Are you or have you ever thought about being a public speaker?

Sgt Melinda Enfinger — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:45:52 -0400

What experiences have you drawn from your military experience that could benefit the lives of others? Leadership? Discipline? Overcoming PTSD? Perseverance? Something else?
If you had the opportunity to share your story with the world, would you?

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 3:47 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:47:01 -0400

Sgt,
We have a number of experienced public speakers here on the board. I think public speaking and military experience goes hand in hand. If you are not able to speak it is difficult to lead. A good leader is often a good speaker and vice versa.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 4:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:11:51 -0400

Ma'am, sometimes we have no choice but to speak publicly. Before I was DA Selected to become a recruiter, I had taken a public speaking course. But in no way was I proficient at it. But after telling my "Army story" literally hundreds of times, I somewhat enjoy it. As Leaders, we are by law of the land, expected to speak confidently and clear on a day to day basis. Still something a vast majority of us don't enjoy doing.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 4:25 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:25:04 -0400

I have definitely thought about speaking in front of others in order to motivate and positively influence. The main thing I love about being in the service is the fact that I have a huge opportunity to positively influence others. I realize that there are many young individuals out there that have huge potentials but are lacking in mentors. Young individuals that give up, feel that all is lost, or just feel alone are lacking the environment/athmosphere where a mentor can help guide them. Many of these young individuals have unique talents/skills that just need to be polished, but do not know how to do it. By sharing my experiences/stories, I always have the hope that it inspires others to take the difficult step(s) in pursuing what makes them happy. Additionally, I hope to inspire others to in turn be that mentor and share the knowledge of how others can succeed at reaching a higher level of happiness. At the end of the day, I feel that success is measured by happiness, but the path(s) to getting there can be less difficult if others are there to help/guide/mentor.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 4:55 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:55:44 -0400

I can't even count how many times I've given public speeches. With that said, not sure I could or would want to talk about deployments. Much more comfortable talking science. Too many raw nerves still remain from downrange.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 10 at 2014 5:16 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 17:16:43 -0400

I have been doing public speaking since High School in some form or another. As for formal events, I have been doing those since I was an instructor (beginning in 1999) and in my current job I give presentations very frequently on a number of veteran related issues. Used to scare the hell out of me to speak in front of a crowd, but in time it really does become second nature; especially when you are confident in the material you are presenting.
As for speaking about personal experiences, that is a different story altogether. Aside from the occasional anecdote in a presentation; personal experiences, if I talk about them, are more confined to one on one conversations.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 10 at 2014 5:55 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 17:55:48 -0400

I took a public speaking course in college, not by choice and was not very good at it. I am much more outgoing now than I was several years ago. In an informal environment, I have no problem speaking, however, there is something about a formal speaking environment that causes me to trip over my tongue.

I do want to share my experiences with the world. Although I have never been in combat, I have had many life experiences that I have overcome that I feel could benefit others.

Inspired by the Ottoman writer Celebi, I have decided to write my own book of travels that focus on life's adversities, how I overcame some and how I dealt with the ones I could not overcome.

After reading a part of my transcript, my therapist called it a journey of self discovery.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Jun 10 at 2014 7:40 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 19:40:13 -0400

As a kid, I always wanted to be a stand-up comedian. That is the experience I tend to draw from when I do public speaking.

I was the guest speaker at a friend's retirement. My speech was the longest part of the ceremony - 15 minutes!!! - but no one seemed to mind because everyone was laughing so hard. I, literally, cannot get up in front of people without trying to make them laugh

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 12:14 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 12:14:00 -0400

Sgt Enfinger
I had to stop and think about this one. In one form or another I think most Veterans are a walking, talking, been-there-done-that billboards.... Some of us, as noted within this thread, find talking about down-range too painful. I commend those who KNOW they are too close to the issue to be able to articulate fully - knowing oneself shows a huge inner strength that perhaps many are unaware of.

Personally, I have been speaking / training / gabbing in front of groups for decades. Since retiring, when deployed during a disaster with FEMA, I step forward and identify myself to my superiors and advocate speaking to Veterans groups in the affected areas. Most management types with or without military experience seem to be glad to hand off the "Vet-issue" to someone who "talks the talk" as it were. Of course, most Veterans groups are glad to hear from another Veteran - not all of them are happy to hear FEMA's message - but I've always been received well. However, when speaking in front of a large crowd mixed with non-military types - such as a town hall meetings - playing the Veteran card can sometimes make people even more hostile, so a cautious testing of the waters can be useful.

