Comments on: Personal Presentations

By: Gary Schlee

Gary Schlee — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:13:08 +0000

You’re not alone in dealing with this conundrum: PR folks are very good at touting their organizations’ horns, but very tentative about touting their personal or PR horns. It’s one of the reasons the image of PR generally seems to languish, decade after decade.

Of course, it’s not limited to PR. I know marriage counsellors whose own wedded bliss is in shambles, and family studies teachers who balk at the idea of having to cook supper when they get home.

By: conniepappas

conniepappas — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:00:05 +0000

That’s a good point Brandon. I think many of us didn’t know what we could consider our greatest achievement because it was such a broad thing to talk about. It definitely shows through the variety of topics that were talked about.

By: Brandon Carlos

Brandon Carlos — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:55:32 +0000

Maybe I was brought up backwards, but my parents always taught me the value of speaking up and standing tall. I absolutely believe in the power of voice.
I don’t find it difficult standing infront of an audience, be they strangers or peers. What made this assignment difficult for me was actually choosing an accomplishment worthy of the title “greatest achievement.” It’s difficult to label something like that with so little experience.

By: karinmk123

karinmk123 — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:41:10 +0000

I have always felt uneasy talking about my achievements. Partly, because of what Christine said about parents cautioning their children to not blow their horn. Partly, because of the difficulty I have thinking about me in a subjective manner.

It’s a bit of a relief to realize that I am not alone; however, this is an area that we all have to feel comfortable with if we are to succeed as public relations practitioners.

By: Christine Smith

Christine Smith — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:34:21 +0000

Many of us were brought up with this message from our parents: “don’t blow your own horn.” So, we aren’t comfortable drawing attention to our achievements.

In business, this won’t get you very far. If you won’t let your boss and peers know about your significant accomplishments, then, who will?

Also, most of us tend to underestimate our own power and it takes some time to get familiar with what we really have to offer.

By: Natasha C.

Natasha C. — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:19:43 +0000

Something about the whole premise of talking about your greatest achievement may appear like bragging to some. Simply put, my greatest achievement may sound juvenile compared to yours. It’s all about perceptions and feeling comfortable in your own skin.

I believe I would feel more comfortable talking to a bunch of strangers than talking to people I know. I guess the whole realm of uncertainty makes it easier to get the nerve to “brag” about my life.