43% say their #1 fear is ...

This past weekend I participated in a seminar – first of its kind introduced to our CBPA (College of Business and Public Administration) program. This seminar titled “Leadership Essentials,” wasn’t about leadership, however, the take –away’s and learning were essential.
A one weekend seminar of Friday afternoon and evening and further all day Saturday offered no credits, nor did I have to take it to graduate; but after being informed of some of the highlights of the program I was intrigued and thought to myself, “why not?” At this point in time knowing that I would be practically done with my masters degree and just wading in the water before moving, I figured I’d be on my toes to do something so different, so unique. We are as it is in my section, guinea pigs. We’re the first seven people to have dove into this program that will now be a requirement for all CBPA masters graduates starting this fall.

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first. I had such high expectations after reading the seminar description. Entering into a profession that is rewarding for those who can analyze and think on their feet immediately had initially intrigued me into this voluntary weekend commitment. After enjoying my week and a half of free time I became cranky to the fact of subjecting myself to what I later realized a perfectly sunny and warm Arts Festival weekend.

Friday early afternoon all seven of us (though initially nine had registered) walked in on a gorgeous day not knowing what to expect. Our instructor walked in, nice tailored and crisp suit and tie, shook each of our hands, “Hi, I’m Micah.” I could tell this guy was over the top, but I liked it. I knew in the first THREE seconds how he was going to run the class based strictly off my first impression. Micah had told us an individual (in the context of discussion, an employer) solidifies a first impression on an average of seven seconds. In my opinion, that’s being generous – I usually do it in two or three… and I’m not joking. In our society we make quick judgments, formed mainly by appearance. How we are dressed, our standing/sitting position, our facial expressions, and our tone of voice.

Throughout the weekend we went over specifics of presence and presenting. Our presence focuses on our appearance, our physical gestures, our expressions, our impressions, etc. Our presentation how we deliver information and ultimately how we personally connect with each the viewers. In practicing various forms of presenting (i.e. talking about your favorite place while making eye contact with each individual for five seconds) helped point out the details that you can’t learn from trial and error. At some point someone needs to tell you, “this is what looks good and this is what works.”

I had known that I was a fairly good presenter prior to this seminar, mainly because I have “wing it” attitude and frankly I don’t mind speaking in front of people, particularly when I’m very knowledgeable with the information I’m presenting. My worst presentations come from experiences when I couldn’t have given two drops in the bucket about the information I had to deliver. After this weekend I have to have gained the tips and practical experience to polish my skills. Speaking to a group of people is apparently the worst fear of 43% of Americans (taken from list.com). I’m more than appreciative of my ability to suck it up and kick out a great presentation, and further for the opportunity to become aware of my faults and be shown what actually works.

Thankfully this weekend had shown me my own style and how to better it for success. I absolutely hate my low voice and my idiosyncrasies, but I know exactly what they are now and how to work with them.