Speaking in Front of Others Isn't Always Easy

I had someone tell me this morning that she was nervous about leading the first Working Smarter Training Challenge lesson. Boy, could I relate. I remember those first days when I had to get up in front of my co-workers, some of whom I'd known my whole life, and still felt so nervous I thought my legs wouldn't support me. Here's some advice I gave this person getting ready to lead her first Working Smarter Training Challenge meeting:

It's okay to be nervous. I had to lead several sessions before I quit having the heart pounding and shaking voice going on. Standing up in front of other people seems to be easy for some and a real challenge for others. That is one reason I'm a firm believer that giving everyone in the company this opportunity will help develop personal growth in employees. Here are a couple of things I would suggest:

1. Be very familiar with the lesson plan. Knowing your material will automatically help you to have more confidence.

2. Have something to eat if possible, like coffee and donuts. That just helps loosen everyone up.

3. Involve everyone else. Let them know this is something you're starting together and you don't pretend to be an expert. You'll be learning right along with them and welcome their comments, input and questions. And if you can't answer one of their questions, tell them you will find out from JP Horizons and get back to them. Feel free to give anyone my email address or phone number if they'd like to talk to me about anything.

4. Remember the fun aspect. Music and warm-ups really help with this. Even when brainstorming and creating lists, it's great to allow humor into the discussions. When we are talking about serious subjects like improving a process, it's okay to laugh at ourselves if it becomes obvious we're doing something that really doesn't make any sense. You know the old, "I don't know why we do that. We just always have done it that way."

One thing I can say for sure is this. It really does get easier after you've done it a few times!

Linda Coors
linda@jphorizons.com