[VIDEO] - 6 Things We Learned In 2020 - Between 2 Speakers
A visual representation of the year 2020. Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema (Unsplash.com)
6 Things We Learned in 2020
While 2020 was a year of sudden and unexpected change, it also spurred huge growth and adaptation. We were forced to change and adapt, even if we didn’t want to: School was now online. So was work. The shift to working from home was a challenge, but we all rose to meet it. Many of the things we learned reflect that huge shift.
In our first year of Between Two Speakers, Randy and I were fortunate enough to speak to many professionals who brought great tips to the table. Here are 6 of our favorites:
Top 6 Lessons of 2020
1. The virtual world is a small world
Going virtual has allowed more people (from all over the world) to connect than ever before! Remote work has allowed to reach unique audiences in new places.
In June, Randy hosted an LGBTQ Pride event and met an attendee who was joining from Africa. It was their first-ever Pride event.
2. Every presentation needs some form of structure
Really, it can be any form of structure. The key is to plan ahead and integrate said structure into your presentation.
Feel free to get creative: instead of a straightforward talk about the pros and cons of a product, why not join forces with someone else and present your findings as dueling critics? Or debate the pros and cons?
3. Understand the importance of communication styles
Understanding your communication style can be very useful in determining how you best interact with an audience (and also how they interact back!) This understanding will help you structure your own communications, too.
One of the most common assessments to help understand communication styles is the DISC assessment: Dominance, Influencer, Steadiness, Conscientious. Which communication style do you tend to lean towards?
4. You can command an audience without being loud
It is possible, as evidenced by Albus Dumbledore! By using calculated word choice and commanding stage presence (check out more on how body language can sway an audience), it is easy to captivate an audience without being extra.
People who tend to be quieter or more introverted often think they must switch into “loud” mode to be a strong presenter. Albus Dumbledore proves this is not the case.
5. Allow yourself patience in learning
Learning takes time, and we cannot beat up on ourselves for not picking up on things right away. We don’t expect babies to know how to walk on day one, so why should we treat our own learning any differently?
This lesson was reinforced for Randy when marketing maven Dana Magnus spoke about having patience with one’s own learning process. Successful people often put waaaaaay too much pressure on themselves. You’re not going to be a rock star on Day 1…so give yourself time to become a rock star.
6. A negative moment is an opportunity to reframe the conversation
Don’t forget that every question or comment - even if it’s negative - is an opportunity to control your response.
Randy and I spoke about Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation during our Top 5 Fictional Speakers discussion, and we commended her on this skill. Leslie handles many negative comments in many Town Hall meetings, but she always manages to reframe the conversation to a more positive note.
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I make the process of public speaking easier for my clients. I help with everything from preparation to managing anxiety and nerves to speaking with strength and confidence. Need some coaching, or a workshop? Get in touch.
