Breathe – The Specialist-Generalist

April 16, 2019April 16, 2019 John Worne Meetings, Presentations, Specialist-Generalist

Take a breath…

I was talking to another Specialist-Generalist last week about 'presentation skills' and the thing I was taught about breathing... In essence, most people (who aren't aware of it) use their entire lung capacity in their first statement; do that and you can't not 'gulp', notice your heart is beating too fast and stumble or choke … Continue reading Take a breath…

July 23, 2018July 24, 2018 John Worne Specialist-Generalist

On the spot

By John Worne It comes with practice and with confidence - but being put on the spot in a big meeting can be anxiety-making. Top tips from HBR below; but as always with public speaking the essential is: pause, breathe; then speak slowly and clearly. My own top tip is: 'get in, get on and … Continue reading On the spot

Here's what Harvard Business Review has to say on 'Imposter Syndrome', every Specialist-Generalist's constant companion:

"We’ve all had that feeling of being unqualified to do something we’ve been tasked to do. But the fact that everyone occasionally suffers from impostor syndrome (even CEOs and Prime Ministers) doesn’t make it any easier to handle.

Try these three things:

1) Recognise there are positives to being new in your field. When you’re not steeped in the conventional wisdom of a given profession or industry, you can ask questions that haven’t been asked before or approach problems in ways others haven’t thought of.

2) Adopt a learning mindset. Focus more on what you’re learning than on how you’re performing.

3) Know that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling like an impostor, chances are that others feel the same way."