Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1111624
18 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com Celebrating National Nurses Week April 29–June 10, 2019 under my belt, I've grown more confident and continue to work hard at not making a fool of myself. Are there occasional butter- flies? Sure. Is every speech impeccable and perfect? Absolutely not. I've learned so much, but there's no end to the process of improvement, just as there's no end to the clinical nurse's need to learn and evolve. Do I enjoy empowering nurses? Totally. It's a privilege to be on stage, so I owe it to my audiences to make it as compelling and entertaining as I can. My writing, podcasting, coaching and speaking all serve the same purpose: inspir- ing nurses. That is where the rubber hits the road for me, which has given me the strength to persevere through the learning curves and rough patches. Performance Pointers What can you do if you'd like to be part of that process, but are scared out of your mind at the thought of approaching the microphone? Here are some basic sugges- tions to help get you started: • Learn to like the sound of your voice. (This is an area where podcasting can be a big help, whether you're hosting your own or making a guest appearance on another nurse's podcast.) • Study TED Talks and other recorded or televised speeches to learn what you like and don't like about others' speaking styles. • Find someone who can mentor or coach you on how to write an effective speech, project your voice, use your body and com- mand the stage. (This can be several some- ones! Not all great speakers are great speechwriters and vice versa.) • Find topics you feel passionate about and use that passion to cut through your fear. • Join a chapter of Toastmasters International, which will give you opportuni- ties to practice speaking in front of a forgiv- ing yet generous audience who will give you constructive feedback. • Practice, practice, practice! I plan to continue sharpening my skills as a motivational and keynote speaker — and to have loads of fun while doing so. My mis- sion is to become the best speaker and pre- senter I can be while continuing to inspire nursing audiences in the United States and eventually abroad. When I remember that newly minted nurse who gave that 1996 commencement speech, I smile at his utter lack of guile, his total cluelessness and the authenticity that captured the hearts of his audience. Here's a secret I never would have dreamed back then: Speaking is a thrill. Today, I actually relish the notion of getting in front of those ready to listen, laugh, feel and think. An experience I once dreaded is now a siren song, and I'm grateful for every opportunity my career presents to answer that call. _____________________________________________ Keith Carlson, RN, BSN, CPC, NC-BC, has worked as a nurse since 1996 and has maintained the popular nurs- ing blog Digital Doorway since 2005. He offers expert professional coaching for nurses and nursing students at www.nursekeith.com. WN At the Podium Thank you for your dedication. Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare thanks all of our amazing nurses for the skill and compassion you provide every day. Our reputation for excellence, our environment of hope and healing, and our outstanding level of care all start with you. Congratulations to all of our nurses – and to nurses everywhere – during National Nurses Week. Learn more about us and apply at: casacolina.org/careers EOE 255 E. Bonita Ave., Pomona, CA 91769 • (909)-450-0157 Staff RN opportunities: • Med/Surg • Rehabilitation You make the difference in great patient care.