You will always be most comfortable when talking about things that you know lots about - and you know lots about your golf.
We could call it your "Golfing DNA" - what makes you a golfer. It could be how you started in the game, your home course, the best shot you ever played, some of your personal records, which tournaments you are to play later in the year, etc.
Get good at talking about yourself
For some people it can be very daunting having to talk about themselves. Usually this happens early in your career when you have to attend a press conference. This is as much a part of being an entertainer as being able to drive the ball a long way.
We tend not to think this way when starting out a professional athlete's career, but believe it or not, people are interested in your story. Get good telling it. There will be lots of journos who will ask "strange, weird, or unusual" questions after rounds of golf. Any question is an opportunity for you to talk about things that you know lots about, that you are interested in.
Create Relevant Content
Learn to give people a story. That story is important, but so is the way that you deliver it. There is a great skill in being able to come across naturally and in a relaxed manner while being totally polished in your presentation.
Good story tellers are "island hoppers". That is, they have a number of stories to tell, that can be organised into new sequences for new audiences. Learn to bounce from this little anecdote or memory to another in a way that will answer the question or interest and possibly even entertain the people listening.
Surprise Those Who are Listening
Be original, show off your style, and tell your story.
A well timed joke, a wry comment about your iron play, a quick aside about playing a particular hole all can be interesting and memorable. If you want to represent other businesses later in your career as a professional golfer, get comfortable talking with older people who don't spend all day hitting golf balls, working our in the gym, or travelling to some of the best golf courses in the world. They just would love to do all those things.
People will be interested in working with you if you can help to enhance their business. This either means being able to add to the brand or reputation of their business by aligning with you, or through your ability to entertain their clients and connections.
Be Inspiring
People will always be interested to hear how you got where you are today. They may have a dream, or have a dream for someone else (like one of their children). They might also like to hear the message that yes, you can really come a long way if you are prepared to focus and work hard. That's a nice brand characteristic to align with.
Comments