It happened today. I gave a speech at Toastmasters. It was a pretty good one. I have given it before, so it went well. That’s not what happened. I got called out. It was awesome.
One of my coworkers named Jessica had my favorite evaluation of the day. She told me that the David they had come to know was back. She could tell that I was well prepared and that it showed. She contrasted it to the last few speeches I did and told me I was obviously not as well prepared for those. I was thrilled. Why? Let me explain.
It is traditional at Toastmasters to have an evaluator review your speech during the meetings. For the meeting today, everyone in attendance got up and offered advice on my presentation and how I could make it better. I really appreciated it.
I have a lot of experience in public speaking. I have been at it for several years and can deliver a pretty good speech. The problem is…I know it. I know I am pretty good at it. So, I have gotten lazy. I don’t put as much effort in. I get by on experience and talent. That works in a pinch, but it is time to move beyond that.
I want to keep growing. I want to keep improving. I want to keep moving forward. How do we do that though? How do we improve? By receiving honest feedback from those we trust. By striving for excellence and not settling for anything less. That includes being surrounded by awesome truthful people and letting themspeak in you love.
David Willis 