Lessons Learned From Speaking In Front of 300+ People Yesterday

Yesterday I had the honor of speaking to over 300 people at the 10th Annual Fraud and Corruption Awareness Seminar.

It was an incredible event, and I'm humbled, honored, and grateful for the opportunity.

Yesterday has made me reflect on all the speaking opps I've had this year and what I've learned.

Because there's so much for than the X amount of minutes I'm stage.

It's who I have to become to master the craft of storytelling and do what it is I love to do.

1. I earn my freedom when I do things that scare me.

Public speaking used to be my number one fear.

2. The more prepared I am, the fewer nerves I feel.

3. Conversely, if I try to over prepare and make everything "perfect," I create more nerves. There's no such thing as perfect.

4. The inner voice that tells me that it's wrong for me NOT to be freaking out doesn't have my best interest at heart.

5. The audience is investing their most precious resources, time, energy, and attention - I have a responsibility to provide a return on that investment.

6. Setting an intention before delivering the talk is crucial to my success. My intention yesterday (and for pretty much everything I create): To connect with and help one person.

7. Storytelling/ Storytelling/Storytelling - PS: Storytelling

8. Ask for constructive feedback from the organizers.

No feedback, no growth

9. Review and Reflect.

What went well? What can use improvement?

Craig Stanland