This past easter week gave me one of the most profound and important opportunities so far in my teaching career. I was asked to give the closing keynote for the #TbsEdCon19 Conference in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. This was my chance to speak directly to over 400 wonderful educators in attendance and share my perspective about how we as educators can hone our craft to better meet the needs of our learners. And you know what?...It wasn't easy.
Like most people on planet earth, my personal history in public speaking is rooted in fear. I can distinctly remember some stupid project I had to present in Grade 9 on what was one of my first days in a new school; a project I had no ownership or interest in. You can probably guess by my tone that it didn't go well. I also remember my first presentation to my peers at my regional conference back in 2015. Although this time I had ownership over the content, I was unpracticed and green. I sweat through my shirt as I stammered through my speech. A step forward from Grade 9, I guess, but still about a hundred miles from where I wanted to be.
Since then, I have been slowly chipping away at this common fear using the best known solution; exposure therapy. Bit by bit, I have been getting in front of crowds more and more for demos, trainings and facilitating groups. I can see my improvement over the years and now feel actually quite comfortable when I am front and centre.
That said, a closing keynote is a whole new beast. It is not only the setting and formality, but also the authority of the event. It's the fear of losing and the fear of winning. It represents a sea-change in my identity; from follower to leader. Once again, I could feel my chest begin to tighten in the days leading up to the event just like it did as I waited for my teacher to call my name on to present that stupid project in Grade 9.
This time though, I was ready to beat it. I would practice and practice and practice, until I knew my message, my emotion and my wording like the back of my hand. Before a recording or performance John Coltrane would practice so much that he would fall asleep in his chair as he played. I dedicated every free minute of that week to reviewing my keynote, saying the words out loud and envisioning success.
And it went great. I can’t say it was a 100%; I suppose it never is. But I did my best and was happy with my work. I also realized that although it can take you very far, practice is a poor substitute for natural ability. I can know exactly what it is I want to say and how to say it, but having the words come out naturally, softly, and relaxed is my next hurdle to address; if that is even an addressable issue
Keynoting is one of the biggest challenges and most successful rewards I have ever experienced as an educator. It shakes you to the core in the days leading up to it and gives you a rush like you have never felt before. I know it is a skill that I want to keep developing and honing, until the words come out of my mouth as naturally as when I am chatting with a student.
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