Page 39 - Voices-2022.05

Where Do You

Get Your Ideas?

David Freedman, PM2

For example, if you’re doing an exercise on on something knowing that it needs to sell to be
vocal variety, what examples from your own successful when you’re over-examining every

life can you use that utilize your experience idea before the piece is even halfway finished.
in such a way that you can relate those details In such cases, it’s not the ideas that are at fault.
to your audience? There are two things to You may have created something that appeals
remember here. First, the idea for the project, to a wider group, but the appeal for you is lost

at least in Toastmasters, is outlined in the in the shuffle as you struggle with how to create
exercises themselves. If your exercise is on the perfect project. Here’s the thing: There is no
vocal variety, more than likely you won’t such thing as a perfect project, and thankfully,
have to worry as much about body language until you don’t have to please everyone.

another project. Therefore you can narrow down My own solution to analysis paralysis is to
your subject matter automatically. Secondly, from remember that the ideas don’t matter unless
that point on, making a list of those experiences you have the proper context in which to place
that best fit your project works extremely well. For them. As I’ve mentioned in a previous article, I

those of you who believe that a list can also cause actually find it easier to create speeches than write
analysis paralysis, yes, indeed it can. Narrowing short stories or novels because the expectations
down that list, however, can help you sort out are slightly different. When you create a project
what works best for you as the storyteller. for a visible audience where the reaction will be

I want to emphasize one thing about analysis more tangible, you reciprocate with that group.
paralysis in particular: It’s insidious. It can start Writing for yourself, including and especially for
small when you’re just working on your project publications, can be harder because that feedback
and then gradually grow bigger to become intense isn’t immediate. In both cases, remember that

insecurities. Finding ideas might not always be the finding the ideas is only the first step in the process
problem as much as whether or not we believe the of creating a larger project. Try not to get too hung
ideas will be relevant. Will the audience laugh at up on just one idea, and remember that different
me rather than at the material being presented? Is perspectives can help build a better project by

this proposal at work salient enough that the boss asking for feedback and finding inspiration even
will be pleased, not to mention potential clients? in the most unlikely of places. Good luck finding
Analysis paralysis has worked against me many your ideas and shaping them into successful
times when writing a piece. It’s never fun to work stories!

VOICES! | MAY 2022 39