Public speaking. For some, it's a thrill; for others, a source of sheer terror.
As a psychologist who frequently presents at conferences, continuing education seminars, and community events, I've experienced the full spectrum of this rollercoaster. It's a ride with exhilarating highs and stomach-churning lows, and today, I'm sharing some of my best and worst moments from behind the podium (or webcam on Zoom, as the case may be).
Let's start with the highs, the moments that make all the preparation worthwhile.
One of my most rewarding experiences was presenting at a conference hosted by the National MS Society on how to foster a growth mindset while living with a disability.
The room was packed with people with MS and their families, all eager to learn more about happiness, a growth mindset, self-care, and healthy interdependence in disability. The energy was palpable. It was a long presenting day (8 hours!), but it was incredibly rewarding to interact with folks - questions poured forth, people shared their experiences, and a lively discussion ensued. It wasn't just a presentation; it was a conversation, a shared exploration of a critical topic that impacts people’s quality of life in a real way. That feeling of connection and excitement among the group, as well as watching people learn and grow, was such a highlight in my years of work as a psychology presenter.
Another highlight was the first workshop I conducted through my APA-sponsored continuing education platform, Insights into Aging.
This platform has a mission to provide high-quality geropsychology education to mental health providers in the US, so older adults have more access to culturally competent care with providers who understand aging. The participants were a small but mighty group of psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists who were eager to learn about the aging brain. What made this experience particularly special was the interactive nature of the workshop.
I shared some brain basics in the beginning, but there was a wonderful interactive conversation throughout most of the presentation, where the group shared their professional experiences working with dementia, caregivers, and older adults in therapy and assessment. The group brainstormed practical strategies together and shared resources. Seeing this project begin to take off, and seeing genuine interest from mental health providers in increasing their competence to work with older adults, was really gratifying.
These positive experiences are driven by a few key factors: audience engagement, meaningful content, and a genuine connection with the listeners. When these elements align, the presentation transcends mere information delivery and becomes a shared experience, a journey of learning and growth. I am always so appreciative when I learn and grow as a result of thoughtful questions and shared resources, even when I’m the one presenting!
Now, let's talk about the lows.
We've all been there – the presentation that just doesn't go as planned. One particularly challenging experience involved a technical meltdown when I was presenting to a large group of psychology trainees on managing grief and loss as a therapist. My meticulously prepared PowerPoint presentation decided to take a digital vacation just minutes before I was scheduled to begin speaking. I am not technologically inclined, so I still don’t know exactly what happened, but the gist is that the projector wouldn't connect, and my carefully timed presentation was thrown into chaos. Talk about a stress test! I had to improvise, relying on my notes and engaging the audience in a more conversational format.
While it ultimately worked out, it was a nerve-wracking experience that taught me the importance of having a backup plan (and a good tech support person on speed dial…now I know). But, in the spirit of that growth mindset I mentioned earlier, this experience was a great opportunity to be flexible, to model a sense of humor and resilience to my audience (who were, thankfully, a very gracious group), and to connect in a less academic and more personal way with the audience. This was actually fitting and more meaningful for a presentation on grief, and I believe it may have been better this way in the end.
The harder presenting experiences, while not enjoyable, are valuable learning opportunities.
They highlight the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the ability to think on your feet. They also remind me that not every presentation will be perfect, and that's okay. The key is to learn from these challenges, prioritize preparation and thoroughness in speaking and presenting, and above all, to connect with audiences in a meaningful way.
Working as a psychology speaker and presenter can be a rollercoaster, but teaching and presenting is worth it. The opportunity to share my knowledge (no gatekeeping of psychology information here!), connect with others, and make a positive impact is what keeps me coming back for more. If you are interested in engaging me for a presentation, please use the contact form on this website. If you are interested in attending a continuing education webinar on geropsych topics through Insights into Aging, check out our upcoming APA-accredited CE webinars here.
Work With A Mental health speaker in Los Angeles, ca
Public speaking is a journey filled with both rewarding connections and unexpected challenges. As a mental health speaker in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Reger brings expertise, engagement, and meaningful insights to every presentation—whether it's at a conference, continuing education seminar, or community event. If you're looking for an experienced speaker, reach out today by following these steps:
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Other Services Offered By Dr. Reger in Los Angeles, CA
Speaking arrangements aren’t the only service I offer. As a therapist, I know that you may encounter more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why I’m happy to offer multiple neuropsychological and psychological assessments. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy and counseling for older adults.