When I was young, I was always drawn to people who sounded intelligent.
People like Alan Watts, Jordan Peterson, Daniel Schmachtenberger, or other individuals who could explain deep ideas in an interesting way. Most of the time, I didn’t understand what they were saying (because either I was too young or they overcomplicated everything they said), but since it sounded smart and articulate, I listened anyway and gave them my respect.
The thing is, I never thought I could do the same.
That's not to say I am the most articulate person in the world right now. I'm not. I just didn’t think my brain had the capacity to do that. I was a smart kid in school, but being good at taking tests is a much different skill than stringing together coherent thoughts about big problems and articulating them to someone else.
I felt like I had to memorize entire books' worth of information so that I could recite it on the spot, because I was trained to learn that way.
But now, over a decade later, and without really trying to become articulate... my job, as a writer and self-proclaimed internet micro celebrity, is to articulate ideas in a useful or impactful way. Millions of people have chosen to read my thoughts on a screen over the past 6 years.
The thing is, I'm quite boring. I'm not an entertainer. I'm not that funny either. I wouldn't even say that my writing is anywhere close to revolutionary. I say that in hopes of inspiring others like me who are a bit more reserved.
So, maybe you’re a new creator who wants to stand out. Maybe you're a founder who wants to get more users for your software. Maybe you’re going on a podcast and don’t want to stumble over your words. Maybe you want to command presence in a company meeting or sales call. Or, maybe you just want to be a more interesting person.
I’ve put together 3 methods to articulate yourself intelligently, and I’ve ordered them from beginner to advanced. These are what I use when it’s time to write or speak.
But there’s something more important that must come before.
First, we need to build our inner album of greatest hits.
## The Inner Album Of Greatest Hits
> If you want to articulate yourself intelligently, you need a pool of 8-10 of your biggest ideas that can be connected to almost any topic. Then, when it’s time to write or speak in any situation, you have a starting point that you’ve already thought through hundreds of times before.
I’ve been getting invited onto more big podcasts.
But these are much, much different than the ones I was invited on when I was just starting out.
There is a lot on the line. These big podcasters pour tens of thousands of dollars (if not more) into the quality of their production. It’s nerve-racking. And since hundreds of thousands of people may listen to the podcast, I feel like I am responsible for providing as much value as I possibly can.
I’m not the best podcast guest yet.
When I listen back to them, I’m always kicking myself about how I could have said something better.
And that leads to the problem.
I’ve written 2 books.
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