An IGNITE! presentation lasts only five minutes, and includes twenty slides that automatically progress every fifteen seconds. For some reason, I chose this to be my first attempt at public speaking.
As someone who has never been concise, telling a story in five minutes is difficult enough but staying on point in fifteen second bites almost sent me over the edge!
The venue for this first attempt at speaking was a positive choice, ACCESSE, a STEM association annual meeting with wonderful, supportive people in attendance. Last year, I experienced my first IGNITE! event at this meeting and loved it!
I have never been more afraid in my life. The IGNITE! presentations take place after the closing session and before the closing reception. This year there were eight of us presenting, I was number five. I spent most of the three day meeting in my hotel room practicing and calming my nerves.
For my first attempt, I think I did OK. You can hear how I stumble during the first five slides or so but then gain my footing.
Some people jump out of planes, learn a new language or take up piano as they begin their third act. For me, it was this IGNITE! presentation.
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