The Evolutionary Passing of a “Keynote Speaker”: The Rise and Rethinking of Motivational-Interactive Engagement -- Part I

The Stress Doc is jolted out of a stable yet outdated state of mind and method after two recent highly interactive 1.5 hour keynote programs – the first involving 100 technical and administrative government employees, the other with 150 nurses and social workers.  One dynamic and fun small group exercise would build on the other.  Now strands of energy, engagement, education, and empathy spiral and intertwine feverishly as recombinant nurture-nature-culture changing DNA.  What emerges is a wildly colorful (and occasionally “loud”) tapestry of individual and interpersonal threads of human interaction and expression. This dynamic transactional web is setting the evolutionary stage for an invigorated, purposefully playful, as well as a potentially more open and adaptive, richly diverse yet connected community.  Expanding on communication guru, Marshall McLuhan’s pioneering insight, perhaps now the message and the matrix comprise the medium!

“Suddenly” seeing the obvious…this presenter needs a new brand-identity.  The term “Keynote Speaker” is not the right fit for what the Doc and his audiences are creating together.  Part I captures the evolutionary, economic, technological, and cultural forces shaping this paradigm and positioning shift.  Part II will name, elaborate, and illustrate the key components and processes of this vibrant and holistic, purposefully playful and participatory-performance paradigm.

The Evolutionary Passing of a “Keynote Speaker”:  The Rise and Rethinking of Motivational-Interactive Engagement -- Part I

Two recent keynote programs helped clarify a label that increasingly has had me feeling like an impostor.  The label is “Keynote Speaker.”  Why the identity disconnect?  A few years ago I participated in a speaker showcase and I realized being out of my element.  Almost all the speakers had a personal story or passionate idea or program that they wanted to impart to the audience.  And each proceeded to talk about or dramatically act out their message.  I’m a bit hazy here, but there may have been a magician who interacted with a small group of folks to reinforce his points on creative thinking.

However, in my ten-minute segment, after a few opening remarks about stress and conflict, (without belaboring my own personal burnout experience), I quickly involved the entire audience in small group and dyadic role play-like exercises.  The two exercises:

1) the Three “B” Stress Barometer Exercise – individual group members acknowledge, “How do your Brain, Body & Behavior let you know when you’re under more stress than usual?” and

2) the two-person Power Struggle Exercise – members pair off and each person imagines confronting a real-life “pain in the butt” (hopefully, not the person you are eyeballing); in a brief back and forth sequence, each decries, “You can’t make me”/“Oh, yes I can!”; and then, after a few verbal volleys, both aver what they really would like to voice to his or her antagonist (the “pain” on the mind)…without getting out of their chair ;-).

These activities were the head and heart of my energizing, motivating, and engaging platform.  Participants’ definitely had reactions and responses to the interactivity – what the exercises stimulated, as well as the common and divergent experiences.  And invariably, people shared a knowing laugh at their own expense or over a colleague’s flaws and foibles.  This informational and improvisational group gumbo proved to be both medium and message; this meal was definitely seasoned with mirth.  In addition, my exercise debrief invariably evokes some learning and laughing lagniappe (“a little extra,” as we would say in New Orleans).  Now shared participant data or elicited comments become ad-libbing ingredients for added “fast food for thought” or “en-light-ening” – both informative and humorous – interplay.  (And remember this Stress Doc aphorism:  People are less defensive and more open to a serious message when it’s gift-wrapped with humor.)  Everyone – both presenter and participants – contributes to the interactive energy, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” show.

Wandering in the Keynote Desert

So while the title of “Keynote Speaker” has weighed uneasily on my mind, I have not been ready to seek or design an alternative designation.  Though I suspect my subconscious mind has been smoldering on “a pass in the impasse.”  And, in fact, things have been coming to a head.  In the last couple of years, the state of the economy and the groundswell of technology have generated a mind-field for dramatic and semantic upheaval.  Let me explain.

