Page 10 - AASBO EDGE Summer 2023 WEB

PUBLIC SPEAKING

BY FRANCIE WOLFE-BAUMANN AASBO VICE PRESIDENT
Proper Planning and Preparation

Prevent Poor Performance
Francie Wolfe-Baumann

According to Forbes, 75% of the population suffers summer training and bi-monthly meetings that are
from glossophobia. The word glossophobia derives geared toward the district staff that we support and
from the Greek glossa (tongue) and phobos (fear have financial responsibilities. It’s my experience that
or dread). It’s basically a fear of public speaking. most accounting staff don’t typically crave attention.
They want to work behind the scenes but sharing their
knowledge in an area where they are the expert is a
Now, many of you may know my proclamation that I great confidence booster. Some people can talk about
am an introvert. Did you also know that there is not a anything, but that is not what works for me. I shy away
correlation between being an introvert and suffering from presenting on topics that I don’t understand or
from glossophobia? That’s not to say that it isn’t can’t see myself as being able to bring valuable
intimidating standing in front of a group and speaking. information, a good tool or just a good example.
Is the audience going to judge you? Will this be a Know your audience for the presentation. This will
career-ending experience? Will it be like a bad 80’s allow you to gear your presentation to that audience
movie? The imagination can run wild, glossophobia
is in full swing and we are going into full nuclear
shutdown. Nope. Not interested. Hard pass. Find
someone else to present. Thanks, but no thank you. #1 EDUCATION BUILDER
There are just some individuals who are never IN THE SOUTHWEST
going to be able to present to an audience. That is
OK. Really, it is. However, if you think the lack of
this ability or inexperience is holding back your

“I shy away from

presenting on topics that I

don’t understand...”

staff’s – or even your own – career, don’t let it! I
want to share with you some strategies that have Proud Supporter of AASBO
worked for me and my team members over the years. and Arizona’s Bright Future.

The Accounting Team at Dysart Schools is expected
to present in the areas where they are the expert. This
is the first step in being comfortable with presenting www.coreconstruction.com
to an audience. The Finance Team hosts an annual

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10 THE EDGE SUMMER 2023