WSU402 Afterthoughts

Tis' the season for reflection and remembrance, for gifts and celebrations, counting our blessings, and giving helping hands. As we navigate our way through the holiday season, let us not forget what it has meant to us. No, I am not going to wax theological, but each of us has a reason to remember the season in their own unique way. Some of us generate the bulk of our annual sales at this time, ensuring a profitable year. Some of us center our activities around family and friends. For some of us, it signals the beginning of a season, like skiing or snowshoeing. For fisherman here in the Northwest, it is the beginning of Winter Steelheading. For others, it may only be the break between class terms. Whatever the season means to you, may this be your best one yet.

Happy holidays!

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Response to Traci's Blog Post

Traci brings up some very valid points regarding public speaking, and how age can affect your confidence. I agree with what she said, but I think I would take it even a little farther, equating experience with comfort as well. If we present to groups often enough, the butterflies tend to shrink over time.

Another thing that can trump our fears and doubts is passion - if you feel strongly enough about an issue or subject, you can focus on your message, submerging your fear beneath the passion. I have on numerous occasions approached total strangers to support a local charitable event. I feel so strongly about the event, I am willing to do the uncomfortable to accomplish our goals. Politicians and activists are good examples where passion fuels the fire and strips away the caution.

One last method I have witnessed is pretending to be someone else. If, for example, you tried to present a speech as Lincoln would, you can focus on the delivery and mannerisms along with the message, giving yourself less time to worry and entertain doubts.

No matter what method or device you use, there are always times you will be nervous presenting to a group. If you are able to recognize and analyze your fear and its source, you can embrace it and use it to hone your presentation until you have nothing left to fear. I know, easier said than done. But what a feeling when you've done it for the first time!!

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