COMMITTEE REPORT
SPEAKER DEVELOPMENT GROUP SUBCOMMITTEE
Speaker Development Group Kevin Reed, MD FAAEM – Chair, AAEM Speaker Development Group Subcommittee
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ooking for a way to polish your speaking skills and break into the EM lecture circuit? Consider applying for the AAEM Speaker Development Group program. A wonderful opportunity afforded to AAEM members, this exciting program is now in its fourth year. The goal is simple: we want to help you become a confident and engaging speaker. No formal speaking experience or training is required. So how does it work? The Speaker Development Group program matches interested individuals with nationally recognized AAEM speakers. This relationship is mentee led – as one of our amazing mentors said, “If you want to get better at speaking, I’m here for you.” So...does the program really work? As the saying goes – the proof is in the pudding. We reached out to current and previous participants and asked them about their experience as part of the Speaker Development Group. Check out their comments on the next few pages. For more information on this program and for details on applying for the 2021-2022 class, please visit the AAEM Speaker Development Group website: www.aaem.org/education/speaker-development-group A formal application link will open this summer. Hoping to see some of you in next year’s group. Stay safe!
Testimonials from Previous Speaker Development Group Participants
Afrah Abdul Wahid Ali, MBBS FAAEM The AAEM Speaker Development group is a brilliant path for junior faculty to obtain an opportunity to be able to speak on a national platform. This group will help guide you to better understand what areas you need to improve on to become a stronger public speaker. It helped me to focus and narrow down my niche and understand the pathway of becoming a successful national speaker. I had a great time working with my mentor, Dr. Amal Mattu, attaining a great wealth of knowledge about engaging and interacting with my audience. One of my greatest takeaways was learning that a clear and concise message, paired with an empowering story, is the key to establishing a connection with your audience. It is important to have an impactful takeaway and center your conversation around it.
Andrew M. Bazakis, MD FAAEM The AAEM Speaker Development [Group] program an excellent opportunity regardless of how much experience one has to get expert coaching to bring ones speaking skills to the next level. My mentor was able to provide fresh perspective and helpful suggestions, especially as regards to being prepared for both of the virtual and in person platforms amidst the uncertainty of the current pandemic transition. She introduced me to the concept of a walk-up song and how to channel one’s inner “Tony Romo.” I would recommend this program to speakers of all levels of experience.
Gregory P. Wu, MD FAAEM I have been interested in speaking at the national level after being inspired the by the likes of Mike Winters, MD FAAEM. Imagine my surprise when I found out who my mentor would be! I have sincerely enjoyed my discussions with Mike, and being able to put into words what separates a good talk from a great one. Working with Mike Winters, MD FAAEM and Speaker Development [Group] pushes emerging speakers to be better, and to adapt new and modern practices, which are sorely needed in medical education. From medical school onward we see thousands of slideshows, and can see over the decades how one type of presentation has dominated. We intuitively tell stories, but after years of medical education we suppress that ability, whether by social cuing or being overtly told not do that. Yet to reach an audience, they must first want to know, and telling stories forms an immediate connection. Rediscovering this skill, I have a much better idea of how to use this in future talks. For those interested in taking their speaking skills to the next level I would advise to not hesitate and consider this program.
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COMMON SENSE MAY/JUNE 2021
