I once was in a Toastmasters divisional-level speech contest (for the
state of Maine and parts of New Hampshire), when out of the blue
came the boisterous noise of a jackhammer. The floor was thumping
and rattling, and my concentration was shot. I became flustered and
made several mistakes. After the contest, I analyzed my practice routine
leading up to the event: I would clear the room of any distractions,
put the dog outside, and close the doors for complete silence. In a perfect
world, this made sense. How do you prepare for an unexpected
baby crying (I’ve had this happen, too), papers rustling, or silverware
and glasses clanking? As a speaker, you can only control so much.
I began practicing with distractions everywhere. I have practiced
with the television and radio on. I have invited the dog in and
stepped over him on more than one occasion. I have forged ahead in
my speech when the phone rang. My favorite was practicing while my
ten-year-old daughter began her brand-new trombone lessons. Yes, it
does sound like a bunch of elephants, but the distraction challenge is
beautiful. You will become more nimble in your surroundings if you
prepare for anything. Your concentration level, having been put to the
test, will make you ready for the distractions you can’t predict.
Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):
- Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
- Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
- Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
- The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
- From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
- The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood
See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only) purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com