3D Speaking

When I was fourteen years old, I had my first 3D movie experience. My family took a trip to Disney Land and 3D technology was just being introduced to the big screen. It was a big deal and Michael Jackson was the star of the movie we saw at Disney. The 80s were a time I remember fondly in part because everything seemed like a grand experiment. My hair included.

The movie is but a distant memory, but I never forgot how the 3D glasses brought me into the movie. I was weaving and bobbing to get out of the way of objects flying straight toward me. It was incredible.

I recently enrolled in a six-week positive intelligence course. It involves taking mindfulness breaks to really notice my surroundings. Now when I take a walk along the river, I slow my pace. I notice how the light from the sun touches the leaves on the oak in front of me and they glow as they dangle and whisper. I touch the leaves that reach out to me, and I breathe in the fresh cut grass aroma as if for the first time. I see objects approaching me in full color and they seem to pop out at me like they did in that 3D movie. I feel like I’m right there in it.


I’ve been walking this trail for weeks now. I’ve seen the trees, the birds, and the lamp posts. Not once have I noticed their full shape and nature. My world has been two-dimensional and flat as I hurry along. (Maybe I’ve been sitting at my computer for too long.)


As I reflect on the profound difference I felt, I realized this contrast is what I see my clients struggle with when they present to audiences. When I hear my client say to me, they don’t enjoy presenting, they get extremely anxious, and they rush through it, they are describing a two-dimensional experience.


Sometimes their speaking skills are outstanding. Their projection, pace, and content are all top notch, and they have nothing to point to that can be improved. They’ve done the hard work of perfecting their skills, but they have not ventured down the path of being present with their audience in such a way that a unique experience takes place. Incidentally, this is the place where you find joy in presenting.


What if we could recreate our presentations so they become 3D experiences? What if we could set our audience up to feel they are right there ‘in it’ as it unfolds. Wouldn’t it be profound and stay with them long into the future? It’s possible and it requires us as presenters to pay exquisite attention in the present.


Here are unique differences in the 2D verses 3D experience:

​2D Speaking
Talking at the audience
Controlling the outcome
Making the simple – complex
The goal is to protect self
​
3D Speaking
Sharing with the audience
Seeks to connect and serve
Making the complex – simple
The goal is to inspire change


How do we offer a 3D experience you ask? I’ve got ideas, but for now I will leave you with one thought. Channel your inner 80s and approach presenting as if it’s a grand experiment. Try something you’re scared to try. Be willing to screw up at the cost of providing an amazing experience. You really won’t know until you try and if nothing else you will be remembered!