How To Perform During Life’s High Stakes Moments | Michael & Amy Port | TEDxCambridge

From speeches, to job interviews, to deal closing pitches, your ability to perform during life's most important moments is what makes or breaks your career and determines the quality of your life. Amy and Michael Port share how you can use what the best actors know about how to shine during high stakes situations to get a standing ovation for life's most important moments. Amy and Michael Port are the Founders of Heroic Public Speaking Worldwide. With MFAs in Acting from The Yale School of Drama and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, respectively, they work like directors of theater rather than typical public speaking coaches. Separately, the duo has written several books that have been featured on noteworthy best sellers lists and acted professionally in theaters across the country. They leverage and apply their performance skills in ways that only well-trained actors know to the coaching of non-actors. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@murtazaversi138]

Having a super Objective gets one the clarity of one’s pursuit and how one want people to feel by adapting an authentic behavior in a manufactured environment, resulting into action without fear of being rejected because one focuses on what one wants to create rather than what people will think. Mastering this will make one M.A.D. ( Making A Difference) wow!!!! That's powerful Michael and Amy. Thank you!!

[@HRalphH]

Thank you Michael and Amy for being so brave and vulnerable in putting this together and performing it. You are both an inspiration to me and my profession of being a performer. I wish you both the very best.

[@amyport97]

That's very jind, Ralph - thank you.

[@BobBurg]

WOW - Brilliant! I smiled the entire time I was learning...which was throughout their entire performance. Michael and Amy are truly the pro's pros!

[@amyport97]

Thank you Bob. Coming from you, that means more than you know.

[@creatingdigitalassets]

Watching this video now. Recommended by Chris Brogan ...

[@JamieMasonCohen]

The medium is the message in this fascinating and original TEDx talk. The Performers have re-imagined the limitations of this talk format by asking the audience to push the limits of what they thought was possible in their day-to-day 'performances'. Michael and Amy have created a TEDx experience that is at once, valuable and entertaining.

[@HeroicPublicSpeaking]

Jamie, thank you so much for the thoughtful analysis. It means a lot to us coming from you.

[@honeytoes]

A great example of showing, not telling. One of the best therapists I ever had would ask, "What performance do you want to choose for this?" A question I ask myself a lot. Thank you for a thought-provoking, creative talk!

[@AnaMelikian]

Love these quotes and concepts "Actors use techniques on the stage to create a believable reality, non-actors can use the same techniques off the stage to create a reality of their choosing." "Performers know that performance isn't fake behavior, performance is authentic behavior in a manufactured environment... [and] life is full of manufactured environments..." Thank you, Amy and Michael for this masterfully performed TEDx Talk. Keep inspiring us to think big!

[@amyport97]

Thank you Ana.

[@Tami_Evans]

Simply the most unique, engaging, and entertaining TEDx talk ever. Brilliant.

[@amyport97]

Wow. That's a big statement. Thank you.

[@alisachalerychit3179]

Splendid performance. I'm clapping loudly in my room right now. They both deserve a standing ovation!

[@LibertyIsTheLaw]

Exceptional performance, Michael and Amy! I am, once again, moved in my inner man to overcome that haranguing noise of fear of rejection. I've not been given a spirit of fear, but have been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Keep up the good work! I want that Graduate School training and will make it goal to get there-private and public victory!

[@YvonneDiVita]

Powerful for so many reasons. It's easy to be 'shut up' by a childhood experience. Taking this advice, however, is not easy. Not meant to be, I know. But, when I say 'not easy' I mean, so hard that many people will shrink further into the shadows they live in, rather than let go of old mantras that are holding them back.

[@amyport97]

Agreed Yvonne. We see it every day, as we work with our students. It is a changeable thing. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. We appreciate it.

[@shawnshepheard]

Love the "show them, don't tell them" from two of the very best in the business, Thanks for sharing your gifts!

[@amyport97]

Have to show our students that we do what we're asking you all to do. Thanks for watching and for your kind comment.

[@HeroicPublicSpeaking]

Thank you, Shawn. You're so very kind.

[@robertbaker1546]

Bravi, bravi! Putting into action exactly what you teach: every word, every action, every nuance even--purposely and boldly chosen.

[@amyport97]

Make big choices, early and often. Thank you Bob.

[@lizt4681]

Creative delivery of a ted talk and I love that they summarize, and reiterate the most important point. Definitely getting their message across!

