I'm giving my first ever alumni talk soon which will be done virtually, I'm not great on video calls so I'm very nervous, any tips?
The pandemic has also been pretty brutal on my career so I'm not geeling massively confident about my ability to inspire the students... any tips for keeping things light hearted, engaging and positive would be great!
Replies8
- @Jamila Thomas doing a practice with a friend is a great idea and I love the idea of sending some follow up resources. I know students are getting a lot less for their money at the moment so I just want to make sure it's a valuable experience for them and I think that will really help :)
- @Mauricio Munoz that's a great way to look at it. Bizarrely I've actually shared a studio with the tutor who will be hosting the talk so hopefully that will ease some of the pressure!
- @Raafaye Ali this is great advice, it's definitely been a year of learning some important lessons so hopefully I can impart some of that!
- @Krisha Mutta thank you :) will definitely have a little dance to a good song beforehand!
- a quick simple meditation might help, a breathing excercise 20mins before...keep it real, your own words, nothing scripted, it will be refreshing for them to have someone relatable, it's ok to confess to them your nerves, and once it's done, put it aside and remember this is your passion, you do this because you love it, otherwise we all be in finance or medicine...think about it as if you are catching up with a friend you haven't seen in ages, and you want to tell them all about what you've been doing..best of luck!
- Perhaps do a practice online with a trusted friend or family member.Make bullet points and regularly look at a post it that says 'breathe' if something technical goes wrong, be vocal and concise about it, send follow up resources post session if required. Smile. Best of luck, its so common to be nervous doing something new, may be reward yourself after the call, with a walk, fancy coffee, afternoon off work.
- when you remmber you are talking about something you are pasionate about, your insights are so invaluable to students, even your hardships are opportunities to learn. the mistakes we go through are what really help us self reflect. some times sharing those insights although dont sound great to confide in and be honest about it can really give people a bigger picture which im sure they would value and appreciate as its authentic.talking over calls alot easier then talking in person i think, you can always have some stick notes around ur computer screen as talking points maybe have a rought overview of what you would like to discuss, fav projects, fav clients, bad clients, projects you were not so keen on, why they may not of been great, did you gave to challnage clients some times, what were the thing you wish you were told when you were a student, resources you are able to find for free, resources where you pay a little for them etc. whats your sources of inspiration, what your passions are and if theres any cross over to your design work. passion projects you are hoping to explore. highlight that although you have day jobs its important to have time for yourself, find hobbies and time for yourself to re-energise. If you feel comfortable talking about your hardships they will be eye openers and realities they have to consider. sorry i can go on and on but hope this is helpful
- There is absolutely no need to worry, I'm sure you'll do great. I would recommed breathing and listening to your favourite dance song right before your talk and remember, don't focus on the small mistakes, focus on the value you're giving out, they will remember that more than the small mishaps :) Best of luck :)
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