Wingin' It Vs. Sharing Expertise

"True intuitive expertise is learned from prolonged experience with good feedback on mistakes."

~ Daniel Kahneman

Israeli-American psychologist notable for his work on the psychology of judgment and decision-making, as well as behavioral economics, for which he was awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

(b. 1934)

Through many studies and surveys, Americans consistently share that public speaking is one of their biggest, often the biggest of fears. In working with people, and in other articles, it's been shared that being the expert, putting the audience first, and getting out of your own way are three things to remember to be an effective presenter. That has not changed.

This article is to share the difference in "winging it", and "sharing expertise". When people tell me they don't like to write things down, prepare, or rehearse because they are better at "winging it", what they likely mean is that they are best sharing their expertise. When you are the expert, and when you have confidence in your knowledge, position and expertise, you can be effective in "sharing expertise". It is not that you are "winging it", rather you may not want a script, props or other things for a presentation. True "winging it" is when someone is not prepared, does not have knowledge, or simply ignored opportunities to get informed.

"Sharing expertise", being vulnerable and open are all to be encouraged. This form of public speaking, in small or large groups, formally or informally, is something that often touches the audience in a way a rehearsed deck on something that the speaker does not truly have expertise, never could. "Winging it", real "winging it" is something that is frenetic, without support, and possibly a series of fleeting opinions.

Fear or not, when you have a change to speak publicly, if you find yourself telling yourself or others that you are best "winging it", please consider giving each of you more credit by realizing and embracing the fact that part of your impact, and part of your way to connect, is by "sharing expertise".

Scheduling YOU for the Year Now!

"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities." 

~Stephen Covey

Since the calendar has changed, and hopefully we are all getting used to writing 2016 or '16 on things where dates are required, and as tempting as it is to put others first, please first, now, prioritize YOU!

How so? Please schedule your workouts, doctor's visits, massages, hair cuts/appointments, and all things for you that perhaps, in the past, you have attempted to "squeeze in" around everyone else's events and priorities.

When you make YOU the focus now, in January, you can, and likely will, schedule things around being the best you, rather than fitting you in where you can, or missing out on things for you that are important for your well-being.

The ART of the Thank You!

"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'thank you?'"

~William Arthur Ward

With presents, invitations, hostess gifts, and more having been shared at this time, resist letting the fullness of your schedule override the fullness of gratitude you have...and can share!

A thank you note goes a long way in showing appreciation. While there is no wrong thank you, there is an ART to expressing gratitude in writing that connects and shares your happiness well, and that includes:

A - Address the person and the experience (no "I" as first word) 
R - Relive what make it special in words
T - Thank that person clearly before closing the note

An example is:
Dear Steve~

You were so thoughtful to include Michael and me in your suite yesterday! How kind you were to connect all of us as we enjoyed The Lightning beating The Rangers!

Thank you!

It was especially fun to get to share in the toast you made that highlighted the direction of your company's future.

Thanks again for your generosity, and I'll look forward to seeing you in 2016!

All the best,
Debbie