Firetalking men find their voice
Move over, “The Voice!”
A fantastic group of Port Hedland men have put their hands up to find their speaking voice and inspire young people with their stories.
Following the successful women’s “Firetalk” workshop, several gents participated in this day long course run by public presenter Andrew Watt to enhance their confidence and build skills to give back to the community.
YMCA Organiser Tim Turner said that the purpose of Firetalk is about standing up and supporting young people.
“As a group of men, we’ve come together and are saying that education’s important.
“We want kids to succeed and we’re prepared to step up and support the kids and the parents.”
The men were challenged to identify areas in which they might better themselves and find confidence to be role models for young people.
Participant Quinlan said that one thing challenging him in the workshop was to recognise how he might better deal with nerves in his communication.
“It’s been teaching me how not to be aggressive talking to others, which I do at work sometimes.
“I need to control what I say, be a good role model.
“You need to present yourself well because if you present yourself negatively people see all the wrong things you do, not the positive things.”
Mr Watt said that speaking publically begins with finding the confidence to attempt it in the first place.
“Most people don’t feel confident in speaking publically, so, just like they’re trained in their job, this is helping them develop the skills to be able to have a go at it, get over the hump.”
Mr Watt cited group member Eldridge as having overcome his fear of heights by jumping out of a plane, but said that this is a less extreme way to face a new personal challenge.
Group member Harry found being among other men gave him a sense of mutual support as well.
“We’re all in the same boat because we’re learning how to be able to stand up in a crowd and speak,” he said.
This is a YMCA project, funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the Parent and Community Engagement program.
Tags: Echo, hedland, News, Pilbara, pilbaranews, Port Hedland
