Readings that resonate with me!

I think one of the most interesting parts of the book that has been resonating with me is the sections where it discusses tips on yourself. I feel that part is a tough one, especially letting perfectionism go. That is so difficult for me especially when I mess us I get stressed and think “great, I’ve messed up, what is the point!” Although I should be saying “okay breathe, keep going.” That is so difficult for many people I feel but I think the most important thing for me to remember is half of the time people do not know when you mess up. If you are up speaking in front of a group of people most of the time they don’t realize when you mess up or do not get the right answer.
“Stop being in a hurry” This I have definitely been working on the past year. I have been trying to slow my speech so that I don’t screw up and stumble on my words. Plus it is hard for others to follow when you are talking so fast. I know it is hard for me to pay attention when someone is talking so fast you can’t keep up. I have been trying to learn that from others mistakes. When I watch people publicly speak now, I keep note of things they do and do not do and try to incorporate it in my next speech.
I think it will be a challenge for me when I have to give my few minutes on my book to slow down, remember everyone there supports me and to not get flustered if I screw up. I have been practicing so that I can do it better. I feel that practicing has been setting me up for success as the book discusses. You don’t want to over stretch yourself but you want to do a little bit more each time so that you can grow. I think by giving myself little challenges each time I speak in public it will help me to grow tremendously
Another part in section six that I feel I resonated with was the “Nonverbal Cues” section. All of the things discussed in this section eye contact, tone, inflection, attentiveness, facial expressions, etc. are things that every speaker and facilitator should be aware of. I think eye contact is the biggest key. If you can look people in the eye as they are talking to you or vice versa the comfort level you have would increase immediately. I know it helps me gain confidence but I often lose sight of that and forget.
Reading the distracting habits was good for me so that I could realize some of my own. I am definitely aware of some of my distracting habits and when I am with a group of people I definitely try to become more aware of those habits as not to throw anyone off. Even if I am not speaking in front of people, I could just be working in a group or listening to someone else present. I often play with my hair and don’t realize it but I try to stop myself now because I know that for me distracting habits of others throw me off when I am doing something and I can’t help but focus on their distracting habits. How could they not notice mine?
Essentially I know that I have things to work on and things to be conscious about when I am speaking in front of others or working within a group, or even facilitating. I know that I do not have to be perfect which makes it a little bit easier to not feel so much pressure. I feel I am growing within this course and my comfort level with things and becoming a better facilitator. I am hoping that this facilitation session with Chandra will turn out as I want and we can really develop some good communication and teambuilding within their group. I hope that my flaws do not stand in the way of that. I know though that I am just learning and so I hope that I don't let my insecurities get in the way of a great facilitation session.