Depending upon the circumstance, I have no particular problem with
striking-up a conversation with someone new. As an example, when in a room of
my piers, I can simply move around and let a conversation or two commence
without too much difficulty or reservations. I believe it is the
professionalism in me that pushes me toward interaction and comingling.
I also recognize when it may be unordinary to be overtly outgoing. Like
when I ride the metro in Washington, DC. Folks are somewhat withdrawn and
introverted. It is more of a respect of limited space to not strike-up a
conversation than an inhabitation of striking-up a conversation.
It was not always so easy for me. Growing-up was harsh for my brother
and I, my father was a somewhat angry individual that taught us to always take
the upper hand and never give an inch to anybody. After I joined the military,
I quickly learned this was not going to work and quickly adapted to the team
method of accomplishing assignments (one of the smarter decisions in my life).
As I moved up in rank, public speaking became inevitable and like so
many individuals, I would rather have cut off an arm than do public speaking. I
decided early on to take the bull by the preverbal horns and I enrolled in the
A.F. Leadership School, NCO and Senior NCO Academy just as soon as I was
eligible. Years later I would join Toast Masters which synthesized even greater
my public speaking skills, in-turn building ever further my ability to break
the ice and enter into the fine art of conversation, rejection, proper use of
body language and active listening. I must confess the latter skill, is one
that is still “work-in-progress”.
I have also grown in other areas because of the confidence public
speaking; including the art of conversation has given me. I currently serve on
an executive committee in Washington, DC regarding aviation safety. I have had
the honor to be a committee chair and to address the full board of the NTSB
regarding the safety of public aircraft.
There are a few noteworthy items from the chapter that have been
reemphasized for me, particularly in a crowd or room of movers and shakers. The
first would be my own outmoded self-depreciating internal monologue. And that
my level of self esteem is just fine and I have been told I command a certain
air of confidence about me, and that people respond to it… including the movers
and shakers.
I do not want to end this Web Log with individuals believing I am
arrogant and need to be the center of attention. Quite the contrary, I am
comfortable with my self and being alone with myself. I am also comfortable
being in a crowd of people… pretty women included.
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