Inspiration and story: living the message (redux)
April 14, 2008
If this story came out of Hollywood, it would be criticized for being too incredible to be true. No one would believe it. Who needs Hollywood? This true story — which is still being lived out — has given me all the inspiration and motivation to last me at least through the week. The father here, Dick Hoyt, is remarkable for so many reasons, but I'm also just amazed at his physical strength (which he says comes from his son Rick). And I thought running a marathon was hard (42K); I am humbled by this man. What strength and endurance...and love. I am inspired, motivated, and moved by this wonderful true-life story. I think you will be too.
Watch the Today Show clip below to get the background on the Hoyt's story.
Then watch the clip below that for a good example of powerful visuals used to tell the story sans narration.
The Journey of Team Hoyt from teamhoyt on Vimeo.
The best stories are the true ones. And what a sticky and memorable story! It has it all: it's simple and concrete, it's emotional and very credible, and it features the unexpected and the amazing, all of which leave a powerful image in the mind. Incredible story.
• The Team Hoyt website.
H/T Luis Iturriaga
I seam to remember reading something about the father having a heart condition that would have killed him if he wasn't in such a great shape.
In the end Rick saved his life.
Posted by: Peter | April 14, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Have you checked out "Story of Stuff" yet?
http://www.storyofstuff.com/
An excellent combination of story telling, animation and presentation.
Posted by: Vijay | April 14, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Again, this is very strong stuff. I guess this idea get's most of its stickiness by the emotional and story-telling aspects. Thanks for sharing. Makes me feel - umm - humble.
Posted by: Caroline Schneider | April 14, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Garr, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Alessandra | April 14, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Garr, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Alessandra | April 14, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Garr,
Thanks for posting the story, I belive your highly reviewed and visited blog will be a great exposition to their story.
Let's hope in the future each one of us have a great story to tell in our own lives. Certainly with Presentation Zen your writing your own particular story. Keep up the good work.
Luis
Posted by: Luis Iturriaga | April 15, 2008 at 03:18 AM
OK, your last two posts have kept me crying like a baby at my computer, when I should have been finishing a blog post.
Woo hoo! Sure puts things in perspective, doesn't it? Wonderful, inspirational stuff. Thanks for sharing.
-Pam
Posted by: Pamela Slim | April 16, 2008 at 06:52 AM
Their story captures the truth of the enrichment of self-sacrifice. thank you for sharing it.
Posted by: Ed Brenegar | April 17, 2008 at 12:50 PM