Unscripted Success

Last Thursday, I attended the Business Symposium at Panther Creek High School. I had a great time meeting professionals and practicing new skills, such as interviewing, networking, and conducting myself in a professional setting.

Leading up to the event, I practiced my elevator pitch and participated in mock interviews. I was well prepared for the symposium, but I do not believe it was such that led to a successful night. Before I walked in, I told myself to relax and pretend I was talking to average people. Allowing myself to embrace my true character while simultaneously conducting myself in a professional manner, I had the opportunity to engage in several thoughtful discussions. I asked questions that I genuinely wanted to hear the answers to, not questions I thought I should ask. I realized that I only used my elevator pitch one time, and that conversation was dry and robotic. After that, I started conversation more naturally. For example, when I sat down for one of my interviews, the interviewer and I were coincidentally both wearing pink, so I said, “Look, we’re twinning!” He laughed and it started our conversation on a more natural and uplifting note. However, with the positives, there are always ways to improve. During my conversations, there were times I talked too quickly and didn’t maintain strong eye contact.

Overall, I am proud of my experience at the Business Symposium - I was confident while speaking, engaged in interesting conversations, as well as had two generally successful interviews. In the future, I should practice slowing down while speaking and making a conscious effort to hold eye contact. Also in the future, I am going to act and speak more naturally and get rid of my preconceived questions. These two things hinder a productive and thought provoking conversation.