Last week I was given the incredible opportunity to audition as a speaker for my local TEDX Beckenham. Led by an inspiring team of professional key note speakers.

The feeling of excitement and joy at being informed that out of 55 applicants, I had been selected to take part in the final audition round. It was not an easy job for the judges to select the final 8 or 9 speakers.

The atmosphere in the room was a mix of uplifting positivity and nerves all round as would be expected in this situation. Everyone in the room wanted to secure their space, to be given an opportunity to talk and share their message on the incredible TEDX platform.

Am I a speaker? Yes and no. Yes, in that I spent many years throughout my primary teaching career leading staff INSET training in front of a big audience of teachers and support staff. Yes, in that I have stood in front of groups of parents and shared ideas and messages about supporting their child’s learning and development. Yes, in that I have presented ideas as a senior leader to school governors and wider audiences such on stage at my local Beckenham Business Association event.

Am I a speaker? A polished, clear communicator to share an inspiring idea? Well, in all honesty... not quite yet.

Being in the audition room with the other speakers was an experience like no other I have had before. It honestly felt like I was sat in a speaking masterclass. These individuals had clearly rehearsed, put in the work and crafted their storytelling into a succinct five-minute pitch. Demonstrating not only why they are the person to share the message, relating back to often very raw emotions and personal life experiences but also shone a light on a positive vision. Crafting their talk to not only reach their target audience but also bring everyone who is listening to feel part of the story too.

As I sat listening to each speaker in turn, there was no hiding from the fact that my pitch was not mastered and that although I knew WHY I wanted to talk and I am certainly passionate about the importance of children spending time outdoors in nature, I had not crafted the story with a key message or started with a statement to hook the listener. Aside from the smiles when I mentioned my 80’s childhood with my ra-ra-skirt, Play School (shout out the incredible Baroness of Beckenham) and crimped hair, the rest of the storytelling got a little lost. Humbled by the opportunity to learn and for taking a leap to at least try, I was grateful to receive feedback in the room from the other participants and the judges.

Comments such as:

“Parents think they are keeping their children safe by being indoors. A child on a devise in their bedroom is not safe. Playing outdoors is arguably safer.”

“As you talked about being out in nature, it made me reflect on how actually I don’t think I am going outdoors enough. I want to change that.”

“Being out all weathers means enjoying the rainshine!” (I absolutely love this phrase!)

“This is very timely and an important message”

One comment, will stay with me for a long time. “It’s great to hear that you had a childhood spending so much time outside. But what about those who were like me? I spent my childhood indoors playing computer games for hours and hours with the curtains closed to block out the sunlight.”

I left the audition room with no doubt that I needed to do more work on refining my core message and that next time (oh yes, this is not the end of the story!) I will be better prepared with a polished pitch.

It was no surprise to learn that I hadn’t been selected this time. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been in the room and get actual real-life feedback from an audience and professional speakers. Had I played it safe, not applied or not even tried. I would have missed out on this invaluable experience.

The biggest takeaway, in an unexpected twist to this, is the realisation that in addition to all the obvious reasons why I want to inspire parents and educators to get outdoors with their children… is that I want to talk more about how playing outdoors helps children build RESILIENCE. Balancing on logs, falling off and getting back up, being stung by nettles, going outdoors on rainy days. These experiences can shape us and give us the tenacity to take a leap and know that even if you fail (I mean I didn’t literally fall flat on my face, but emotionally it felt like it.) you get back up, dust yourself off and keep moving forwards.

Is this the end for me and my speaking career? One wild attempt and then quit? Do I want my example for my own children to be that if you and try and fail, you simply give up? Hmm.. What do you think?

In this moment of reflection, I shall leave you here with the wise words of Carol Dweck, known in the education world for her fantastic work on ‘Growth Mindset’

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Is there something in your life in which you feel called to take the leap and try too?

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