Why We Speak ... Publicly
In the Library World, decency, diversity, and dignity reside. When you step up to the Library desk and ask a Librarian anything, you are gold. Last Thursday night I spoke in front of eighty-two library patrons. This is a community I’ve come to know and love locally and world-wide.
As I adjusted my lapel microphone and tested the clicker for my slides, I wondered how they would respond. Will they feel safe to share their own stories? New to public speaking, the risk of being unable to connect with audiences is great. It happens. I am outside my comfort zone as I scanned their faces - younger, older, fresh out of school, from a kaleidoscope of countries in anticipation of what I was about to say. I took stock of their body language. The moment of truth has arrived. Like a Swiss army knife, I searched for “the right took, the right words” to set the stage and with a deep breath, I started.
“So you already made up your mind whether you like me or not.” And when they laughed as I breathed out and smiled. A few frowned with disapproval while others nodded with empathy. That night our library patrons were keen, wanting to be heard and sharing their experiences. Their questions stirred debate and I was thrilled with their engagement.
I am reminded of Stephen R. Covey’s quote in his “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. “Valuing our differences is the essence of synergy…. And the key to valuing those differences is to realize that all people see the world, not as it is, but as they are.”
And my topic? “Network: Anywhere Anytime with Anyone”, a unique perspective on meeting new people … in real life #IRL while decency, diversity, and dignity continues to live on at the Library.
Sessional Lecturer / Instructor | Business / Career Coach | Speaker | Facilitator in Professional Networking, Leadership, Intercultural Communications, Career Management, Entrepreneurial Thinking, Mentorship Programming.
5 年So kind of you to share, Rosemary. Yes, sometimes it is hard to put into words how you feel when meeting someone new and you feel the stakes are high. The pressure to connect and make a good first impression is difficult to handle. Being your true self will make it easier.
Former CPA Turned Educator | Passionate About Bridging Cultural Divides Through Language and Learning | Empowering Students for Success
5 年Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights as I know many us ,have including myself ,have felt that kind of anxiety not knowing how we will be received by an audience or even upon meeting someone the first time. As you noted though stepping outside your comfort zone is the first step and in the end it is about being yourself and being authentic.