[SweetSunshine]

Yesterday at therapy.. My T asked me a small favor. Nothing bad . But still makes me kinda nervous lol. He's been absolutely amazed at my progress in therapy. And since I am a long time client there.. almost 5 yrs now. He thought I would be a good person to speak to the CARF Group.CARF is the Commission on Accredidation for Rehabilitation Facilities. They are an international organization that accredits human services providers.

I guess it will be a group of 2-5 people that I have to talk to. EEEEKS!! And I dont think its going to be happening till the end of March. Have any of you done this? Any tips? LOL

Thanks
Beth

[I_WMD]

The Public speaking thing ...>>>>>>>....... Only tips I can give ya are ones I have said before ,,,, PROPS !!

When lost or collecting your thoughts ,, adjust your glasses briefly ,, or have a notebook in front of you >>> With notes of course . .. And mark off ,, and / or Refresh your train of thought .

The best thing to do is simply tell your story as you have experienced it and how it relates to what they want to know. All it is really, is a conversation. Since it is only 2 - 5 people, it would not be too stressful. We had to do this for an International language school I attended. They had to be evaluated occasionally to keep operating.

Really, all the want to know is if you have been staisfied by your T's services and the company or organization he/she works for I am guessing.You will be great I am sure. Would the office staff be able to inform you of what the interviewers usually look for? What questions they usually ask? It could help you feel more comfortable in answering if you know what's coming.

[bebop]

beth I think that is great! I have seen you really grow lately and I am thrilled for you. I think you will do well with this. just tell them your experience with the group you are seeing and all that good stuff. no don't pretend they are all naked! that makes you laugh too much lol. just think of them as your equals and nothing less nothing more. You have come a long way baby!

[Perna]

I think it could be a lot of fun. I'm glad you have a big headstart of when it is. I'd just come up with a very small talk and then let them ask you questions since that's easier to deal with.

[SeptemberMorn]

WoooooHooooooo! Like Tony Little says, "You can do it!"

I'm like you. I'd be nervous, but if you look at it like just having a conversation, it should make it a lot easier.

[sunrise]

That's really great you were asked to do this.

Can you ease your stress by making the "talk" as informal as possible? For example, don't separate yourself from the group by standing up at the front of the room. See if you can all sit around a table for a chat. Don't stand up. Just sit there and be one of them, tell them your experience, and answer their questions. Invite them to share their experiences too.

Let us know how it goes!

[SweetSunshine]

Well after trying all day yesterday to find out when my appt was with the CARF Group.... and finally getting an answer last night around 7pm. Then getting a phone call at 8am this morning saying that my T and case manager needed to talk with me before my appt at 1:45 and to be there at 1pm .. they just called and cancelled the whole thing lol. My case manager said that once CARF got there today.. they decided they didnt want to do all these interviews. That they only needed afew. She apologized up and down for going thru all this stuff and then not needing me. They thought I'd be really good for the interview. I was ok with it. But I could tell that she was stressed out because they just never know what is going to happen there when CARF comes.

Heck... it wouldnt surprise me a bit if they end up calling back and saying they need this interview after all lol!!!!!!

[Perna]

I had that happen; I volunteered to give a talk at a faculty seminar so they'd know the students' point of view and before I was chosen the four school/faculty planners called and did a conference call with each applicant, to see which to pick. So, some didn't get picked even though they volunteered. But then, some of our people who were picked didn't show up for the meeting we had a week before the conference to coordinate how we were going to speak, what topics, etc. So, perhaps they could call you if someone chosen gets cold feet.

[SweetSunshine]

Ohh I told them that.. if they still need me I am free today . So it wouldnt be a problem. Just to give me a bit of time to get around so I can be presentable lol..hahahaa

[Timgt5]

a lot of good suggestions here, but one I have always heard is that you are put at ease if you imagine your audience in thier underwear! LOL

[DocClyde]

That would of been very cool, Beth...I am very glad to see how far you have come, and very proud of you!

Way to go, and perhaps, who knows--you will become a spokesperson for all of us one of these days???

[SweetSunshine]

Good one Tim!! I had thought of that at one point myself .. if it became hard to talk to them lol. But then again, they may have took me to the loony bin lol

[SweetSunshine]

Yeah it could have been neat... and to say the least .. I was honored that they thought of me. I had a few things I had thought about saying too.. and looked forward to bragging the place up because they have been very good to me. And I really do appreciate that.

And as far as becoming a spokesperson for PC? Nice thought.. but uhhhhhhh.. yeah right.. like that will ever happen. Thanks