Day 3 and 4 of the Leadership and Public Speaking course centered on the importance of a coach/mentor. In the process of becoming a leader and effective communicator, it is essential to have trusted and supportive individuals to provide honest feedback based on our specified goals. Students worked with each other and identified the feedback they sought to improve nonverbal and verbal queues they considered problematic. The following is a broader summary of our learnings, a continuation from day 2, which can be accessed here.

Leadership and Public Speaking:

  1. Students introduced each other and constructed the most positive and energetic introduction which included the name of their partner. Their partners had the opportunity to share what they would like the audience to know about them—Leadership skills have emerged!!!
  2. Students recalled what they learned during the week! Unbeknownst to them, this was in preparation for a pop quiz.
  3. Pop quiz—I expected nonverbal attitude when I announced this; instead, I saw eagerness and readiness in body language—They’re showing off a little bit, now; I love it!
  4. Pop quiz review: Students graded their own quizzes. I asked them to reflect on the knowledge they’ve gained and how the assessment was reflective of this.
  5. Students completed the Amy Cuddy talk. Elaboration was placed on the idea of either “faking it until you make it,” or “faking it until you become it.”
  6. Students resumed their mini presentations by sharing responses to the interview questions while listeners wrote questions for the speaker. Every student was assigned a coach/mentor who will work to help bring the best of them before their next presentation.
  7. Homework: everyone earned an A+ for homework submission. For next week, students must bring a poster board and note-cards to begin working on a component of their presentation. I asked each student to consider the following: color, firmness of board, creativity, price (no poster boards over the price of $3.19), and intentionality. E.g., students should consider a tri fold board if they wish to have their hands free for expression during their presentation. Additionally, if one anticipates trembling/shaking while presenting, opt for a more solid board, not a flimsy one.

Takeaway from day 3 and 4: While evolving into our fullest potential in life, do we fake it until we make it, or do we fake it until we become it? What is the difference? Students shared an in-depth discussion about the idea of comfortability in oneself during the sometimes-uncomfortable transition into becoming our perceived idea of greatness. (It’s okay to read this section a few more times to fully grasp the subject we grappled with during our sessions). As always, I welcome any thoughts and questions regarding the summary of the course and the takeaway.