This last week I had one of the most intense, searching, and revelatory experiences of my professional life.
EXECUTIVE PRESENTATION TRAINING
Even for you neurotpyical folks, this would have been a daunting ask. Getting each “uhm” clipped, every extra qualifier pounced upon.
For me, I knew what was coming.
I’ve polished my “presenting version” of Hunter Hansen down to where there’s only one thing left to refine.
Me.
I’ve cut out all the big words when I need to present to directors, leaders, etc.
I don’t ramble in circumlocutionary, concentric circles of narrative excess.
But eye contact?
Oh man, if I had a nickel for every time I was reminded to keep my eyes up, eyes down, eyes on the audience, I’d have a lot of nickels.
It’s so hard for me.
It’s like I need a BREAK, because I can only hold a gaze while speaking for so long.
And I almost need a stopping point to look away and “download more content.”
It’s a lot to process!
*But before any of you would cry foul here or think this is some attempt to change part of what makes Hunter, Hunter*
Here’s why I was given that advice.
I’m extremely expressive.
Apparently my face alone does so well to read, reflect, and react to an audience that it draws people in.
And it’s good enough to where I shouldn’t kick them out.
Imagine that. Young H2 would never have believed I was in any way captivating.
In fact, I was told I couldn’t Botox my forehead because of it.
In the end, I was happy. Exhausted, but happy.
The best piece of advice I got?
“Stop performing and just be you.”
Ok, I’ll be me.
You ready?
The Life Autistic 