- [Narrator] How can you work towards a successful life?
In a famous lecture,
the late, beloved MIT professor Patrick Winston,
told students...
- Your success in life
will be determined largely by your ability to speak,
your ability to write,
and the quality of your ideas,
in that order.
- [Narrator] Winston valued brilliant ideas,
but believed that the way these ideas were communicated
was the most important thing of all.
As he saw it, there were three tenets for a successful life.
(bright music)
Winston taught thousands of students
in nearly 50 years at MIT.
He was a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence,
but understood the power of emotional intelligence.
He regularly taught a lecture
on the profound necessity of good communication.
He knew even the best ideas only have impact
if they are conveyed clearly and effectively.
So how do you achieve that,
not just occasionally, but time and time again?
According to Winston,
it all starts with your ability to speak.
(bright music continues)
The best speakers can inform, persuade, direct,
and motivate their listeners.
They speak with confidence and conviction,
inspiring their audience to take action.
Here are just a few things to keep in mind.
(bright music continues)
If your audience doesn't know much about your topic,
they may tune out.
Tailoring what you say to your listeners
is crucial to holding interest and maximizing your impact.
(bright music continues)
If you aren't passionate about what you have to say,
your audience won't be either.
Know your subject inside and out,
and understand what it means to you,
before you try and convey its importance to others.
If you get nervous,
try channeling your anxious energy into enthusiasm.
(bright music continues)
While passion and enthusiasm are necessities,
they can also turn you into a fast speaker.
Your audience needs time to absorb what you're saying,
so practice slowing down.
Talk too fast and you'll lose people's interest.
When Professor Winston lectures,
he speaks at a slow, deliberate pace,
and his class hangs on every word.
But being an excellent speaker
is just the first piece of the puzzle.
Winston's second key to a successful life?
The ability to write.
(bright music continues)
The written word holds special power.
Writing not only signifies,
but also necessitates, clear thinking.
It's not just a cornerstone of successful entrepreneurship.
It's also a crucial skill needed throughout our lives.
So how do you become a better writer?
(bright music continues)
Find writing that resonates with you,
and the kind of writing you need to do.
Copy it down word for word.
Doing so will help you internalize content and structure
that works, and sharpen your own skills.
(bright music continues)
Now write that same piece again,
but insert your own business or goals.
Use the same writing style.
(bright music continues)
Over time, this will help you find your own style,
while borrowing from others' best practices.
Now, what are you really trying to say?
Winston's final key to a successful life
is the quality of your ideas.
(bright music continues)
You may get hit with a one-off fantastic idea
from time to time,
but don't just sit around waiting for inspiration to strike.
You can create habits and methods,
and even a way of life,
to foster fertile ground
that will help you cultivate your best ideas.
So where should you begin?
(bright music continues)
If you want to generate great ideas,
you'll need to study great ideas.
Read and listen to brilliant thinkers.
Consider their findings,
make connections between what they've discovered,
and what you've learned in your own life.
(bright music continues)
Concentrate on solving real-world problems.
Write down your process and your progress,
both for solutions you've already discovered,
and those you're in the process of figuring out.
This will allow you to build on previous foundations,
and increase your batting average
for your successful ideas moving forward.
(bright music continues)
Set aside regular dedicated time
for uninterrupted creative thinking and brainstorming.
Turn off your notifications,
put your phone away,
focus on one task or idea at a time,
until you've made significant or complete progress.
(bright music continues)
Don't underestimate the power of going for a walk, or a run.
Exercise boosts your brain's dopamine levels,
which in turn boost your creative thinking abilities.
Incorporate movement into your brainstorming routine.
So if you wanna increase your chances of success,
remember Professor Winston's words.
Don't go into battle without your weapons.
Greatness requires practice.
So practice speaking, practice writing, practice thinking.
(bright music continues)
Cultivate your ability to share ideas effectively,
and discover benefits that can change your life.
For more of Inc.'s Secrets to Success,
be sure to like, follow, and subscribe.
(bright music continues)