Page 296 - ConvinceThemFlip

convince them in 90 seconds or less
Mario is not what you’d call tall and slim. It took a lot
of guts and determination for him to break out and get
involved. With his staff and kids cheering him on opening
night, he stepped out and took the plunge. The amateur
production ran twenty sold-out shows, and Mario got prac-
tice, practice, practice performing in front of an audience.
“I was overwhelmed with fear for ten seconds, then
that was it,” said Mario. “I broke through the barrier and I
loved every minute.”
“And so?” I asked after the show closed. “How do you
feel now about giving your speech next year?”
“Let me at them,” Mario beamed. “If anyone had told me
six months ago that my life could be exciting and I could
stand up in front of a crowd and not be stuck for words, I’d
have said they were crazy. But it happened. Inside I know
everyone is creative, but most of us never show it for fear
of making fools of ourselves. I was shut down. Looking
back, I think I could have stayed that way forever.”
Mario gave his speech at the industry convention. He
stepped up to the podium and slowly looked out at the
audience, and made eye contact with a few individuals. Then
he grinned. “I work best under pressure,” he declared.
“And right now I’m boiling over with excitement.” He
connected with his audience right away and delivered
his speech. They felt his passion. Afterward he was
approached by three different people who asked if he’d
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