What is something you do where you have the confidence of Tony Manero on the dance floor?
Recently, I found myself reflecting on my first academic conference presentation back in 1996. I had twenty minutes to discuss my summer research, and was just getting into my flow when the moderator announced that my time was up. I was stunned, as I had only presented the “brief” background context for my work and none of the actual research! Red-faced, I returned to my seat, wondering how my talk went awry. I can laugh about it now, picturing how I must have droned on with my ill-conceived introduction, but at the time it was humiliating.
Flash-forward to a few weeks ago, when I had the opportunity to represent SJSU at the Adobe EduMAX conference for higher ed leaders. The stakes felt high: not only was I stepping in on behalf of Provost Del Casino, but President Teniente-Matson would also be watching. I carefully assembled my slides and rehearsed my remarks, but once on stage, something magical happened: my nerves evaporated. I spoke confidently, sharing my story of being a first-generation college student to illustrate the importance of eliciting student voices in the classroom. I felt a palpable connection with the audience: they responded enthusiastically, laughed at my jokes, and showed interest in our programming, with some attendees approaching me to share how inspired they were. I knew I knocked it out of the park–even going so far as to text the Provost, “My talk was [chef’s kiss]!”
But, man, what a journey to reach this point. Everything I have learned about public speaking has been through trial and error. “Giving a presentation” is something you are expected to do in academia but rarely does anyone teach you how to deliver a focused and lively talk. My skills today are the result of nearly three decades of conference presentations, course lectures, and workshop facilitations that taught me in real-time what works and what doesn’t. If you had told me in 1996 that one day I would be a strong public speaker, I wouldn’t have believed you.
Everyone has something that makes them feel like a total badass, like Tony Manero on the dance floor. Think of that iconic dance scene from Saturday Night Fever: when he hears the opening beats of “You Should Be Dancing,” Tony warms into the groove with sleek confidence, knowing he’s in his place of power. Everyone else clears the floor and he takes over, pretending to button his cuffs, pointing to the crowd, commanding their attention. They clap and cheer, further energizing him as he dances. Sure, Tony is showing off, but who can blame him? His moves are that good!
What is something you love to do now that you learned the hard way—trying your best, messing up, and regrouping to try it again and again (and yet again)? What is your special skill that, when you have the chance to draw upon it, you know you will impress folks and be at your best? If nothing comes to mind, then what do you want to become great at? How can you seek out opportunities to accumulate the experience needed to bring out your inner Tony?
I encourage you to get in tune with it, whatever it is, so that your students and colleagues can see, learn from, and be amazed by your passion and skill. We may be approaching the end of the semester, but it’s never too late to take up space and show us what you got!
Ready to cheer you on,
Magdalena L. Barrera
Vice Provost for Faculty Success
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