Firstly, I should make it clear that in the actual process of conducting the activities listed below, no one's hair stood on ends, no one suffered from static electricity shock per se, and the best part of all, it was not necessary to get any firemen involved (although I personally am of the opinion that they have one hell of a cool job despite the heat they have to face) Now that all wild ideas have been put aside, we shall continue.
A couple of days ago, I found myself in front of an audience of about twenty per session (we had to split it into three sessions) which makes it about 60 guys where I attempted to make them understand the shaky concepts behind static electricity, why we give such a damn about it and what we can all do to reduce the effects of static electricity even though I was completely unprepared for it (mentally, that is... because we're supposed to kick off these marathon training sessions, and this topic was selected to be the first and so there I was - doing some last minute mental preparation, as well as gathering some last minute material. As a measure to keep things interesting, I printed out copies of this document that would later become a pop quiz)
Now, I haven't done this (speaking in front of so many people in the name of training them as they sit at their seats taking in the information you're giving them while they silently appraise you) in a long time, and I was worried that I would be nervous and my overly active imagination worked overtime by conjuring up several unnecessary disasters that could most likely happen.
Surprisingly, despite all the insecurities that come with something you don't do on a daily basis, I somehow managed to maintain a cool disposition and was saved from any long term embarrassment. I have a strong feeling that the guys were able to comprehend what I was saying (I speak a bit too quickly sometimes - wish I could have such speeds when I'm typing, but I believe that it shall remain as wishful thinking till the end of time!) as they asked very good questions when I opened the floor to them, and most of them aced the pop quiz I gave them.
Strangely enough, while I was at it, I thought the training process was kind of fun.... weird!
Strangely enough, while I was at it, I thought the training process was kind of fun.... weird!
teaching/training is a great buzz when you get your point across. it's also quite draining though. In my head I liken it to acting, because you're on show the whole time and your personal ticks usually become exaggerated. I teach simiar sized groups all the time (maybe mostly a little smaller) and when you have a good group it's just brilliant and you can't help but be in a good mood after it. Of course there are plenty of times when it's less than brilliant, but I try to dwell on these less.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you did really well.
Yes, I felt awfully good for a while after that... and surprised at their cooperation and the fact that they paid attention and asked all those questions. I have another session on the same topic next week, but this time with a video and PP presentation. I just hope my knees don't shake too much! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd sit and listen to anything you had to teach me. You have a very welcoming vibe about you.
ReplyDeleteWell done, you! I applaud you for being able to stand up in front of a crowd, and speak. I think the key is drawing confidence from the fact that you know your subject well.
ReplyDeleteorhan: aww... that's really sweet. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteanita: Thanks Anita :) It's so funny, I used to do all these public speaking stuff back in school, and thought that I'd left it behind for good. And yes, knowing the topic well helps a lot!
Sometimes we think ourselves into such a state. It's good that you were able to relax, enjoy the experience, and do well.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Yeah, sometimes it's all a matter of what we think... and thanks :)
ReplyDelete