Until recently, in the past two years or so, I had not presented to an audience with over a hundred people.  As organizations and companies tightened their budgets, there has been a cutback on holding conferences and on money for sending people (including speakers) to conferences.  And invariably, though somewhat paradoxically, during downturn periods, “soft skills” or “employee wellness” training is frequently the first item on the chopping block.  Another and related contributing factor to my prolonged speaking “dry season” is the impact of technology.  To save on travel and meeting expenses, companies and government agencies are increasingly turning to Internet-webinar and video-based training.

Watching vs. Being the Fireworks

Yes, I have done a number of webinars in the last few years, and while I enjoy them, leading a webinar or video conference cannot fully spark my passion.  To fire on all cylinders, I must be able to literally reach out and touch or eyeball an audience member or, while walking around the room, feel the riveted attention, be vigorously challenged on a concept by a participant, sense the anticipatory buzz, see the sparkle in people’s eyes, and take in the musical uproars of people being playfully yet purposefully “out-rage-ous.”  And, of course, it doesn’t hurt to receive enthusiastic feedback.  [See testimonial at the end of the essay.]

Even with their immediate data generating-feedback potential, for me, web-based surveys can’t compare to the live and electric energy and engagement of “hands on” interactivity.  It’s like the difference between watching fireworks on TV and being able to see, hear, and smell the kaleidoscopic “rockets’ red glare…(cherry) bombs bursting in air,” the awe-inspiring sights and sounds up close and personal.  And, even better, the audience and I are the ones creating and igniting the pyrotechnics.  (Actually, one of the most memorable compliments I’ve received as a presenter came from a Ft. Hood First Sergeant.  Speaking with his colleagues about my military retreat/workshop programs, he referred to the Stress Doc as “a firecracker.”)

The Danger and Opportunity of Technology Transition and Shifts in Information Processing

Actually, the one-two punch of economic stagnation and technological innovation had definitely induced a state of “thrustration” – being torn between direct action and frustration, that is, when you haven’t quite recognized the critical question(s), let alone figured out how the puzzle pieces can productively recombine in novel yet realistic fashion.   And ironically, as mentioned earlier, “the pass was in the impasse!”  Wandering in the keynote desert compelled an “incubation vacation” – to let go of or at least begin musing over some of my tried and true training assumptions, materials and methods.  Allowing for some disengagement and uncomfortable uncertainty proved critical for hatching a new workshop and speaking perspective.  As I once penned:  One must begin to separate; one must be separate to begin!  Or as the acclaimed 20^th c. French-Algerian Nobel-Prize-winning author, philosopher, and humanitarian, Albert Camus, observed:

Once we have accepted the fact of loss we understand that the loved one [or loved idea, position, framework, etc.]  obstructed a whole corner of the possible, pure now as a sky washed by rain.

In addition, the omnipresence of digital technology and the growing numbers of the “TnT – Text and Twitter – Generation” challenged me to really absorb two powerful realities:

1) Participants’ attention spans in general and, especially, for what I call “vertical-unidirectional” information exchange (mostly passive, one-way listening to the expert’s knowledge) is shrinking and

2) The desire to dissolve rigid superior-subordinate boundaries and the need for personal and interpersonal “hands on” shaping of “lateral-collaborative” learning along with a more collegial sharing-critiquing-consulting-innovating experience is rapidly expanding.

Interaction, Interface, and the Power and Possibility of “I”s that “C”

Today, with greater numbers of individuals enclosed in their cubes, along with in- vs. out-group friction, and too many insulated departmental silos, and even some teleworkers feeling isolated (and overloaded), not to mention the seemingly ubiquitous tension from actual or anticipated reorganization, it is more critical than ever:

a) For people and groups to literally interface, to intermix knowledge, ideas, and experiences,

b) For newbies to connect with more senior members, to facilitate that professional rite of passage (one benefit of a recent interactive keynote cited by the Conference Coordinator),
c) For employees to believe that management is “transparent and trustworthy” (another touchy if not volatile “TnT” dynamic),
d) For leadership to demonstrate openness toward and serious consideration of diverse, “from the trenches” input, and
e) For the troops to periodically circle the wagons and experience that sense of psychological strength and support, the recognition and resilience, that especially comes from connecting with folks who not only walk in your shoes, but can truly feel your bunions!

