Menu:
Introverts Like Me Are Not Supposed to Enjoy Center Stage!
by Nancy Larrabee
One of my most challenging assignments as a public librarian is to lead computer instruction classes, with audiences from two to thirty five. I never had any desire to obtain formal training as a teacher or any specialized training with computers. Observers of my instructional style would agree that I have an extroverted personality; however, I am naturally more of an introvert.
An essential facet of my success is my conviction that I must be my strongest supporter and coach. I take personal pride in my instructional skills and leadership. Saying softly to myself before beginning a class: "I know I can do this" and "be myself" gives me a motivating lift. Learning how to lead was not an easy task, and I often ask what I got myself into. Along the way, I have developed a number of personal presentation rules.
I focus on:
- Preparation, practice, and planning ahead
- Learning and observing colleagues and patrons
- Breathing and projecting my voice
- Managing mistakes
- Learning from my observations and patrons' comments
Listen & Learn
Before every class, I think: "If I were a patron attending this class, what would I want?" In order for me to lead a computer class effectively, I need wholehearted preparation to build my confidence. When I have not had a chance to prepare thoroughly, I know my performance will be weak. I work on the details of a class at least a week before. When planning, I always start with my strengths. I am a creative person, so I begin by developing handouts for the upcoming class.
After many years of presenting, I still make a point of learning from others, both other librarians and patrons. Conversation with others has helped me overcome my natural shyness and reticence about public speaking. Years ago, a similarly anxious colleague emphasized to "make sure the patrons at least get a cup of good coffee." Her statement reminds me to this day that patrons take time out of their lives to hear what I have to say, so I must strive to make every program the best presentation yet. Another colleague recently showed me how she creates a floor plan so she can remember people's names during her presentation. It is helpful to see how others accomplish the task of teaching library patrons how to use computers.
I know that my speaking style is crucial during a presentation. Since I do not naturally have the most powerful voice, I work at modulating my voice so that people remain alert to what I have to say. I pace myself to cover all the needed material during the scheduled class time. One effective tip I have learned is to treat participants with the courtesy and respect that your best friend deserves.
I still get butterflies in my stomach on the day of a computer class. Another librarian said to me: "That's good, because after all this time it shows you still want your program to be a success." My nerves show me that I am focused and anticipating the questions and potential equipment malfunctions unique to each presentation.
I have learned from experience to allow plenty of time to get to the library the day of my scheduled presentation. I always check first thing to make sure the program room is set up the way I want. As I review my plan of action, I focus on taking deep breaths to help calm me down and reinforce my confidence.
Once the presentation starts, if I make a mistake, I take the self-assured attitude that no one is perfect. I do not try to keep the mistake hidden from my audience. I don't allow mistakes to hinder my class, and instead seek to learn from them. I have learned the art of improvisation when things do not go as planned. Improvising with the planned material allows me to step into a role that is different from my typical personality.
Self-Assessment
I am my own toughest critic after a program. I mentally run through every program and judge where things went right and wrong. It is revealing to collect participants' written and oral comments after a presentation to help evaluate your performance. The fact that I will have the opportunity to lead again helps calm any nerves. If I am able to incorporate even one new suggestion or comment, I feel more confident about the content the next time.
Willingness To Change
I know very few people who are fully accepting of criticism. All the same, you should learn to listen to what participants say afterwards. I get very defensive about negative comments. Who do they think they are? I try to break criticism down and attempt to eliminate any perceived difficulty for the next class.
At the same time, I find it equally hard to accept the positive comments. I had to learn to graciously accept praise. My introverted personality does not want to be the center of attention.
Success Or Failure
Whether my class is rated a great success or failure, I strive to learn from each opportunity. The first time I saw a patron sleep in my class, I was dismayed, and thought: "What should I do?" I try to turn these awkward occurrences into questions like: "How do I keep the gentleman in the third row from falling asleep?"
Once I am in the class setting, I shed my introverted personality, because I know that it is my turn to be a leader. I plan each class with the intention to both educate as well as entertain. Most of all, I have learned to manage my personal idiosyncrasies in order to become an accomplished computer instructor on behalf of my library.
Nancy Larrabee is the Head of Information Services at the Greenburgh Public Library in Elmsford, NY. She gives at least two programs a month about different computer topics. With great focus and determination, she has come to enjoy the challenge of leading a program. E-mail: nlarrabee@greenburghlibrary.org.