If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to give your readers, clients or audience goosebumps, and keep them coming back for more… this is for you.
Every author yearns to grab their readers’ attention. Every speaker wants their audience on the edge of their seats, hanging on every word. And, every coach or mentor wants their clients to feel the transformation in their bones. It’s the nature of who we are as messengers and leaders. We want to know we made a difference, and had an impact on someone’s life.
But, how do you actually create that experience for your readers/clients/audience? I have some insight based on an experience I had last week that I know will shine some light on this question.
As you may know, I recently launched Wave 4 of my best-selling book series, “Pebbles in the Pond: Transforming the World One Person at a Time.” As part of the launch I ran a Story Contest where one submission would win a valuable book publishing package with my publishing company.
There were more than 100 entries, and one by one they were read and reviewed until it got narrowed down to the top 10. So, last week I sat down with those top 10 – which were all amazing! And, I was given the task of choosing the winner. This is always difficult for me because I truly feel that all 100+ people who entered the contest are winners… they took action and submitted their story. Yet, I had to pick only one.
So, there I was sitting poolside reviewing the top 10 entries. When I read this one particular entry, I just “knew” it in my bones and from the waves of goosebumps I got reading his story, that he was the winner… Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon. (Congratulations Skip… I and my team are super excited about publishing your book!)
Here are the top 3 things that gave me goosebumps, and the knowingness, that he was the winner amidst a bunch of incredible stories.
1) Passion
From the very first word Skip wrote, I could feel the power of his passion for making a difference in the lives of others. His deep desire to serve, help and truly make an impact was palpable. It’s as if I could see him standing on the top of a mountain shouting his message for the masses to hear. I was deeply inspired and touched by his heartfelt passion for people.
2) Vulnerability
While Skip is a 25-year Army Medical Corp veteran who served 31 months in war zones, he didn’t present himself as a “tough guy.” Rather, he opened his heart and shared about his challenges and struggles. He concisely and powerfully revealed details about his childhood, relationship with his Dad, being a target for bullies and more. The impressive thing about his vulnerability was he never shared it as a victim, rather he shared it as a victor. He took me into the depths of his dark night of the soul, yet kept a glimmer of light glowing as he did so.
3) Ease
The third thing that gave me goosebumps as I read Skip’s submission, was how easy it was to read his story. Not only was the content moving and inspiring, but he also had a gift for putting words on the page that made it effortless to follow his message, stay engaged and eagerly keep reading. I never had to do a double-take to figure out what he meant. His words sang off the page and made reading a joy.
These are a few of the things you’ll want to keep in mind as you write, coach, speak, etc. Allow your passion to shine through, be vulnerable, and make it easy on your audience to receive your message. There’s nothing quite as powerful as putting words on the page, and sharing your message to make the difference you were born to make. You can do this!
And, if you want to be like Skip, and have my company publish your book, now is a great time to make that intention a reality by talking privately with one of my publishing consultants. They just may help you have the breakthrough you need to see your book published… and soon!
Book your privately publishing consultation now at www.transformationbooks.com/lets-talk