[@PositivelyWoof]

Just watched this again after some six months since the first time. Maximum Inspiration Renewed -- to play all out in my high stakes moments...and "ordinary" moments. Michael and Amy Port are brilliant in their ideas and dedication to making a difference.

[@NukhetHendricks]

You inspired me to keep moving towards the best performer I can be! Thank you!

[@ssent1]

Wow!! ❤️❤️❤️ I have watched a lot of TED/TEDx talks. This is one of the most transformative for me. Thanks!!

[@CarolWain]

Fantastic performance. Message received loud and clear.

[@barbarachurchillcoaching]

This is why I adore these two!! Brilliant way to get their point across. Can't wait to work with them!

[@Bewitcht1sMore]

Wow -- What good ideas expressed wonderfully. I'm sending the link off to my kids; wishing I'd have seen this when I was much younger. Thank you thank you thank you

[@DonnaGalanti]

What a wonderful, genuine and transformative performance! Thanks for the inspiration and motivation to free our own true voice.

[@SharkDiveGuide]

Heroic performance! Masterful delivery and message on point. Great creative format TEDx - out of the dot thinking! . . . YES, AND!

[@kayrosshk]

Brilliant! An inspiring lesson in how to influence, educate and entertain with confidence, passion, presence, charisma and purpose.

[@amyport97]

Thank you Kay! It was an honor to get to work with the team at TEDxCambridge. Thank you for watching and commenting here.

[@wfjacobs]

Bravo! You've done it again Michael and Amy! I love your work! I am inspired to go and perform in my interactions at work

[@HeroicPublicSpeaking]

Thank you, Wynand. That's wonderful to hear.

[@abdullahibelloumar3855]

One of these days my manufactured environment shall be at Heroic Public Speaking🙂 Great work!👍🏾

[@PhilMJonesUK]

Loved this. Entertaining, though provoking, creative and masterfully delivered.

[@amyport97]

Thanks for your kind words, Phil.

[@radityaadinugroho]

Wow, this is sooooo BRILLIANT! thank you Michael and Amy 👍👍👍

[@kristinvanwey5689]

I loved this- it was an incredible way to teach and deliver this message. Its on my bullet list to attend their training.

[@DrMollieMarti]

Such an entertaining and useful sharing of your essence and brilliance with the world. Masterfully done. Shine on, Michael & Amy!!

[@naturalhealthchat1]

The most inspiring and weighty performance! Incredible Heroic Public Speaking and Instruction. Thank you!!!!!

[@ARadicalVision]

Very well thought out presentation. This was impressive, because I found myself and other people in your words. Great impact.

[@amyport97]

Thank you for your poignant comment. Thank you for taking the time to watch and to comment here.

[@obcana8556]

This man is actually my Best Friend’s dad! Very interesting and amazing person!

[@lindamorkan314]

Such a great message and masterfully done ~ thank you! I will be watching this one again, I am sure.

[@ARaaakk]

Loved it! Amy and Michael, Kudos to you both. So many take home points to turn the average presentations into killer performances!

[@amyport97]

Thanks Arjun. Nice to see you here.

[@GDogAU]

Incredible. So moving and shook me to my core. Thank you so much.

[@laurieflood836]

Beautifully presented. Now to think about how to apply this more...

[@sheilamcommunicationtraini3815]

Awesome-wouldn't expect less. Insightful content that reinforces your message. Love your chemistry! I'm learning so much from you in developing my craft. Can't wait to be apart of one of your conferences.

[@garywilbers6188]

WOW! Great thought provoking content and delivery! I am glad I am learning from the pros! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with the world!

[@Cluby2]

Awesome. “When you think you have to protect yourself from getting hurt, it seems like all you’ve really done is silence your voice.”

[@futuresbuff]

Thank you. I wish I had heard this 20 years ago! I love the word 'responsibility.' Phenomenal authentic performance!

[@SteveMartins1022]

Love. Love. Love.

[@amyport97]

Thanks Steve!

[@robertbradshaw4386]

Wow. I love these two and this was inspiring and insightful.

[@jeffvanmeter5708]

Content delivered. Entertainment achieved. Bravo! Bravo! Consider yourselves standing ovationed.

[@amyport97]

Thanks Jeff!

[@abby-fichtner]

LOVE this! Thank you!

