The One Rule That Changes Everything: Show Up to Give
When Simon Sinek shares his #1 rule for public speaking, it hits home: "Show up to give." It's so simple, yet transforms everything about how you approach the stage. At Mind the Mic, we've made this our core value because we've seen firsthand how it changes not just presentations, but entire events.
Think about the last truly memorable speaker you encountered. What made them stand out? Chances are, it wasn't their perfectly polished slides or their expert command of the stage. It was something more fundamental - you could feel that they were there for you, the audience.
Here's why this mindset matters so much:
1. It Shifts Your Focus
When you're focused on what you might get from speaking - approval, business cards, future bookings - your audience can sense it and it erodes trust. But when you genuinely show up to give value, to share insights, to help others succeed? That authenticity shines through in every word. And chances are, you’ll nail those objectives as a result.
2. It Calms Your Nerves
As Sinek notes, "If you show up wanting nothing—no approval, no business—your audience will sense that." There's something incredibly freeing about this. When your only goal is to give, to serve, to share - suddenly those butterflies in your stomach start flying away. You know something your audience does not, and you’re simply there as a teacher.
3. It Creates Real Connection
"As human animals, we are highly attuned to whether someone is acting selflessly or selfishly," Sinek reminds us. When your audience senses you're truly there for them, they're more willing to give you their most precious resource - their attention and trust.
This isn't just philosophy - it's practical strategy. Before your next presentation, try this: Stand quietly backstage and say to yourself, "I'm here to give." Feel how it changes your energy, your posture, even your breathing.
Ask yourself:
What unique insight can I share that might help someone in that room?
What story might give someone hope or a new perspective?
What tool or technique could make someone's work easier?
The magic happens when you stop thinking about what you might gain, and start focusing entirely on what you can give. Your audience will feel the difference. They'll lean in. They'll engage. They'll remember.
Because at the end of the day, ego alert, speaking isn't about you. It's about YOUR AUDIENCE - the people who chose to spend their precious and limited time listening to what you have to say. Honor that choice by showing up with one purpose: to give.
Want to learn more about transforming your speaking impact? Check out our Speaker Services program, where we help you craft and deliver presentations that truly serve your audience.