Tommie Smith won gold in the 200-metre sprint at the 1968 Summer Olympics. I met him and his wife Delouis in Sitges [Spain] during the 2.5-day Intersport Leadership Summit. Tommie is known not only for his gold medal, but especially from how he received it at the time: with a fist in the air as a protest against racism. An image that went around the world and still resonates. But why was I in Spain and why was he there?
Last summer, for Intersport [an international sportswear retailer] and on behalf of event agency International Orange, I coached about 13 speakers. I helped them set up their storyline. All the speakers, had an important message to share and all of them wanted to convey this with as much impact as possible. That is why I was also on location the first week of September during two rehearsal days and the actual event.
With all the speakers, some alone and some in pairs, we were able to formulate powerful storylines: sometimes in presentation style and sometimes in interview form. Among other things, the application of powerful openings, the use of concrete examples, evocative metaphors and clear call-to-actions, led not only to impactful stories, but also to an overarching and consistent message.
On one of the evenings during the summit, I also facilitated an "Across the Line" session, which allowed the audience to get to know each other better. The international crowd gathered in the resort's seaside garden and we soon found out who could run a marathon, how diversity matters and who has only been in the sports gear industry operate.
Keep moving.
Think before you move.
Know it is allright to take a step back.
But, keep moving.
Tommie Smith
There were no more powerful words to start this "Across the Line" session. I interviewed Tommie Smith before we started the session and what followed was an animated conversation with the participants. From presentations, interviews to Over the Streep, I look back on a wonderful project that allowed me to kick off the new event season. Thanks to International Orange and Intersport for the trust and fine cooperation - keep moving!
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