People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel
Maya Angelou
This week I’ll be helping out at Chattercamp as a volunteer trainer for the fourth time. Chattercamp is a presentation skills camp for 9 – 11 year olds, and is an intense immersion into learning not only the skills behind presenting, but also being able to choose the best mindset for delivery. Founded by the Director of Speakersbank, the vision was to have kids enjoy giving presentations, and certainly after the 3 days of practice, they always want to come back for more.
What’s apparent with these young presenters is that they all want to do their best, yet somehow along the way the self-talk and self-programming has started – and generally it’s all the negative stuff that we know about standing up in front of people.
The trainers are made very quickly aware of the fragility and vulnerability of the Chattercampers, and have to choose our words and coach very consciously.
The trainers are also always treated to the showcase on the third day, where the Chattercampers deliver a presentation to all the families who come for the finale. This is where their progress illuminates the stage, and where any concerns that they won’t be able to do it are shot out of the water.
During the camp, the kids have learnt about state management – we teach them to think and act like a superhero – about mindset and the futility of anxiety, and are open to any tips that we can give them. This embracing attitude is a good reminder to us all that sometimes its the small things you can change or implement that make a big difference.
Some of the biggest lessons for the adults from Chattercamp are:
- Never underestimate anyone, particularly a nine year old! The only thing stopping us overestimating others are our own limits and beliefs, so perhaps next time you hold little confidence in someone, question yourself first.
- Remember people may be at a particular stage of fragility or vulnerability.
- Allow people to illuminate the stage and celebrate their progress.
- Encourage people to feel pride in the small stuff as well as the big stuff.
People generally want to do well, but what may be limiting them are the internal or external resources to achieve what they want to achieve. As a team member, manager, leader or even parent, how can you help with these resources? Let’s overestimate more and consequently shift the parameters of what is possible.