Communication is central to the work we do every day at RoseComm. So, when a friend asked if I’d be game to speak about public relations to his Fairleigh Dickinson University Effective Risk Communication for Leadership class this semester, “Of course,” I said.
Seconds later, I was filled with regret.
For many people — and me in particular — public speaking is a dreaded form of communication. I once relied on a beta blocker to make it through a presentation to a room of 50 people. Now, out of nowhere, I was committed to speak to a classroom of 25 students – mostly adult learners working in law enforcement.
Of course, I could have easily backed out of the engagement with a convenient excuse. But that would have both disappointed my friend and been a disservice to myself.
Public speaking is a vital skill for working professionals, especially those specializing in PR and communications. I am otherwise confident in what I do and I’m excited to help educate others, so it was important for me to get out of my comfort zone and address the class. I contacted the professor and we scheduled my visit.
Part of Fairleigh Dickinson’s course, which is aimed at the law enforcement community, focuses on learning how to deal with the media and use it as an effective tool. Other topics covered include fostering good relationships with reporters, crisis communications and developing better written communications such as press releases and pitches.
Talking to the class made total sense for me. My dad is a retired detective from New York’s Nassau County Police Department and I used this fact to try and relate to my audience. RoseComm has experience with clients in the military and law enforcement sectors; I had specific examples to share that the students could easily relate to. I have presented our capabilities and conducted media training sessions countless times and was able to share this information with students – from sergeants and lieutenants up to a chief of police.
I tried hard to push my nerves aside and channel that energy into excitement. The students asked insightful questions and, thankfully, remained engaged during my presentation. I am happy I didn’t let fear keep me from speaking, as it gets easier every time I do so.
As a bonus, the class met at MetLife Stadium. The course is taught by Lt. Peter Velez of the New Jersey State Police, who heads up the Meadowlands Station. As a thank you, he graciously gave me a private tour of the stadium, an experience I’ll be humble-bragging about for a long time.
It’s also an experience I wouldn’t have had if I turned down the speaking opportunity.
How do you feel about public speaking?