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USING YOUR VOICE

First off, let me just say that the refs had absolutely NOTHING to do with that game last night. As someone who grew up in Missouri (St. Louis and former Rams fan), I was partial to the Chiefs at the start but let me say that I really enjoyed seeing Jalen and the Eagles dominate and leave no doubt on who the best team in the league was this year.

I digress a little.. but not really. Many times, we can shrink back in big moments or think that we don’t have anything to say or anything valuable to add. This is rarely the case! As someone who is an ambivert that’s introvert leaning, I’ve had to work to use my voice more.

You may say, Paul how can you say you’re introvert.. you have a podcast, you speak, you make videos, etc.

Key word is leaning* and I really thrive in 1 on 1 and small groups and really enjoy connecting with individuals. Not that I can’t or don’t do well in large settings, but when I talk to an audience I want to focus on specific person, which is usually a young professional or student who is seeking go deeper and learn more. In order to get better at using my voice, I had to be intentional with placing myself in situations to use my voice. Whether it was leading projects in college, starting student organizations, starting a nonprofit, a podcast or just asking questions in large groups.

Also getting certified with Maxwell Leadership as a certified speaker in 2021 helped tremendously as well! But like with any skill, you have to continue working on it! I talk with an individual who understands the struggle of being STEM professional trying to get better at communicating.

We discuss key ways to get better at using your voice, speaking and overall communication!

Click the button below to see all the ways to stream it or click on the YouTube video below!

MORE DETAILS ABOUT EPISODE

In this episode, Paul Faronbi interviews Neil Thompson, founder of Teach the Geek, a platform aimed at enhancing public speaking and communication skills for technical professionals. Neil shares his personal journey from struggling with presentations in the medical device industry to creating a successful platform that empowers STEM professionals. The conversation delves into the importance of effective communication, the value of soft skills, and the journey of continuous improvement in public speaking. Neil also discusses his transition from YouTube to podcasting and the significance of advocating for oneself in a technical career. In this conversation, Paul Faronbi and Neil Thompson explore the complexities of career choices, particularly in the context of pursuing a PhD. They discuss the importance of being intentional about one's path, the realities of academic life, and the need for effective communication skills in technical fields. Neil shares insights from his journey and the creation of Teach The Geek, a platform aimed at helping technical professionals improve their public speaking abilities. The discussion emphasizes the value of passion projects, adaptability, and the significance of understanding one's motivations in education and career.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM EPISODE

• Teach the Geek was inspired by the need for better communication in STEM.

• Effective communication is crucial for career advancement.

• Leadership skills are essential for success in any field.

• Toastmasters provides valuable feedback for improving speaking skills.

• Recording presentations helps identify areas for improvement.

• Success should be viewed as a journey, not a destination.

• The importance of self-advocacy in professional settings.

• Continuous improvement is key in developing communication skills.

• Pursuing a PhD can lead to unexpected paths.

• It's important to understand the job market for PhDs.

• You can change your mind and pursue different interests.

• Public speaking skills are crucial for technical professionals.

• Life is a journey; focus on the process, not just the destination.

• Engage in passion projects to find fulfillment.

• Improvement comes with practice and experience.

• Communication skills can enhance your professional value.

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