Do It Like Delta: How You Can Get People’s Attention
“Ahhh, okay Dad”. Have you ever given an annoyed answer like this after a lecture from you dad, mom, or boss? Even if the information is extremely important and full of wisdom, it was a waste of time for both of us because of the one fatal mistake. It came across like a lecture. If you’re a parent, manager, sales dog, or educator who is tired of not connecting with other people, it’s either reevaluate your tactics or be ignored. This blog will show you how to keep someone’s attention and make your message stick.
My less than enthusiastic response was to a hypothetical question from an audience member when I was speaking for the National Speakers Association NW Chapter. He was looking for my knee jerk reaction when he stated, “You need to take initiative.”
Right off the bat it felt like a lecture, so I tuned out. How would you react to this instruction?
PROBLEM: Instructions don’t work anymore.
Parents, managers, really anyone who is trying to transfer knowledge or inspire action must appeal to emotions if you want it to stick. Right now I’m on a Delta flight from LA to Tampa, and they just did something shocking. Instead of the same old safety demonstration that no one has ever paid attention to in the history of flight, they made a 3 minute video that attracted eyeballs like moths to a lamp. It was an awesome parody of the ’80’s, with a neon jumpsuit and increasingly ridiculous hairstyles (that you probably rocked at some point) with each scene change. It honestly reminded me of Anchorman 3.
Did we laugh. Oh yeah! Did we pay attention? You bet! Did we learn? Now that I think about it, we did take away what Delta wanted us to know.
As a motivation speaker I’m all about helping people and teams make Can Do an initial reaction, but even I had to learn that barking up the wrong tree accomplishes little. Lose the lecturing and show me with a story, some relevant humor, or an interactive example of what you are trying to say. Make me feel it! If the other person has already tuned out because you came across like a scorning parent, you can bring them back with a humorous story that’s related to the point, or a back and forth conversation, maybe even some wacky props and games.
SOLUTION: Do it like Delta. Make me laugh and I will learn.
VALUABLE TAKEAWAYS
– Fun and engagement are joined at the hip
– Less = More. Strongly motivate me to act on one or two items, not a list
– Design your advice to answer this question… “What’s in it for me?”
Make the message fun and it will stick, creating a much better relationship between you and the coworker, friend, or kid who is absorbing your advice. On stage I’ve learned to never give instructions that stand alone. Today I always integrate the lesson into a story, skit, tearjerker, or belly-rolling laugh. If an airline can make a safety video absolutely awesome, then you can infuse the same creative mindset to teach your next memorable moment!
Excellent post, Jake. Is so easy to just dump content onto our readers and audiences. Humor, stories and liveliness are much more effective. I’m headed to Tampa this week and kinda bummed I’m not on Delta to see the video!
Jake, You did a great job with your first blog post! You nailed it!
Thanks Susan! Receiving this positive feedback has helped to ease my fear of social media, and I deeply appreciate the input.
Jake, it was such an absolute pleasure to meet you yesterday. I found your book, ” Life Happens Live It! ” uplifting and life affirming. Both you, and your story are quite remarkable. And your Mom . . . what a strong and incredible woman. Best wishes in all future endeavors.
It was a blast to meet you and your gang last night. What a fun crowd! All the questions were extremely insightful, and it made me smile to see people getting value out of the book.
Awesome Jake! I need this kesson…!
Awesome Jake! I need this lesson…I will practice but I’m not that funny…?!
You are funny Kathy! Even if you don’t think so, you’ve undoubtedly been in funny situations…. so use them to teach a lesson.
“Make me feel it!” As a trainer I love this advice! Thank you
You’re welcome Deveny! It seems like we remember experiences that move us emotionally, so it helps to create as many of those feelings as possible.
It’s fun that we can do something silly to make a good point! I like how you framed the story!
Thanks Kirsten! If we aren’t laughing, we aren’t living 🙂