"I never use notes, they interfere with me"
About this Quote
Ken Blanchard expresses a philosophy favoring authenticity and presence in communication, particularly in teaching, leadership, or public speaking. By rejecting the use of notes, he allows his thoughts and words to flow naturally, creating a more genuine and spontaneous connection with his audience. Notes can serve as a crutch, offering a sense of security but potentially limiting genuine expression. Relying too heavily on prepared prompts can reduce a speaker’s ability to engage and adapt in the moment, to respond to the mood and needs of the people in the room, or to draw on personal experiences and insights that arise unexpectedly.
Interference by notes may not be merely a physical distraction but also a psychological one. They direct focus inward rather than outward; the speaker looks down, scrolls through pages, or becomes preoccupied with remembering points, thus distancing himself from those listening. An over-reliance on notes might lead to a rigid delivery, robbing it of passion, warmth, and improvisational brilliance. Audiences often connect most deeply when they sense vulnerability and candor, qualities that shine when the speaker is unencumbered by written reminders or outlines.
Blanchard’s stance also suggests a dedication to mastery. He embodies confidence and command over his subject, such that he can trust himself to speak freely, relying on accumulated knowledge and intuitive understanding. This perspective encourages preparation, not through scripting, but through internalizing material so deeply that it becomes part of the speaker’s very thinking. More importantly, it underlines the idea that communication should be a living interaction, where speaker and audience influence each other in real-time. By abandoning notes, Blanchard welcomes improvisation, unpredictability, and authenticity, making each presentation unique and dynamic rather than fixed and predictable.
Interference by notes may not be merely a physical distraction but also a psychological one. They direct focus inward rather than outward; the speaker looks down, scrolls through pages, or becomes preoccupied with remembering points, thus distancing himself from those listening. An over-reliance on notes might lead to a rigid delivery, robbing it of passion, warmth, and improvisational brilliance. Audiences often connect most deeply when they sense vulnerability and candor, qualities that shine when the speaker is unencumbered by written reminders or outlines.
Blanchard’s stance also suggests a dedication to mastery. He embodies confidence and command over his subject, such that he can trust himself to speak freely, relying on accumulated knowledge and intuitive understanding. This perspective encourages preparation, not through scripting, but through internalizing material so deeply that it becomes part of the speaker’s very thinking. More importantly, it underlines the idea that communication should be a living interaction, where speaker and audience influence each other in real-time. By abandoning notes, Blanchard welcomes improvisation, unpredictability, and authenticity, making each presentation unique and dynamic rather than fixed and predictable.
Quote Details
| Topic | Leadership |
|---|
More Quotes by Ken
Add to List
