Lifestyle Changes are Scary. But What If Everything is About to Change?
I think I have no option anymore.
There was this game I used to play every year.
I tried to receive as many invitations to speak at international events as possible. Speaking engagements were (and are still) essential in the academic world. Many academics assumed “the more invitations, the more impact.” Some could only talk about the places they visited and are going to visit. I only accepted invitations when airfare and accommodation costs were fully covered.
When I had to present, I made sure I was well prepared. The idea was to receive at least one new invitation. And in most cases, I succeeded.
The secret was to distinguish yourself from the other presenters — be bold, be memorable. People should talk about the presentation days after the event and remember me for the years to come. Or, at least, until they wanted a speaker for their own event.
So, I made sure to surprise the audience. Provocative content that made the participants think. Visuals. Humor. Energy. The performance was probably even more critical. It was like having a casual and informal conversation with the people in the room. I worked the room. I loved it. And I was good at it.
