Tresure In Discomfort!

Hello Steem Family!

I hope we're all doing well wherever you are. This past week has been incredible, filled with new experiences and valuable lessons.

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

This week, I had the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and speak to a group of visually impaired individuals. It was an amazing and challenging experience, but also enriching and rewarding.

For the first time since becoming a speaker and trainer, I was tasked with addressing an audience with diverse needs, including those with visual impairments. During my interaction with these remarkable people, I made some fascinating observations.

The Power of Description

It's a well-known fact that public speaking relies heavily on nonverbal communication (over 55%), followed by vocal quality (38%), and lastly, the actual words (7%). This translates to the importance of acting out your message while delivering a speech.

However, I discovered that this rule changes when speaking to a visually impaired audience. Instead of acting it out, you need to "say everything you act." For instance, when describing something (perhaps its appearance), avoid using vague words like "this," "that," or "see this." Instead, replace them with specific names and detailed descriptions. Even your gestures need to be vocalized and explained.

The Importance of Inclusivity

This experience also highlighted the importance of inclusivity. Using the right words and making people feel like they belong can have a transformative effect. When I used inclusive language, it brought smiles to the faces of the visually impaired individuals, creating a welcoming environment for them to learn and share their experiences.

Two Inspiring Students!

Two amazing women, Stella and Filix, decided to take public speaking classes to improve their communication skills. They felt they had valuable ideas to share, but communication was a hurdle. These quick learners readily grasped new concepts and delved deep when sharing their own ideas.

A Learning Experience!

This was a truly exciting and remarkable experience for me. Stepping outside my familiar routine allowed me to grow as a speaker and trainer. I learned valuable lessons that will enhance my abilities for the future.