Teachable Moments
I had a teachable moment last week. I was scheduled to give a short presentation at a local university as part of a panel of GIS professionals in the DC area. As part of my prep, I usually create a hard copy of the presentation, along with having a copy in the cloud.
I bring the hard copy with me to my event so I can take notes. For example, if one of the other presenters says something that I want to refer to in my talk, I can write it in where I would make the reference when I speak. It also ensures that I have a backup option in case the "worst" happens and the computer decides not to work. I have never had to use the hard copy for anything except for notes in the last 15 years of speaking. This time? 🚨FIRE ALARM!!! 🚨
About five minutes before I was supposed to speak, the fire alarm went off, and we had to evacuate the building. I ended up giving my talk in the campus courtyard with just my printout and my “teacher voice.” It ended up fine.
Moral of the story: Be a #speechgeek. Bring your notes.
Want to learn more about writing and giving speeches that make an impact? Check out my partner page, Level Up My Skills!