The Need to Balance “I” and “Team”

And finally, I believe our cultural zeitgeist is trying to find a better balance between two driving motives – ambition and affiliation.  For example, this new generation believes “recognition for all” has its place along with reward for individual achievement.  This perspective does not necessarily devalue competition, more it desires to uplift the meaning and merit of multi-faceted/multi-cultural inclusion.  Paradoxically, “Internet Natives” also live more (some might say “cocooned”) in an auto-designed and digitalized life-space.  So while both technical and social (or at least, social media) engagements are vital, I suspect the TnTs (along with other generational reps) are increasingly questioning that traditional team-building mantra:  “There’s no ‘I’ in team.”

Actually, a few years ago, I amended the above all or none slogan:  There may be no ‘I’ in team…but there are two “I”s in winning!  And these “I”s can definitely “C.”  Winning teams synergize a motivational and multi-faceted mix of “Individual Creativity” and “Interactive Community.”  The creative individual potentially adds challenge and growth-inducing “chaos” (along with, hopefully, new perspectives and hope, new operational procedures and possibilities) to the “stable” or “set in its ways” team, organization, or community; ideally, the collective provides the iconoclast (actually, all members) real world roles – including being “the outlier” – as well as meaningful responsibilities and resources, along with down to earth limits and linkages.  Such solid pillars and links help build a parts-whole bridge that:  a) reinforces mutual informational transactions and the development of partnerships, b) reduces the likelihood of an innovator falling off, or impaling and imploding on the creative edge, and c) enhances the “search for meaning” and the quality of interconnected living and future adaptation for diverse individuals and groups as well as the collective.

Closing Summary and Continuing Saga

The last couple of years, not having the opportunity to do keynote events definitely generated some unspoken frustration.  And though workshops, critical incident consulting, and phone coaching partially filled gap, there still was a gnawing void.  However, as noted, wandering in the keynote desert set the stage for some powerful understanding regarding the speaking medium and the recent return to the keynote forum.  Consider these “Key Notes and Insights”:

1. Identity disconnect – the term “keynote speaker” did not capture the interactive energy and interconnectivity generated recently by the mix of real life, thought-provoking, and Fun small group exercises; and this animation was further enhanced by subsequent discussion both between myself and individuals/the audience as well as among the attendees, i.e., improvisational ingredients for additional “fast food for thought”

2. Soloist and orchestra leader – while doing some solo presentation-performance – the brief dissemination of basic concepts-tools-stories, even a touch of poetry – and also closing with an ever popular psychologically humorous rap, the pioneering “Shrink Rap” ™ Productions – facilitating the small group exercises is the crux of the program; I feel more like an orchestra leader, helping participants and team members bring out their best – solo and team – music or “key notes” of energy, engagement, education, and empathy

3. Keynote desert wandering – keynotes/conferences dried up due to the slowed economy and the expanding technology, that is, webinars, video conferences, etc. replaced larger speaking gigs; alas, for me, when it came to doing presentations, the virtual world couldn’t hold a candle (or a “firecracker”) to the real one

4. Thrustration and incubation vacation – while frustrated by the inactivity, I had time to reflect on my tried and true material and method; if I was to upgrade my impact in a “TNT – Time-Numbers-Technology – Driven and Distracted World,” I would need to streamline if not relinquish some key components of a format that had been pretty consistently successful; the angst around “letting go” combined with an enforced “incubation vacation” helped induce a new perspective and paradigm; hopefully, a new “whole corner of the possible” would emerge

5. Impact of technology and “Internet Native” cultural values – another sobering realization was that technology was influencing the way people of all ages, but especially the TNT – Text n’ Twitter – Generation, processed and played with information; people did not want to be passive learners, but interactive “hands on” partners; inclusion and involvement were key cultural-collaborative buzz words; these days, attention must be paid to the state of attention!

