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".