We don't accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.
-Sandra Day O'Connor
One of my favorite new books is Learning from the Bumps in the Road in which some of my colleagues talk about how they have learned and moved on from their missteps. This has made me reflect on my career as a public speaker. In 35 years I have given hundreds of presentations: some great, some okay, and some with significant bumps, such as:
- A few clothing bumps: In my first big gig, where I was to address 2,500 attendees at the annual Ohio AEYC conference, I was getting dressed and discovered to my horror that I had mistakenly packed my wedding suit (which I had matured out of in a major way). On another occasion, I discovered I had packed two left shoes. Then there was the time that my luggage got lost and I had to address the annual conference of the New Zealand Early Childhood Council wearing an Aussie rugby shirt.
- An hour before I was scheduled to give a presentation at NAEYC I decided I hated my speech and hurriedly composed a new one. About 10 minutes into the hour presentation, I realized that I was starting my last point. I stretched it out as best I could, but ended up having the shortest (15 minute) presentation in NAEYC history.
- My presentation at an R&R conference in northern California happened to coincide with the seventh game of the World Series between the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants. Half of the audience was listening to the game with earpieces — resulting in periodic bursts of wild applause when one team or the other scored.
- Fifteen minutes into an all-day presentation on parent relations, after I had just made what I thought was a brilliant comment, an audience member got up and announced, “That is the worst idea I have ever heard in my entire life!” Oddly enough, my comment was on the importance of stimulating complaints.
As you read about the bumps the authors have encountered throughout their careers, you will be encouraged and challenged to think more deeply and openly about your own practices and philosophies. You will gain a renewed sense of purpose as you help children reach their full potential. And, you will discover — as the authors did — that every bump in the road is an invitation to grow and opportunity to learn.
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Comments (6)
Displaying All 6 CommentsWorld Forum Foundation
Eugene, Oregon, United States
I once gave an all day teacher workshop. Late in the day, after a heavy lunch provided by the organizers, I glanced at my watch to discover I only had 45 minutes left to present, but almost 2 hours of material! I started to race through, cutting as I went. I ended with what had always been an inspirational story about a former student, but the room was flat - zero reaction or response. Then I noticed the tech guy in the back, madly waving his arms and pointing at his watch. All morning, I had used my laptop's clock to stay on track, but this time I'd used my watch which was an hour off! I still had an hour left, had given away my best material and still had to piece something together. And the participants, depending upon time with me for their CEUs, had to suffer through this with me... Lesson learned? No more wrist watches during workshops and double-check the time zone!
Children's Forum
Tallahassee, Idaho, United States
I laughed when I read them because I think we all have funny and embarrassing stories to share. Long ago, I decided to just make fun of my most embarrassing moments and it took away the sting and provided everyone an opportunity to laugh. Thanks for sharing.
Sebastopol, CA, United States
Funny but painful at the same time! This is a great lesson on how sharing these bumps make us more real and help others to not feel so bad about their bumps. Thanks.
United States
Wow! Roger! Those are significant bumps all right! Thanks for sharing those and thanks for the great ad for our book!
Janet
United States
This article was just what I needed. I just submitted a proposal for a conference, and I reviewed it a thousand times. Thank you for bringing some humor into being a presenter.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , United States
I can certainly relate to the the topic of " bumps in the road". My career as a early childhood center director spans more than 35 years and I have experienced a few bumps along my path. I plan to read this book for myself and share with new and aspiring Directors. Lessons learned can always help the new and bring about resolution for the seasoned.
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