6. TNT real world consequences – as “Time-Numbers-Technology”-driven and distracted organizations increasingly deal with “do more with less” and “lean and mean” whiplash effects, administering and orchestrating some healing and harmonizing is not a luxury; it’s essential for sustaining individual well-being and for team and organizational productivity, coordination, and morale

7. Fast-paced ebb and flow between engaging exercises-discussion and educational ideas – so taking time for interactive and fun “R & R” – (individual) Resilience & (team/community) Rejuvenation – is just what the Stress Doc ordered!; generating a safe yet stimulating atmosphere with time and space for hopes, frustrations, and fears, for sharing tears of laughter and sadness, as well as feeding off one another’s ideas while building intimacy and interconnection, is the sunlight, water, and rich soil for nurturing and growing our keynote “seeds” of energy, engagement, education, and empathy

8. The “winning team” formula:  Two “I”s that “C” – today’s leaders, workers, and workplaces are  increasingly facing the “sturm und drang” of technology, increasing cultural diversity, and shifting generational attitudes, predilections, and values; there’s a dramatic need for individual reinvention and systemic innovation; at all levels leaders and educators, individuals and groups are being challenged to discover and/or design “hands on” and synergistic high task-tech and high touch-tolerance systems, whether small (teams) or large (organizations); the “No ‘I” in team” slogan is being overshadowed by the two winning “I”s, “I”s that clearly “C” – Individual Creativity and Interactive Community (IC²)!

And the closing segment will elaborate and illustrate the specific IC² conceptual components and interactive processes of this vibrant and holistic purposefully playful-participatory-performance paradigm.  So stay tuned for Part II:  “Reinventing and Reimagining the Stress Doc ™.”  Until then…Practice Safe Stress!

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Subject:   THEY LOVE YOU IN DAHS
Date:     3/25/2013

Hi Mark,

Hope you had a great weekend.

I spoke with Gail this morning and she is absolutely DEE-lighted with the Stress Doc! 

[Gail Ledford, Department Director, was going to share her observations with Dept. of Public Work's Director James Patteson.]

WE have had nothing but rave reviews from the staff

“Engaging and Educational”

“Just a note to say how much I enjoyed yesterday’s event at the Government Center.  I think it changed the attitudes of many because not only were we ‘away’ from the office but also having Mark Gorkin as a guest speaker helped everyone connect better….and laugh. Thank you!”

“We are already using some of the tools and suggestions from the training. Our vote is more like this, whether it’s him or similar activities.”

I will be in touch. All the best,

Robyn L. McCoy
Resource Development and Training Manager
Department of Administration for Human Services

703-324-3597
Robyn.McCoy@fairfaxcounty.gov
“Leadership and Learning are indispensable to each other.” ~ John F. Kennedy

[Fairfax County Government/Dept of Administration for Human Services; Keynote for 100 on "Energizing and Expanding Team Mindset, Motivation & Morale"]

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Mark Gorkin, the Stress Doc ™, www.stressdoc.com, acclaimed Keynote and Kickoff Speaker, Webinar Presenter, Retreat Leader and Motivational Humorist, is the author of Practice Safe Stress and The Four Faces of Anger. A former Stress & Violence Prevention consultant for the US Postal Service, "The Doc" is a Team Building and Organizational Development Consultant as well as a Critical Incident/Grief Intervention Expert for Business Health Services, a National Wellness/EAP/OD Company. Mark leads highly interactive, innovative and inspiring programs for corporations and government agencies, including the US Military, on stress and brain resiliency/burnout prevention through humor, change and conflict management, generational communication, and 3 "R" -- Responsible, Resilient & Risk-Taking -- leadership-partnership team building.

Email stressdoc@aol.com for his popular free newsletter & info on speaking programs and phone coaching sessions.

Stress Doc Mantra: "Think out of the box, perform outside the curve (the Bell Curve) and be out-rage-ous!"