As a public speaking trainer in 2022, it was a great year. There were many reasons for that which I’ll discuss in this article.
The return of confidence in our train the trainer courses and fear of public speaking course.
Firstly, it’s wonderful to see classroom numbers rise significantly from 2021. Following the Covid classroom hiatus, it was inevitable that the restoration of confidence was time-dependent. But when? To see the students returning in their droves was fantastic. My wife calls it the power of prayer. Secondly, to see students enjoying their personal development again, and feeling that their progress in the classroom meets their high expectations, felt good. Thirdly, life without classroom work was hard for somebody like me who'd spent most of his career in front of demanding students.
My highlights as a public speaking trainer 2022
For a public speaking trainer, those are my highlights of a year that has seen a myriad of negative occurrences. A war in Europe, a huge jump in energy costs, high inflation, resulting in a cost of living crisis, many strikes across the public sector, and genuine unease about the future.
Diary of a Public Speaking Trainer, London, Glasgow, and Erbil
In May 2022, I had the pleasure of conducting two train the trainer courses for a construction company based in Wembley and Glasgow. It was a busy time with traveling to Glasgow mid-week. There was a poignant moment over dinner that first night when we observed our server’s injury. He was a young man aged under twenty and he had shredded his right arm in a work accident. He was an apprentice joiner and he forgot to slide the saw guard down. Sadly, he spent many months in rehabilitation.
The reason I mention this story was his remarkable attitude. He never demonstrated one ounce of self-pity, he was pragmatic straight down the line. He was a single child and his mum had been ill for years. His one desire was to look after her. He’ll never be a joiner, but he’s working hard to become a brilliant server. I gave him a big tip, not because of his accident, but because of his attitude. I talk about him in my classes, because the greatest attribute we can all possess is a great attitude, especially in adversity.
The courses were well received and it gave us an opportunity to stay up for the weekend, hire a car, and explore the Scottish Borders.
The 5-Day Discovery Public Speaking Course
Our June 2022 course attracted students from the Czech Republic, China, Kurdistan, Brazil, and Australia. It was wonderful to establish and experience that international mix again. I am pleasantly excited by how English humour retains its international appeal.
A Public Speaking Trainer's recommendation - Go to Erbil, you’ll never forget it
Danar (in the red T-shirt) hails from Kurdistan and he’s an experienced executive in oil exploration. He loved the 5-day Discovery Public Speaking Course and invited us to come over to Kurdistan and run our famous public speaking course and two train the trainer courses over fourteen days. We had the pleasure of being invited to Danar’s new home (the greatest honour one can offer a guest), and at the weekend he laid on a guided tour of Erbil’s Citadel, one of the oldest settlements in the world, dating back 6000 years. If you’ve never been to Erbil, I thoroughly recommend it. The people, the place, and the atmosphere were remarkable. The students were incredibly funny, friendly, and receptive. I can't wait to go back. All classes were conducted in English which is such a privilege for me.
Our company’s hospitality at the Rotana hotel was second to none. A few weeks before we traveled, Michael Palin’s ‘Into Iraq’ book and Channel 5 documentary materialized. It made me even more excited about the visit's prospect. Thank you, Michael.
This public speaking trainer's thoughts for 2023
At my age, I have worked and studied my way through a number of economic downturns. No work for 18 months due to the pandemic was a shock, but I worked and studied hard throughout that time. I published two books, and I went through online learning material frenetically, knowing that things would stabilize. Yes, I've had the good fortune in many ways, but hard work wins out above wishing, hoping, and dreaming.
I've never lived through ideal times. There are always challenges that will extend you and you'll learn something about yourself, whether it's resilience or your ability to learn like you never imagined. It isn't the problem, the result is your attitude to the problem. What do you want to achieve? If 2023 was half as exciting as 2022, I'd settle for that.
If you have a great attitude and you're looking forward to making a difference in your life, I hope you'll consider joining us on one of our train the trainer courses or public speaking course one day soon. Have a wonderful festive season and I wish you every success next year.
Voluntary Action Islington - Thank you
Primarily, many thanks to the staff at Voluntary Action Islington for their care and professionalism in managing what has become such a special relationship. There's a lot of give and take on both sides and that has forged a great bond. So thank you Navinder, Meera, Martha, Justyna, and Charlton.
Vince Stevenson - Founder College of Public Speaking 2006 Ltd.
If you have a great attitude and look forward to making a difference in your life, I hope you consider joining one of our training the trainer courses or public speaking course soon. It's always possible to improve your skillset and take your work and achievements to a higher level. Three strong reasons to support training
