Inspirational Firetalkers
An inspiring group of Port Hedland women took part in an effective presentations workshop last week and discovered that, if you’re going to head out into the community to inspire others, everything you need starts inside YOU.
Gael Drum’s Effective Presentations workshop proved initially confronting for its participants, as they were challenged to recognise themselves as inspirational before they head out to schools as “Firetalkers” to share their stories with young people.
“A lot of the time, they don’t tap into that and when they’re presenting to kids, they’re going to have to take that belief in themselves and be really aware of their own capabilities and use that,” Mrs Drum said.
Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer Sophie Edwards said this lesson was powerful.
“That’s the first thing I was taught here today – that I’m an inspiration to everyone, to our community and our kids,” she said.
“Once we admit that, we can’t go back.”
Hedland Aboriginal Church of Christ Senior Pastor Natarsha Bell spoke of learning how an effective presentation can help build more real relationships.
“We’ve sat and heard each other’s stories – things that have hurt both our hearts and emotional things that have come up.
“It’s made us stronger and we are now at a place where we can say, ‘I have something valuable to offer and I am an inspiration to those around me’.”
Hedland educator Kenlee Kelly is keen to encourage communities about education and disability support.
“I think it’s going to be very important when I get out into the communities to be effective, clear and to the point (because I tend to babble),” she said, with warm hearted laughs around her.
“I want to maintain my individuality to engage with my people, but share a serious message.”
YMCA project officers Brandi Joseph and Anne Mitchell both took great ideas from the course.
Ms Joseph said the impact of things like good posture and confidence can be vital.
“Now I have something to work on,” she said.
Ms Mitchell was able to address how to be comfortable talking, not just with an audience, but others.
“It’s all right to slow down and have a break and think about what you’re going to say,” she said.
“Firetalk” for men will begin soon.
Fabulous Firetalkers with presenter Gael Drum (R)
