your reframe of imposter/impostor syndrome as “phenomenon”.

Let’s pursue this theme of reframing and start with a short exercise:

Step 1: Jog through your history and identify a craft that you enjoyed.

It could be playing the piano or table tennis.

The craft does not matter.

The only thing that matters here is that that you enjoyed it.

Step 2: Close your eyes and go back to your earliest memories of learning the craft.

• What did that time feel like?

• Was it scary?

• Were you embarrassed by your earliest attempts?

• Did you doubt yourself?
  

These elements are built into the equation of improvement. The scale from introduction to mastery is long but trends upward.

Step 3: Name the fear.

Speak to it. Name it.

My speaking fear’s name is Frederick.

He’s my favorite orator and I found myself judging myself against a man who’s been dead for over a century. 🙈

Believe it or not: This anxiety is our friend. That nagging belly pain reminds us that we actually give a damn about what we are doing.

And in a world where most people are going through the motions, caring is a superpower. 🦸🏾‍♂️

So, now we have recognized the Arc of improvement in a different space and we have named our anxiety.

Step 4: Return to the craft with open arms. Let's just acknowledge the fact that not feeling up to snuff is a good thing. How boring would our lives be if we would reached the summit of our work in a short span of time.

Keep going and learn as you go. You’ve got that.

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Audience Feedback

Here is a brief history of my relationship with surveys…

I used to do surveys for the audience but then I realized how much I hate surveys.

I eliminated the surveys and do this instead: I host a debriefing call with the event planners at least 10 business after talk to get their feedback.

THAT BEING SAID, I think for beginner speakers, it's a good practice to do a short (3 question survey) as are getting your bearings in the craft.

Important Coaching Point: Make the survey short and easy.

I strongly recommend using TypeForm to build a survey that you can share as a QR code at the end of your keynote.

Another way to gather this information is to talk to as many people as possible in person as you can right after your keynote.

Ask them for one thing that resonated with them and one thing they think you can improve on. 👊🏾

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That’s all for this week, MYM Familia.

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