While I generally don't play the Veteran card in public - I would be interested in hearing/seeing what you have. One never knows what the door in front of us will reveal.......

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 12:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 12:24:43 -0400

I have been speaking public in some capacity since College. I have been a CPR First Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross, Microsoft Certified Trainer, and NRA Firearms Instructor. All of these required speaking in front of 10-50 people. When I was in the private sector, I had the opportunity to be a guest lecturer and speaker for groups of 50-500+. In my government capacity I have presented to the General Officer and Deputy Under Secretary Level. I think my military experience helped to prepare me for this and I would gladly share my story to the extent that it would benefit others.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jun 11 at 2014 1:01 PM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 13:01:56 -0400

I speak for the Blind Veterans programs and with the VIST office at my local VA. I also did radio show for over 20 years. Public speaking is even easier now that I am 100% blind. The biggest problem is making sure I am at least facing the audience.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Jun 11 at 2014 2:39 PM

SFC Rich Carey — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:39:00 -0400

I have and I do. I have been part of the Toastmasters and obtain several awards. I was on recruiting duty and had to speak in front of large groups. I entertain and performed magic shows all over the world. I work at a university and run several programs that I speak. Plus I DJ... DJ Rampa!!!!

A tip to remember when you speak, you are the subject matter expert and no one has anyidea what you are going to say.

I remember one time I really messed up an effect. I didn't panic and I didn't say sorry can I do that again. I continued on like nothing happen and the most amazing thing happened, I had more people after the show told me how great it was.... Maybe I should make more mistakes , HA.....

Response by SSgt Tom Kavanaugh made Jun 11 at 2014 2:43 PM

SSgt Tom Kavanaugh — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:43:09 -0400

Hi, Melinda: Currently, I am a public speaker, and it's much easier than most people think it might be for them! One of the most compelling reasons why you might want to become a public speaker is because you are passionate about something which has affected your life.

As Veterans, we are trained to respond to situations and events with spontaneous behavior because we've been trained, over and over, on how to do it. Becoming a public speaker is very similar; in that, it takes a willingness and a desire to share our passion. That's the easy part. The part which appears challenging is the "doing" of it. And, believe it or not, that part gets easier and easier with practice and training. The best way to learn it is to do it, and the best way to bring yourself to do it is to have a passion you want to share with others. When your "Why" is big enough, the "How" doesn't matter.

My passion is teaching Veterans, First Responders and Trauma Survivors how to release their attachment to the effects and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress. Most people don't realize the process can be taught in a content-free environment. In other words, you don't have to re-tell your story over and over; simply follow the process (My belief is that whatever the mind can learn to do, it can also "unlearn" it!) So, through the combination of several modalities of learning "how" to let go, and experiencing the emotional release, people empower themselves to be free!

The qualities of leadership, self-discipline and perseverance, which we learned during training, and serving in the military are all the traits necessary to take control of our own lives. We just need to learn the process.

I teach accelerated learning techniques and skills to earn my living through my own seminar company, and in each and every seminar I teach, I share my passion for helping others release the effects and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress through The R.E.L.E.A.S.E. Method.

So, remember, when your "WHY" is big enough, the "How" doesn't matter!

Semper Fi, to all!

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jun 11 at 2014 6:56 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 18:56:59 -0400

The most dangerous piece of equipment in the world is an open mike. That being said, I have done a great deal of public speaking over the years, and continue to do so as a veteran and family advocate.

Are you doing that, Melinda?

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 13 at 2015 2:27 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 14:27:19 -0400

Several opportunities always arise and mainly I enjoy being asked to speak to schools, JROTC programs, volunteer groups and other businesses who request a service member to share something. I find it humbling to be requested, even more to be listened to and appreciated for the things we do, nothing is for granted. The most difficult thing I have witnessed among peers in public speaking is dropping the assumption that everyone else knows the language. You know what I mean, acronym heavy and military jargon. We have to break it down and simplify how we speak so we are understood.

Sharing anything I have experienced in 28 years to date I do not voluntarily, if asked I oblige, but someone has to want to know, not going to throw it out there.