Hey there, fabulous folks! I hope you're all doing exceptionally well. Today, I want to share the exhilarating tale of my very first talk titled "TECH TREK: Journey to learn, grow, and build". Brace yourselves for an entertaining and insightful ride!
Let me set the stage for you. As a self-proclaimed extrovert, I thrive on sharing my personal experiences. Giving a talk to my juniors had always been on my list. After receiving countless messages on LinkedIn and numerous emails, with my juniors consistently asking me the same questions, I knew it was time to take the stage at my college. The majority of the audience comprised beginners, eager to kickstart their careers in the captivating realm of IT.
Before the big day, I dedicated time to preparing for my talk. This involved organizing my thoughts, creating an engaging presentation, and anticipating the questions they would ask. To make the session interactive, I sent out a Google form to gather their inquiries. However, since public speaking was new to me, I rehearsed the talk multiple times in my room to ensure it flowed smoothly.
Giving your first public talk can be nerve-wracking, but it's an opportunity for personal growth. It improves communication skills, enhances your ability to explain complex topics, and boosts confidence.
The DAY
The nerves kicked in as soon as I entered the seminar hall and beheld a sea of faces, roughly 100+ attendees strong. But you know what? I knew deep down that I was going to rock it, and boy, did it turn out even better than I had envisioned. The energy in the room was electric, and I found myself completely in sync with the audience, effortlessly vibing with their enthusiasm. 😎
I spilt the tea on my experiences and rookie mistakes, providing them with valuable insights on how to embark on their journeys like seasoned bosses. The cherry on top? One of the attendees, clearly starstruck by my wisdom, couldn't resist capturing the moment in a selfie with yours truly. Can you believe it? I'm practically famous now! 😂
However, the pinnacle of this incredible experience came when I spotted my mom in the audience, her eyes beaming with pride 😍. She recorded the entire talk, undoubtedly planning to share it with everyone she knows.
To add to the awesomeness, my friends were there, cheering me on, and even my incredible sis (big shoutout to her) ensured her love reached me from afar. Of course, a special thanks goes out to HackerRank too! Overall, this mind-blowing experience is etched into my memory, destined to be cherished forever.
Let's dive into the invaluable lessons I learned from this exhilarating adventure
Breathe! When the nerves strike, take a moment to practice regulating your breathing. Inhale deeply, hold for a beat and exhale slowly. This simple technique works wonders in calming the frantic heart and soothing those butterflies in your stomach.
Speak slowly, even slower than you think necessary. It gives your audience ample time to absorb your words and helps keep nerves in check. When we're anxious, the tendency to rush our speech arises, but maintaining a steady pace allows for clearer communication and a calmer state of mind.
Find a friendly face in the audience, someone you know well, and occasionally direct your gaze towards them.
Embrace pauses. They're natural and allow the audience to reflect on what you've said.
Don't panic when things go wrong. Mistakes happen, so take a deep breath and carry on. Keep reminding yourself that “You can do this! Take it easy”
Practice, practice, practice! Rehearsing your talk out loud, even recording it for self-feedback, aids memory and boosts confidence.
And above all, CONFIDENCE is the ultimate key.
While I still have room for improvement in public speaking, I'm confident that with time and practice, I'll become more comfortable. So, embrace the opportunity to share your knowledge, be fearless, and let your voice be heard!