Training the Trainer Courses in Shanghai
I have just delivered an Advanced Training the Trainer Course for a global health company in Shanghai. I've never visited China before, but I was filled with expectations. Shanghai is one of the world's most advanced cities. In terms of precision engineering, and elegant high-rise buildings, it makes London and New York look like pretenders.
These breathtaking buildings put on a light show between 7 and 10 pm every evening. Most of these huge towers have observation platforms, roof gardens, and views over the river. Thirty years ago, east Shanghai was a swamp. It's home to millions, and big businesses, with a massive metro system, 5-lane, tree-lined boulevards, and one of the world's largest airports. The 50-story hotel has robots that distribute food, drinks and small items around its floors, return to reception, and install itself in its docking station. I wanted to buy it. Travel opens your eyes to possibilities.
I love my work as a trainer, and for the last 25 years, I have travelled the world doing something highly challenging, rewarding, and fun.
I was an IT trainer for Sun Microsystems and Oracle for many years, delivering training throughout Europe. In 2006, I was one of the College of Public Speaking founders, and since then, I have enjoyed delivering Fear of Public Speaking courses and Training the Trainer Courses worldwide.
However, I am open and transparent with my students when telling them I am ‘a recovering speaker’.
My first speech to the Board of the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) in 1984 was a disaster. I experienced all the physiological manifestations of a panic attack.
But here's the essence of my journey, the message I want to share with you: ‘It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish, and I'm not finished yet!' I’m a living testament as I continue to evolve and grow as a speaker/trainer.
In the last few years, I have delivered Training the Trainer Courses in Shanghai, Erbil, Nablus and Glasgow and public speaking courses in Transylvania, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Paris, and Malta. All these opportunities were the result of recommendations from my students.
Over many years, I have spoken to influential audiences at LSE, KCL, UCL, and SOAS in London. I have delivered many sessions for charities and NGOs. Since 2016, I have delivered conference speeches at the Nutrition Society's annual conference. I never say no to an invitation. Public Speaking is an enormous pleasure; talking at prestigious organisations creates opportunities.
When I was a young man, I detested public speaking. I lacked conviction, I dreaded people looking at me, knowing that I struggled to say anything sensible or coherent. But I never gave up. After the debacle at the Co-op, I took every opportunity to speak at meetings and events. I made it known that I was up for it. A volunteer is worth a thousand pressed men. When you do things of your own volition, there’s no resistance. Once you’ve made that decision, you know you'll benefit from it.
I’d love to say that my greatest personal attribute is intelligence—I’m reasonably smart—but my greatest attributes are resilience and stickability. If you want it badly enough, you’ll make it happen.
I’ve just returned from Shanghai, and I had a wonderful experience made possible by hard work and determination. Working on my Training the Trainer Courses has given me many high experiences, all shared with many students. I wish you every success with your public speaking and training. Never give up! You don't know what life has in store for you.
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 us on one of our training the trainer courses or public speaking course one day soon. It's always possible to improve your skillset and take your work and achievements to a higher level.
