As a speaking coach at Pitt's Oral Communication Lab, I help fellow students master the anxiety associated with public speaking. Once anxiety is recognized and proactively addressed, many can take control of their speaking skills to improve their public speaking. All of this comes back to an important trait: confidence. Confidence must take root in your message and yourself. We all are unique, gifted, and have special messages to share.
Today, I worked with research students to aid in poster presentation skills. Each student shared their findings in their respective field and subject area. While I was able to help them master their speaking skills, I too was learning from them. I enjoy listening to each person and gaining a glimpse into current research through their specific interest areas.
We are all on a quest for knowledge, a quest that, hopefully, never ends. It is important to recognize your special talents and share them with others. Have confidence in yourself and your gift. At the same time, we are always learning and have room to grow. Try not to let pride impede your quest to learn. When we can recognize the strengths in others and allow them to teach us, we strengthen ourselves. In this light, we may equate growth with collaboration, confidence in ourselves and our peers, and a persistent quest.
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