Stay true to yourself when speaking - a lesson from Alice In Chains

Growing up in the 1990's meant that I grew up with certain music: Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. Each band had their own distinct sound but were lumped together into the "grunge" genre because of their timing and where they came from. I was never a big Nirvana fan but loved Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. Over the years, I saw Soundgarden break up and with the death of Alice In Chains lead singer Layne Staley they broke up as well.

Much to my surprise though, Alice In Chains has re-grouped with a new singer and put out a new album. I wasn't sure what to make of that idea and was pretty skeptical at first - then I heard the album. It is a fantastic piece of work. Even with their new lead singer, you can tell this is an Alice In Chains album. The guitars, rhythm section and harmonies drive the sound of Alice In Chains - and all are there.

Alice In Chains decided to stick with who they were. They weren't going to change their sound to try and "modernize" themselves. While this can be dangerously seen as just re-treading old material (see almost any 80's band like AC/DC, etc) they actually do themselves justice. They created a great album with some new twists that was at its core - Alice In Chains.

Unfortunately when it comes to public speaking, people tend to not be true to themselves. They might have been told to do something differently or that they needed to be something they are not. When this happens, more often then not, it doesn't look good! When you are giving a speech, you have to do what is comfortable for you. If you try to do something that you are not comfortable with or try to be something you are not, it will just end up badly.

Take a note from Alice In Chains - stay true to yourself. Does that mean you shouldn't get some tips to improve your speeches? Absolutely not. What it does mean is that when you are improving your speeches and getting some tips from a speech coach, make sure those improvements stay true to yourself. 

Comments

[andreasb]

one of my favorite bands and one of the best no doubt me, his music has a contagious rhythm, pure rock that that gives you goosebumps, or by ACDC, great blog thanks for sharing this topic.