NextGen
Get Ready for the Stage By Alfred Lau President, Hong Kong Association of OMS Chairman, NextGen, IAOMS
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here are many qualities that one needs to develop to become a successful Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS). You cannot be one without acquiring good knowledge, developing competent surgical skills, cultivating a creative and innovative mind, being actively engaged in research and publications and maintaining constant interaction with other colleagues. Add to that, the ability to speak in public on a stage – an important attribute that elevates you to a higher level. The ability to deliver, when given the opportunity to a lecture/ speak means that you have already acquired those essential qualities and characteristics. I am able to carry out the public speaking as if I am doing my music or magic performances.
Like many, I was very stressed when I went on stage for the very first time as a trainee. The fear of being in the spotlight, the fear of forgetting important points, the fear of being questioned, and the fear of being non-fluent under stress overwhelmed me. I largely overcome these fears by drawing on my experiences with stage performances. I have to give this credit to my music teacher when I was little, who is also my magic teacher now. Through these stage opportunities, 34 iaoms.org
There are a few essential advices that will be helpful. First of all, you need to make a presentation script. This is essential especially to you who are not presenting in your native language. Practice your script several times in front of a big mirror, so that you can almost memorize the things you need to say as well as being aware of your own body gesture and movements. Video yourself if possible so you can watch yourself. It is often odd to look and listen at yourself, but that is how you can reflect and improve. You have to be quite familiar with your presentation materials, and you it goes to say that you must understand the content better than the audiences must, as if you are performing a magic but only you are aware of the trick. Try to present your own work/ publications as this will give you confidence as well as better credibility to the audience. I also find it very useful to attend a speakertraining course, as the professionals will give you practical tips on improving your art of speech. Last but not least, practice makes perfect. Try to gain speaking opportunities whenever possible. I wish you all the best of luck in this journey. â– March 2018