o Great Back Story! – It’s All about the Back Story!
Marc Dangerfield
My daughter got married this past summer. The groom made a decision to wear a bow tie, and have his groomsmen do the same. These were “real” bow ties; not clip-ons or the kind that clasp around the neck and under the shirt collar.
As the father of the bride, I considered it my duty to do the same, and purchased one that looked great with my stripped shirt and new suit. When I made that decision, I had no idea what lay ahead.
I can’t recall how many videos I watched, nor how many hours I practiced, to tie one correctly. On the day of the wedding, I tied, and re-tied my bow tie no less than a dozen times. Eventually I got it, and if I do say so, looked dapper!
The bow ties were a hit, and I’ve been more aware of guys wearing one than ever before.
Earlier this year I was at a networking event and noticed one on a gentleman. He looked sharp! Not only did his colorful bow tie set him apart from others, but the pork pie hat and fancy shoes he wore, made a statement.
I walked over to introduce myself and started by saying, “Man! I like that bow tie!”
We shook hands and he told me his name was Marc Dangerfield.
I next related a bit of the story about why my radar was up for gents with bow ties.
“I wear it for my dad,” was his response.
“Wow!” I exclaimed. “That sounds like a story. Can you share it with me?”
“I was one of nine children. My dad always wore a tie,” Marc said. “I remember watching him put one on each morning before he left for his job. He taught me a number of different ways to tie one. He showed me the windsor, the half-windsor, four-in-hand, and how to tie a bow tie.”
“That’s a great story!” I exclaimed.
“Unfortunately,” Marc continued, “my father died before seeing the successful life I’ve been able to achieve. I wear a tie to honor him. Throughout the day, I periodically find myself in front of a mirror, adjusting my tie. When I do – I feel my dad.”
If you feel a lump in your throat as I did when I heard this, and each time I repeat Marc’s narrative, you will know why I say – ‘It’s all about the Back Story!”
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The body of a speech has a formula: Make a Point – Tell a Story.
Presentation expert, Nancy Duarte, says, “Personal stories are the emotional glue that connect your audience to your message.”
There is much more to Marc’s story and I encouraged him to write it one day. It will contain lots of great lessons on living, and his personal stories to reinforce those points.
About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, a coach, and the author of the book, “No Sweat Public Speaking!”
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Fred E. Miller Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com nosweatpublicspeaking.com https://www.amazon.com/author/fredemiller 314-517-8772
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