[Blog On The Run] Keeping it together

I always did feel nervous when about to present a speech to strangers, or when asked to talk about myself and my future plans. Did I say nervous? I meant petrified.

Mastery of my jitters had always been a particularly difficult personal challenge.

I once interviewed for a place on the new series of ITVs Kyrpton Factor. It went fine, and I managed to ace the intelligence test, but found myself in trouble when a rolling camera was turned towards me. From behind the camera came the words... "so, let's hear about you Glen"... I swallowed hard and then quite simply fell apart. This became a huge lesson to me. I had failed miserably.

Afterwards I was acutely aware that if I was ever going to do well in my career and surpass my goals - I had to be able to articulate my own story, AND hold it together. The valuable skill of self promotion, and selling myself to a wider audience got written into my business plan. My first step? I joined the BNI.

After 4weeks, I still struggle with it all, even though I have plenty to say! The feelings of self consciousness remain, and I wish it would just go away.

Today, I met with two astute and friendly engineering examiners at the headquarters of the Institute of Structural Engineers. The professional review was very engaging, and I haven't sweated so much since I presented a financial planning topic to an auditorium of 40 students at university. My interviewers handled the process very professionally and asked some searching questions. It turned out that I was their first associate member looking to take the exam for full membership. An upgrade? Not necessarily... but that's a post for another week.

My favourite question which was put to me by the interviewers was this; "now that you are working for yourself, how are you finding working on your own as a soletrader?"


Good question. Very good.



My answer was this; "I have never felt alone, both personally and professionally. I have a wealth of experienced Engineers to turn to and discuss my work and planned decisions with. I contribute to discussions on LinkedIn forums, and as a result I feel like I am part of a large organisation of helpful work colleagues. There are people who are looking out for me and I am forging new relationships all the time". Being alone only exists if you choose to cut yourself off. I do not intend to hide myself away, and nor should the members of our Institution or our graduate members. Life is an open forum, stake your claim.

I will be seeking help for my 'stage fright', and hunting out public speaking opportunities to test myself on. Maybe one day I will be as confident talking to strangers in person, as I am writing about my experiences.

How do you cope with talking to strangers?


Engine[er]