Presentation: Week 1

2 of 14 posts on developing 13 traits

It's the last evening of the first week of my 13-week "traits" challenge.

7 days polishing up my presentation skills, and I feel like I just barely got the cart rolling. Yet it's time to move on to the next trait. I am updating my tracker in our MasterMind wiki tonight (ask me about this) and although I scored myself well all 7 days making effort to improve upon this trait, I feel a little disconcerted over moving on so quickly (my brow is actually wrinkled up in resistance).

Hold on. What was Ben thinking? One week to tune up my presentation skills?! I don't exactly suck, but I need more than a week (peripheral free time, mind you) to feel like I was able to take it to the next level...

Ah, but let's review my progress.

I crafted a goal card. Priceless!

I reviewed Toastmasters guidelines --which by the way reaffirmed how great that organization is for people desiring to improve speaking/presenting skills. Check it out! This was a useful exercise for sure.

I actually prepared ahead of time for a new 1/2 day workshop I have coming up soon. Very valuable! (I am sure I will feel less anxiety as the countdown continues.)

I also read several chapters from books I've had on the shelf for quite awhile that I had been meaning to get to. OK, I concede some definite value there, not just because I rifled through the books and have a better understanding of my existing resources, but also because the content was helpful.

I listened to some audio files on sales presentation skills. OK, yes I gained some perspective while also validating what I am doing is still the best approach for me (while doing household chores too!), so this was a good use of my time.

Hmmm...then again, I guess that Benjamin Franklin guy had some things right after all.
Week 2, here I come!