An annual convention of the National Speakers Association of Australia (NSAA) is an ideal place to hone your thinking skills – especially when the presenters include diverse international experts like Dr. Edward de Bono, author of 83 books and the instigator of creative thinking.
Shelley Sykes , Brenda Eckstein and Edward de Bono — NSAA Convention, April 2010.
I was privileged to be there again this year (April 16 to 19 2010). In summarising my notes and reflecting on the information, I notice there are again many important messages and trends. One that stands out is the necessity for us to make every effort to see things through various ‘frames’. We all see things differently and as speakers, trainers and coaches we should try to present information in a way that will be more relevant to our various audiences (and by ‘audience’ I mean anyone to whom I’m addressing a message.) This applies to individuals in their business and private communication, too.
I gained great value from this Convention, not only from the formal sessions, but from the people with whom I networked. Some I had met before, others were newcomers to my circle of ‘friends and associates’. The networking extends beyond the exchange of words in conversation. Many of us are authors and in reading others’ ‘words of wisdom’, I am constantly astounded at the richness of thinking and ideas generated. One example is the work of Dr Danny Beran, author of ‘Ten questions you must answer before you die’ (published March 2010).
Gary Eckstein and Dr Danny Beran with ‘Ten questions you should answer before you die’.
Danny and I are both members of the New South Wales chapter of NSAA and we had shared experiences in authoring and launching our books. So, I was excited to receive a copy of his book. In addition to the ‘ten questions’ which he as a medical doctor invites his patients and readers to ponder, there is a section on ‘what your dog would love or need to tell you if he could talk’? That certainly is a new perspective for me and I was motivated and had soon written myself two letters – one from each of my dogs! I was amazed at what Ebon and Sabrena said – and how different their letters were.
An added dimension to my conference experience was having Gary (my son) with me, too. We could share ideas and hearing his perspective on various issues added a richness to my experience in being there. Thank you, Gary!
More articles reflecting on Edward de Bono, other exciting people and the messages from the NSAA Convention will follow in forthcoming blogs.