2021: Note 33 -- The Speech Partner

I like giving talks and running training programs. It's fulfilling to share what I know and to help others learn and grow, or give them something interesting to act upon.

In the past couple of years, I've had the opportunity to talk to large audiences at industry conferences. Talking to people at your company or whom you know in some way is one thing; giving a speech at an industry event that is packed with leaders in their field is more challenging.

Not only is it important to get the content right and be engaging, you also have to think about how you stand and walk around the stage, smiling and making eye contact with the audience, not being distracted by the jumbotron behind you, etc. And that doesn't include having my mom ask me over and over what I'm wearing and reminding me to put on makeup because of the bright lights!

I'm convinced one of the reasons I'm comfortable and effective doing this is because of a colleague who partnered with me a number of years back. We wrote a paper and presentation together, and jointly we gave a talk at an industry conference. Having a partner who was at my side, and with whom I had prepared, made the entire thing feel relaxed and natural. It was a great entry into giving this type of presentation, and every time I give a speech I think of him and how I got my start with his help.