By Sarah Farnham, WSU Student || Photos provided by S. Farnham

In February 2019, I had the privilege, as well as a few other RA’s on campus, to represent Â鶹´«Ã½ at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ 24th annual Student Leadership Conference.

At this conference, WSU’s own Zoe Bates presented on public speaking and how to perfect a presentation. I was thoroughly impressed with her confidence and poise through the presentation. After speaking with Zoe, she disclosed some details she enjoyed most about the conference and presenting.

Sarah: Why did you choose to present on public speaking?

Zoe: “I decided to present on public speaking for two reasons. The first is that it is a topic I am fairly well-versed on. The second reason I decided to present on public speaking is because it is an activity that many people are not comfortable with, but will encounter throughout their academic and professional careers.”

Sarah: How did you get involved with public speaking?

Zoe: “My freshman year of college, I joined Enactus, a student club at Worcester State. Enactus works on eight projects throughout the Worcester area, all aimed at improving lives through entrepreneurial action. In the spring semester, Enactus has auditions for the Presentation Team.”

“The team competes at Regional and National competitions, going up against over 400 teams across the U.S.,” Zoe said. “While I have always been comfortable speaking in front of people, it was not until I joined the Presentation Team during my sophomore year that I truly understood the technicalities that can create a strong public speaker.”

How do you think your presentation went?

Zoe: “I think it went well. I designed my presentation so that what the audience learned would be applicable to most public speaking scenarios – from a class assigned presentation, to the boardroom in front of the CEO. The audience appeared to be engaged and interested in the presentation, which always makes things easier!”

What do you think are the big takeaways from your talk?

1. Make sure you are prepared! Knowing your material and practicing your speech are critical components of a smooth presentation.
2. Convey Confidence. This can be achieved through body language, dressing the part, and avoiding words that imply uncertainty including like, so, and um.
3. Remember that if you look like you know what you are doing, and you act like you know what you are doing, people will think you know what you are doing!

What did you like most about the conference?

This was a wonderful opportunity to try presenting at a conference for the first time. It was low pressure, well organized, and the attendees were supportive and interactive.

My peers and I learned a great deal about ourselves, our impact, and our potential impact we have on our community at Â鶹´«Ã½.

Thank you Zoe for representing us well at the Conference!

To learn more about how you can grow as a person and a leader, visit the Office of Student Involvement on the 2nd floor of the Student Center.

Sincerely,

The Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development

The post Public Speaking 101 with WSU Student Zoe Bates! appeared first on Campus Life.

By Sarah Farnham, WSU Student || Photos provided by S. Farnham

On Saturday, February 9, I, along with few other Resident Assistants on campus, had the pleasure of representing Â鶹´«Ã½ at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ 24th annual Student Leadership Conference in North Adams, MA.

Noah Aurelio, Alli Woeller, Mo Tran, Zoe Bates, Brenna Chaisson, Jess Lloyd, Dowden Hall Residence Director Colby Harvish, and I hiked into the Berkshire’s to expand our horizons. 

At this conference, there were over eight universities and their student leaders collaboratively engaging one another in what it meant to be a leader.  The unique thing about this particular leadership conference is that it was student lead!  Learning from and listening to my peers from across the New England was a wonderful way to share stories and skills.

WSU’s own Zoe Bates presented on public speaking and how to perfect a presentation. I was thoroughly impressed with her confidence and poise through the presentation. 

WSU Student Zoe Bates presented a session called “Public Speaking 101” at the conference.

Lessons from the Conference

We learned so much about how you can develop yourself and your community:

1. Conference speaker Jamie Piperato of talked about how he can make the choice to lead with love. Come from a place of caring even if you don’t agree or understand yet.

2. Motivation matters. Understanding your own and other’s motivations will make working towards a goal run smoother.

The Worcester State delegation!

3. The stronger you disagree with someone, the more you have to teach  one another.  Take this conflict as an opportunity to grow and learn.

4. Being courageously vulnerable is the best way to establish a relationship. If people see you’re open, they are more likely to open up themselves.

5. Be self-aware of your boundaries and limitations. Everyone has them and it’s okay to say no.

6. Know your worth and the worthiness of those around you. Appreciate what you and your peers bring to the table.

7. Acknowledge differences in the people around you and in your community. It is the first step towards understanding and acceptance.

8. Take responsibility for the energy you bring into a space. Your word and actions impact those around you. Be mindful.

Thank you Sarah for sharing your Lessons of Love with the WSU Lancer community, and thank you to the Resident Assistants, and Resident Director Colby Harvish of the Office of Residence Life for representing WSU so well at the conference! 

To learn more about how you can grow as a person and a leader, visit the Office of Student Involvement on the 2nd floor of the Student Center.

Sincerely,

The Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development

The post Leading with Love: Lessons from WSU Students appeared first on Campus Life.