Just Add Water. Michael Baldwin

      Things I am passionate about…

      No preparation. No rehearsing. No nervousness. Everyone can talk about his or her passions, from one to the next, rapid-fire, without skipping a beat.

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      You’d be amazed how these hurdles disappear when you’re telling a personal story. Pick a memory—your first crush, your favorite vacation—and start talking about it. Do you feel the need to rehearse? Do you feel disconnected from the events you are recounting? Do you feel nervous?

      No. Because you actually lived the experience. And when you talk about it—far from trying to make sure you get it right—you’re connected with the players and emotions. And if you’re like every single person I’ve worked with, you automatically become animated and engaging.

      If you don’t have a personal story that applies to your presentation, then subjects you’re passionate about can be just as effective:

       You have direct experiences with them.

       You become animated when you talk about them.

       You can talk about them without hesitation or preparation.

      Subjects or activities you’re passionate about accumulate over your life in what I call your “Passion Trunk.” When the time comes to craft a story that communicates your CCO, look there first.