Post by rreiter on Mar 4, 2016 0:27:15 GMT
In my research of leaders, I naturally looked up people who have shown their influence through their words and have some kind of recognition for it - past presidents, historic figures, and great coaches, to name a few categories. But in my research, I also looked up other figures that were regarded as great or inspiring communicators. That led me to Steve Jobs. I am not a huge Apple maniac; in fact, the only apple product I own is an Ipod that I've had for 8 years. And I don't consider myself a brand loyalist. I do recognize that Steve Jobs revolutionized technology through his innovations in Apple and Pixar, but I had never considered myself inspired by him. And then I watched the speech that Steve Jobs gave to the Stanford graduating class of 2005.
In that particular speech, Steve relayed his own personal story and experiences to drive home his inspirational message. He identified with the audience - college graduates, and he spoke to them as a recognition of the journey they were about to embark as graduates entering the world. And his message about his own life was powerful and honest. He told them, "Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith." He urged them not to settle if they haven't found what they love to do. "As with any matter of the heart, you'll know when you find it".
He also talked about his own scare with pancreatic cancer (which he overcame) as a lesson he learned in life. Steve Jobs told the Stanford class, "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way to avoid the trap of thinking you've got something to lose." To me, Steve Jobs was an effective communicator because he not only was a successful individual who was widely recognized as an innovator, but he also spoke on a personal level. And he spoke to his audience. It reminded me of my own college graduation, and, if I were a graduate at that speech, I could imagine that it felt like he was talking directly to me as an individual. So in doing my research, I unexpectedly found a speaker who resonated with me. Well done, Mr. Jobs!
In that particular speech, Steve relayed his own personal story and experiences to drive home his inspirational message. He identified with the audience - college graduates, and he spoke to them as a recognition of the journey they were about to embark as graduates entering the world. And his message about his own life was powerful and honest. He told them, "Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith." He urged them not to settle if they haven't found what they love to do. "As with any matter of the heart, you'll know when you find it".
He also talked about his own scare with pancreatic cancer (which he overcame) as a lesson he learned in life. Steve Jobs told the Stanford class, "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way to avoid the trap of thinking you've got something to lose." To me, Steve Jobs was an effective communicator because he not only was a successful individual who was widely recognized as an innovator, but he also spoke on a personal level. And he spoke to his audience. It reminded me of my own college graduation, and, if I were a graduate at that speech, I could imagine that it felt like he was talking directly to me as an individual. So in doing my research, I unexpectedly found a speaker who resonated with me. Well done, Mr. Jobs!