The Change Catalyst

Despite the growth of interactive and digital technology like the internet, mobile devices and gaming, TV broadcasts are still a powerful way to get your message across.

Although I haven’t actually watched TV since 2006, I am amazed at how many people do.  I have made TV appearances since 1997 as part of my role as a marketing director for an e-marketing firm, some dubious roles in sitcoms and variety shows in Mandarin and recently a talk show on humour.

ICS is one of China’s two English language stations and I appeared on a popular show, Culture Matters. The topic was humour and as I am the host for a stand up and improv night in Shanghai called Chopschticks, I was asked to come in and talk about humour for their 1 April 2009 show. It was an enjoyable experience and I picked up a couple of tips for stand up comedians I had not come across: Katt Williams and Steve Harvey. Katt Williams is hilarious.

With my coaches hat on, I asked myself what did I learn from this experience. A couple of areas came to mind:

Public speaking ability is a golden key to success

I noticed that I didn’t feel nervous at all during the filming and put this down to my public speaking experience. To my mind, the ability to express your thoughts and ideas is an essential vessel to reaching your potential. Your purpose in life is to be abundant and to share your talents with the world. The more people who get to hear about you, the more abundant you will be. Check out Toastmasters or see my new book and blog for The One Minute Presenter.

Turn every experience into a learning opportunity

While I was at the station, I talked with producer Graham Folkema and host Sammy Yang and picked up a few tips about the process of making the show. I noticed how they used the cameras to get different angles. And I enjoyed speaking on the topic of humour (which is very different from my usual coaching and corporate clients).

Choose action over inaction (fear)

When I was initially asked to appear on the program, my first reaction was to say, “No thanks”.  I thought about this for a while and realised that uncertainty and fear of the unknown is an every present force. The best way to lower this voice is through action. Take a chance. Use it as a learning opportunity.

If you need help with overcoming obstacles in your personal, career and business life, contact The Change Catalyst who can help you work through these issues in a practical and appropriate way.