Where is my briefcase? What should I wear? Who barfed on my stuff?
All good questions.
My corporate training gig (teaching a 6 week class in public speaking) starts next week. I always look forward to those.
Prepping for it took me back to my working days.
Yes, I bought new shoes. (Always necessary for the first day of anything!) Should I get a new outfit? Hmmmm.
I had to find my briefcase. I use that word loosely as I have a canvas one from Lands’ End. I used it for much of my career. I had a leather one but it was heavy. I’m into healthy back stuff that rather than prestige.
There were remnants of cat hair on it. (How did that happen? Which cat is it? It’s been stored on a shelf for a few years.) Note to self – store in plastic.
The session is one I’ve done before. I looked for my old notes. They were all there gathered in a manner that only I could understand.
There were mentoring notes on former students. Aww, good times.
I could never teach in a traditional school but I enjoy corporate training. People are there because they want to be or they need to be for their job. Either way works for me.
It’s challenging. You need to be grounded in your subject. Adults want answers. They need to know that it’s worth their time.
It’s inspiring. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the lightbulb go on. There is a private personal evaluation prior to the class. The participants review it again at the end of the six weeks to see how far they have come. Lots of smiles! Snoopy dance!
There is also a vote for “most improved.” Everyone improves but some people make huge strides (perhaps they had farther to go).
I’ve never had a session where people didn’t improve. It is public speaking so occasionally a student will hope they never need it (but they will).
It’s rewarding for the trainers too. Win-win!
Note to self: Keep the cats off of the briefcase!
Kate I cringe in my boots if I have to speak in front of an audience. But I tell my daughter to practice now while she is young as she also has the shy gene. I tell her to be prepared and things always run smoother. Some people can wing it though and I always envied them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Most people don’t wing it. They prepare in their own way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t know that you were so comfortable in a corporate teaching setting, Kate. I’m glad you have the opportunity to continue in areas of professional development–yours, and your students. Maybe some cat stories as icebreakers will work!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was in corporate training for many years before I generalized in Human Resources. I both instructed employees and contracted trainers. It was a very interesting job. My last stint at that company was a management assessment program that put good employees through a series of situational tests to see if they had managerial skills (and whether they would enjoy it).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck Kate! You sound excited… 🙂 I know you will be great. I would love to take a class from you and then go have LUNCH! I am thinking this might become something not so temporary.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That would be fun! After a class I am always hyped up.
LikeLike
Oh how I would love to take this class, especially with you. It’s inspiring to know that you didn’t park your wisdom at the curb after retirement. Spread the wisdom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish there were more opportunities. Short stints like this give me tons of energy (and blog ideas too).
LikeLike
Your class sounds like a lot of fun. I imagine you’re a great teacher. If I’m prepared, I do like public speaking. As you say, you get energy from the group. I’m probably more shy at a party.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s so funny I am too (shy at a party). I hate small talk but put me in a classroom and I’m Chatty Kate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh boy, did I ever need your class when I was working. I was a shaking quaking stuttering speaker and it only got worse with time.. I’ll bet you are a great teacher and I admire you from afar.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks. It takes building confidence and you do that by practice and seeking more frequent opportunities to speak. I had to speak for work in various positions (I even did very large floral design presentations when I worked in that field). It gets comfortable and easy.
LikeLike
Have fun!!! Is this one day a week or multiple days?
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s one morning training and another day when I will coach the participants with their speeches.
LikeLike
I’d love to take that class! I had to do quite a bit of public speaking in my last job and I did get better at it, but it would be great to get some professional pointers. I was never very good at extemporaneous speaking… which was always my elusive goal.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Join a Toastmasters Club. You get to do a lot of extemporaneous speaking and it gets easier all the time.
LikeLike
I’ve been to Toastmasters and you are right, it is great! Now that I’m retired, I don’t think I’ll be doing much public speaking.
LikeLike
If you want to, you need to seek out opportunities. I’m sure groups would love to hear your travel stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, nothing more rewarding than teaching people who really do want to learn. I loved teaching dance classes to adults, because they actually a) wanted to get it right, and b) didn’t waste your time because it was also their money.
Although there was always an attention-seeking male who thought he was more hilarious than the instructor…which was, of course, impossible. 😉
LikeLiked by 3 people
My husband and I took dancing classes twice. He has two left feet and dances to a different drummer but it was a lot of fun. Everyone was willing to do anything the instructor said (and then there was a beer afterward).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate – I still remember the situation I’m about to explain because it feels like it just happened yesterday. This situation made such an impression on me. Put company was coordinating a corporate meeting and all the department heads were giving updates about their job and departments. My boss was away on vacation and I was elected to do the talk on her behalf. I remember standing there extremely nervous. It was so bad that my legs were trembling and the notes I was holding were shaking in my hand like a level 2000 earthquake hit the earth. What was worse is when I kept stopping and apologizing to the group for my behavior. But then you, Kate Crimmins, told me that I was doing a good job and to keep going. And I did. You truly made me feel better at that moment. A few weeks later I received a star for a job well done. You nominated me for that. Forward a few years later and I decided I was going to take your speaking class at work. I’m so glad I did. I learned so much, and although I still get nervous getting in front of a group, I have a better appreciation and know how to control my emotions. You were a great teacher and I thank you for that. If I could take the class again I definitely would. Can’t wait to see you again.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for your kind words. It’s affirmation like that that makes it all worthwhile. (and you were great. Most people can’t see knees shaking 🙂 )
LikeLike
Let us know who becomes the Teacher’s Pet!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The one who brings the Starbucks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m guessing that your class would be an enjoyable way to learn a few pointers about speaking in public. I entered the corporate world without having any solid background in such things, and when called upon to deliver my first public speaking engagement within that world, I was over-prepared, ridiculously nervous, and utterly lacking in confidence. Eventually I became a bit more comfortable (mostly by using humor to deflect my discomfort). Of course, you have to know your audience. Misplaced humor can be quickly followed by the sound of crickets. That deafening silence that hangs in the air and grows larger with each passing second. I say it never hurts to brush up on your public speaking skills. Heck, it might even be fun! Good luck. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Speaking before a group is fun. You get energy off of the group! You can never be over-prepared and practice makes it all easier too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need your class ~ the thought of speaking publicly freaks me out! It’s a great gig for you, Kate. Have fun with it!
LikeLiked by 3 people
We would have you talking in no time. We teach a process that gives confidence and works.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Briefcase? How old school of you! It’s all about backpacks now. Even my staid lawyer husband has gone to one. The millennials won’t know what to make of you if you show up with a briefcase. 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Backpack? I have to rethink this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reminds me of my days working as a substitute teacher. So much fun and so rewarding. Good luck!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. It feels like going back to school on the first day.
LikeLike
Good luck and have fun! Your kitty just wanted to give you a proper send off and remind you what’s at home waiting for you.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I have to remember to check for cat hair before I leave! They have their ways of getting back at me for leaving them for a few hours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Obviously the briefcase had just the right texture and level of comfiness!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s canvas and perfect for clawing. The good news is that it’s a tight weave so it doesn’t suffer unless they toss a hairball on it (and yes, that has happened).
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s an awesome gig! I wish I could either take the class or teach it with you. I could make plenty of mischief either way…
LikeLiked by 3 people
That would be a riot. I used to teach communication sessions with one of my friends and it was always fun. Left to our devices we came up with fun ways of making points. You and I would definitely be dangerous together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you’re a great instructor, Kate. Have fun!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love doing it and loving what you do is what it’s all about.
LikeLiked by 1 person