Before the keynotes and the magazine covers, there was a lesson plan. It turns out that was the training ground.
People often assume that a platform is something you are handed. Mine started as a classroom of students who did not care how impressive my resume was. They cared whether the material was clear and whether I believed they could learn it.
Every stage I have stood on since has been a bigger classroom. The same rules apply: know your audience, earn their attention, and leave them with something they can use on Monday.
If you are building now, do not despise the small room. The small room is where the message gets its edge.
Published in The History Issue
