Turning Parenting Skills into Public Speaking Skills
There are dozens of skills that you refine throughout parenthood that can be applied to your next performance on stage. Here are my top 10 things parents do every day that can be translated into improving their next big speech. See them in action with our web comic.
Authority
You are seen as the authority figure in your child's eyes. You are the export. When you present, your audience gives you a similar status. Own it. Use that feeling of confidence and resolve that you have as a parent to overcome any uncertainty or anxiety you feel on stage. You are the authority. You are the expert.
Storytelling
Parents read lots of books to their kids. They tell lots of stories, too. It doesn't take too much effort to discover that an audience appreciates a good story to help them connect to you as a speaker. Use your experience of reading stories to better construct one that your audience can appreciate.
Explanation
Kids are very inquisitive, yet they have very little life experiences to relate to. As a parent we must be careful and conscious of the words we use when we explain things to them. This holds true for explaining your subject to your audience. They may not have the same experiences as you do, so you must be aware of how best to explain things to them. Luck you...you have had experience translating things to those with little shared experience.
Compassion
Life isn't always unicorns and ice cream. We all have struggles we need to overcome. As parents, we need to help others overcome their struggles, as well. Since not all speeches can be about happy things, sometimes its worth remember the compassion parents have when helping their kids before opening up your mouth and speaking at a microphone.
Engagement
The audience may seem large, but it is made up of individuals. You should be aim to connect to each of them on a personal level. Be yourself and don't be afraid to share the little moments that define you. It will help make you relatable.
Planning
You never leave the house with kids without having a plan. What food should you bring, did they go potty, do they have everything they need? You should never step foot on a stage to present without have a plan for what you will say or how you will say it.
Patience
You need to be patient with kids. Sometimes it kills you how long they take. Four words, "toddler tying their shoes." Ugh. But you learn.
When you present, sometimes you need to field questions that are not the brightest or best. You may want to become frustrated and snarky. Don't. Be patient and respond politely.
When you present, sometimes you need to field questions that are not the brightest or best. You may want to become frustrated and snarky. Don't. Be patient and respond politely.
Problem Solving
Things never go as planned when you have kids. Stuff breaks. People run late. Homework isn't completed. As a parent, you overcome these obstacles. When you have to give a presentation, chances are at some point things will not work. Technology failures, illnesses, something... Use your experience overcoming problems with kids next time they arise on stage. Stop. Breath. Present.
Voice Projection
It's not screaming. It's parent voice. Their is authority, control, and volume within it. It is a very powerful tool for grabbing your children's attention. It also works amazingly well, if channeled correctly, for speaking to a large group.
Empowerment
Words have power. What you say matters. Aim to encourage and empower others whether you are talking with a child or speaking on stage. Seldom is it only about you. Its best for all if you help raise up those around you.