[MUSIC] >> I am me. And that's all that I know how to be. Through the years, I have learned to embrace my individuality. Spoken word has presented to opportunity to tell my story. Locally and internationally, I have traveled to dissonant lands, educating communities about sexually transmitted infection and disease. Armed with ideas, determination and lots of curiosity. Now able to express my passions through poetry. My fears fall from my pen to the page and now to the world wide web stage. My story is about verbally coming of age. Communication has enhanced my integrity. The people that I serve prompt personal accountability because now I have a responsibility, not only to individuals that look like me, but to motivate any person that has a desire and a dream. I am proof that overcoming obstacles is a reality. I grew to possess my destiny once. A shy little girl who could never muster the courage to speak. I'm now able to share my gifts and teach. My message has been given arms to reach and, for this, I am thankful. Greetings everyone. My name is Shania Taylor and I am a senior research coordinator with Dr. Simon's team. I am also an educator that has taught many aspiring minds to develop their talents in creative formats. I enjoy utilizing spoken word to tell my story in poetic format. Story telling is extremely important in our world today. If you think about it, stories are everywhere. In the movies, in our conversations with friends, in the fiction we read. We can't escape the impact of stories in our personal lives and the lives of others. The importance of storytelling continues even in the workplace and in your efforts to advance your career. Stories provide a platform for people to get to know you and what you're passionate about. I believe spoken word is an interesting way to convey the most important parts of your personal story, interests, and background to someone who is curious about learning more about you. I use poetry since that's what I'm good at. But there are several ways to put together a short and interesting speech about your personal story that will positively impact your listener. In this lecture, you'll learn about packaging your personal stories in two neat and concise ways. The elevator speech and spoken word. I am going to have Dr. Simon join me. She's been working put together in elevator speech format and spoken word format. First the elevator speech, also know as the elevator pitch. Ever heard of love at first sight? It's important to make a great first impression on the people that you meet. And most times, this is done in 30 seconds. Actually, many employers make their decision on whether or not they're going to hire you in the first 30 seconds of an encounter. An elevator speech briefly summarizes who you are, why you're interesting and awesome, and what you're passionate about. The name comes from the idea that this summary could even be given in the time it takes to ride an elevator. Typically an elevator speech should be short like 30 second short. You can use your elevator speech when you're introducing yourself to people perhaps people that you meet at a career fair, during informational and job interviews and at events big and small. Your elevator speech may change depending on the goal, audience, and circumstances. But they should all contain important facts about you, have a powerful impact, be simple enough to understand, reflect your passion for your career aspiration, and show that you're prepared. So how do you put together an elevator speech? Let's take a look at all the parts. First introduce your name and who you are. You can share that you are a student, your year in school, your interests and your skills. Second, tell them about why you are interesting and awesome. You can do this by sharing a story that conveys your passion. Perhaps sharing a story about where your inspiration comes from. Thirdly finish your speech with a call for action. You want the listener to understand what you want. What is the goal of your elevator speech? Are you looking for someone to tell you more about a company? Are you looking to set up an informational interview with a potential employer? Are you looking for someone to introduce you to other people that may help advance your career? [MUSIC] Now I'm going to invite Dr. Simon to join me so that she can display her talent. Welcome Dr. Simon. >> Hi Shaneea, I was listening in and I think I have my elevator speech down pat, but I'm still working on my spoken word. My goal of my elevator speech would be to help get support for the development of this course. >> All right, well, let's hear it then. >> Good afternoon, I'm Melissa Simon and I'm a professor and vice chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology. My life passion is to leverage my knowledge and career to help improve the lives of everyone globally. I want to plant the seed of possibility and opportunity or hope in everyone's lives. Regardless of where you come from or what you look like or how many resources or connections you have. Hope is not a privilege. Everyone deserves an opportunity to have hope. This course is an opportunity to help change the architecture of how people gain entry into healthcare careers. I'd love to speak with you further about how we can collaborate on the development of this course. >> That was really great, Dr. Simon. >> Thank you, Shaneea. >> Now as Dr. Simon finishes up her spoken word piece, I just want to add that you might be thinking when am I ever going to have a chance to deliver spoken word. Spoken word can be used as a process to get you thinking, to help to tap into the most creative and passionate parts of yourself, so that when you do encounter the potential employer you won't hold back. Even if you can't deliver your speech in poetry format, at least take the time to write it out. What most people don't realise is that they already have essential elements that are needed to put together a unique spoken word poem. This is what I call the three P's. You have passion, purpose, and a platform. You want to passionately deliver your interests in a way that your listeners will be convinced that you are serious about what you're saying. You must remember that passion cannot be conveyed without a little sprinkle of vulnerability. You must reveal a little bit about yourself to your audience and explain that some of the things that you've had to go through to get where you are. This adds validity and flavor to your speech and allows your audience to connect as they might have gone through some of the same things that you have. Next, you must set yourself apart. Include in your piece what makes you unique. Ask yourself, what makes my story stand out? What do you believe is your purpose for pursuing your selected interest? Lastly, take your platform and opportunity seriously. Take time to reflect on the impact that your words could potentially have on those that you can see and those that you will never meet. Okay Dr. Simon, we're ready to hear your performance. >> Okay, Shaneea, I'm ready to give it a try. I was once a young girl growing up in a Detroit barrio, walking down poverty and violence-plagued streets. Completely unaware of my future and the diverse village of teachers that I was destined to meet. I had desires that I believed were far beyond a tangible reach. There were times I didn't have a roof over my head. People even told me that I wouldn't make it through college. They said I would never have a chance at realizing my dreams. But there was an undeniable passion in me. I wanted more than ever to succeed. But I realized that all of the naysayers and negativity were irrelevant in comparison to those who believed and invested in me. The odyssey of experiencing a series of people that told me what I couldn't be paved the way for me to fight for my impending destiny. The discouragement from others I picked apart down to the smallest fraction and applied it to my life, which created an amazing catalytic reaction. That resulted in a group of people that were willing and waiting to accept me. Mentors beautiful colored with diversity. Individuals that embrace my creativity. And they are the reason that I can comfortably be, not only Melissa Simon, the professor of clinical gynaecology, but the teacher, mother, the community activist and healer of minority communities. That's all I have, what do you think Shaneea? >> Wow, I'm speechless. Great job. >> Thank you. >> Now it's your turn. Happy practicing. [MUSIC]