[@insight5982]

Wonderful to see you two in action, and with such a powerful message - bravo!

[@HeroicPublicSpeaking]

Thank you so much for the kind words.

[@therezfleetwood8773]

This was great! I'm going to listen to it over and over again.

[@amyport97]

Thanks so much for watching, Therez.

[@philjoseph4800]

So true and so well delivered. Just how I want my clients to think about Performing

[@raspyni]

10+... thank you, Ports. This performance is a deep dive into life and achievement.

[@charissemarei4272]

Outstanding performance, heart-felt message!

[@JulianMather]

What struck me was how BIG that played on stage. Amy laughing seemed to fill the room. So many ideas to consider. Well dome Michael and Amy. You deserve your standing at top of your game.

[@HeroicPublicSpeaking]

Thank you, Julian. Honored.

[@aurorealis3249]

Well executed! I will not play it safe from now.

[@MrSlider55]

Love this!

[@jstantonp]

Awesome!

[@Gregwballard]

Michael and Amy... AMAZING!

[@trunfola1]

Excellent, but I expected no less! Great job, you two.

[@laurarubin8077]

Brilliance. Absolute brilliance.

[@amyport97]

Thank you Laura.

[@bevnerenberg2]

Wow! Masterful presentation!

[@CaballeroMan]

Loved it, deep touch, felicidades!

[@publicspeakingbasics]

Love how they bust the myth that people are more afraid of public speaking than dying!

[@abby-fichtner]

Love this! 💜

[@accelerer3564]

Awesome!!! Loved the 4th wall switches :)

[@HeroicPublicSpeaking]

Thank you!

[@JeremyStrickling]

Life changing!

[@BoxofCrayonsMovies]

Great stuff!!

[@timtamslam28]

And how is this not viral??

[@jarturorod]

I think this relates to what Paul the Apostle wrote in 1 Corinthians 9: 19-22

[@GiovannaBaccarin]

a-mazing.

[@rontite]

Bravo!

[@amyport97]

Thanks Ron.

[@soinlove8306]

This reminds me of The Office when Michael and Holly do their performance.

[@HeroicPublicSpeaking]

I'll take that as a compliment :)

[@WalterTonetto]

_This dude is aligned with the dark forces of the WEF; nuff said!_

[@johnsalas9436]

Okay, How am I really doing through the World's eyes?

[@allensmith8884]

I'm sorry but I don't won't to act or perform. Maybe we're just caught up in words. I want to be genuine not to my personalities, programming or internal voices but rather to my internal quantum self intelligence. You see, I have directly experienced becoming (in consciousness) the ONE MIND state of all that is. It was a massive near death like experience but way more intense. Talk about genuine. I want that to shine through everything I do as my human projected life experience. For me, the words acting and performing equate with pretending too strongly. People are confused as to where in our awareness that true power abides. It's not near as much in the human psyche as most think. It's in the quantum entangled oneness built inside our biology. That part is infinite. And "IT" is the true doer and performer and designer of life flow. Our human aspect only makes "REQUESTS" to our source presence but what we focus upon in the mirror of life. My soul has needed to deeply relax. And so I don't want to have to perform or pretend for anyone and certainly not at peak moments. Because, with the right attitude of truly knowing yourself, you'll know there are no peak moments to be concerned about. There's really no need for concern at all. You say that your being genuine even while performing. But genuine to who or what? To the minor wants and needs of our human nature? I think there's a certain amount of lip service going on here. Good idea but you don't quite get it. If you LET source create, you don't have to work or "try" so hard. Let the world go. Here's a quote from LAO TZU: "By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But for those who try and try the world is beyond the winning." Want to take co-creation ideas to the next level. Stop trying to be in charge and in control so much. Be genuine to the genuine. That's my take. But it was a really good performance. ;-)

[@TimFlener]

That was a lot of content for 18 minutes

[@FlippingFlores]

They sucked us right in...

[@BayAreaLakers]

Nothing new here. This idea is called the dramaturgical perspective. Sociologists have known about it for decades.

[@kathydick]

Excellent! I love these two!

[@barrydurmaz7522]

Exceptional performance, Michael and Amy! I am, once again, moved in my inner man to overcome that haranguing noise of fear of rejection. I've not been given a spirit of fear, but have been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. I want that Graduate School training and will make it goal to get there-private and public victory! Keep up the good work, you two!