Episode 078 — Focus on Feeling and Meet Hilary Billings

'I'm all about trying to live my life to the fullest. You only get one, right? So, do all the things.' -- @hilary_Billings #publicspeaking Click To Tweet

2-Minute Tip: Focus on how you make your audience feel

 

'I'm all about trying to live my life to the fullest. You only get one, right? So, do all the things.' -- @hilary_Billings #publicspeaking Click To Tweet

 

Hilary tells us about her experience interviewing mega-star interviewer, host, and generally larger-than-life character Ryan Seacrest. It’s intimidating to talk to someone that big for the first time. An experience like that can overwhelm the content of the actual conversation. But when she described her experience, the main thing Ryan did was help her feel at ease. He was nice, accommodating, and respectful of an up-and-coming interviewer.

 

Focus on the feeling you want your audience to take away from the talk you are giving because that’s what will stick with them. Tell a story,. Share an emotion, and respect your audience. They’ll remember that long after they forgotten any slide, factoid, or statistic.

 

Post Tip Discussion

 

'A lot of people are afraid to start because their afraid of looking like a fool. Or they're afraid of not being at the top.' -- @hilary_Billings #publicspeaking Click To Tweet

 

Hilary Billings Headshot

I first met Hilary Billings several years ago at the Toshiba booth during the CES tradeshow in Las Vegas. I ran partner training and evangelism programs for the company year round. Hilary was brought in to talk to press and customers during the show. And the company would continue to bring her back year after year.

 

During breaks and between customers, a bunch of us would chat about the business and the paths that brought us to that show floor. In the ensuing years, it was always great to catch up with Hilary learn about her latest adventures as a speaker, blogger, on camera personality, and, oh yeah, beauty queen.

 

During today’s chat we talk about her journey and how speaking plays a part in it. We talk about the importance of High School Speech and Debate. And about the importance of pursuing your passions through adversity to live the life you want to live.

 

 

'In some weird way, pageants still provided a microphone for women and an opportunity for them to share what was important to them and give back to their community.' -- @hilary_Billings #publicspeaking Click To Tweet

 

Hilary guides her life around 4 core values that she shares right up front:

  1. Embrace adversity
  2. Experience everyday adventures
  3. Find humor in everyday situations
  4. Build Community

 

'Every moment within your year is a chance to leverage for a future opportunity.' -- @hilary_Billings #publicspeaking Click To Tweet

 

Hilary Billings is a burn survivor turned Miss Nevada United States 2013. She is accomplished in journalism, on-camera hosting, and public speaking. She’s contributed hundreds of articles to national outlets including USA Today, Huffington Post, has been featured on Extra! Entertainment Television and worked for E! News. She’s now the face for Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship for their in-room streaming entertainment, and had a co-starring role in the final season of Nashville.

 

Most recently she’s been responsible for creating viral social media content and is about to launch her newest venture, a podcast series focused on self-growth called The Iceberg Effect. She also travels and speaks to Universities and corporations about embracing adversity and seeking out everyday adventures.

 

Links

 

'You have to be highly driven by your Why.' -- @hilary_Billings #publicspeaking Click To Tweet

 

 

Call to Action

 

  • What does this conversation make you think about? Let us know in the comments below.
  • Connect with Hilary on Instagram or Facebook.
  • Do you know someone else who might find this conversation interesting? Send them this link: http://2minutetalktips.com/hilary.
  • Be on the lookout for The Ice Berg Effect — Hilary’s new podcast.
  • Focus on how you can make your audience feel in your next talk.
  • Don’t get best…get better.

 

'Just go do it.' -- @hilary_Billings #publicspeaking Click To Tweet

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