I have created the Speaking Truthfully Award to recognize and honor people who exemplify and embody Speaking Truthfully principles and practices.

I was surprised, actually stunned, when I watched Kevin Durant’s recent acceptance speech for the 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player award, as it was a superb example of vulnerability. It was surprising to me because I can’t remember any male sports celebrity speaking with anywhere near the vulnerability of Mr. Durant’s heartfelt speech.

Kevin Durant

So, without further pontification, I will just offer the link to his 26-minutes speech. You will no doubt be moved quite deeply. No doubt, you will agree with me, great speech. Certainly, his vulnerability is in easy evidence, framed by the often macho and braggadocio culture of the NBA. But Mr. Durant also exemplifies many other elements of speaking truthfully. After you’ve enjoyed the speech, go back over it and see how many things he does, in addition to the raw vulnerability. For example, the specificity of naming his teammates, coaches, friends, and family.

The way he let his emotions and tears flow without apology. The unrelenting sincerity of every word. His pauses and silences. We have no doubt whatsoever how he truly feels about those things he was speaking about: his childhood, his family’s struggles, the people who supported him along the way. We know about Kevin, we know who he is. We know his heart, his character. We know what he values, what he cares about. We can trust him. We can trust what he says. I believe him, I believe who he is. And what he’s saying.

How rare. How inspiring.