Building Confidence Through Discomfort and Play

During the expert session, Minna Taylor engages the audience through interactive exercises using the Mentimeter app, group activities, and thoughtful reflections based on David Epstein's quote about risk-taking and communication. These methods encourage participants to practice risk-taking in a supportive environment, build confidence in their communication skills, and deepen their connections with others. Minna guides attendees to observe objectively, experiment solo, and iterate based on the outcomes of their interactions, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort as part of personal growth.

• Embrace Discomfort and Build Resilience: Practicing taking risks and discomfort in a safe environment can help build muscle memory and resilience for effective communication in high-pressure situations.

• Develop Strong Communication Skills: Direct, clear, and active communication is essential in deepening relationships with others and creating meaningful experiences.

• Understand the Physiological Impact of Risk and Communication: Recognizing how our bodies react to risks and ego-threatening situations can help us better prepare for and manage these experiences, leading to greater confidence and personal growth.

In this expert session, Minna Taylor discusses the human response to high-pressure situations and the role of the sympathetic nervous system in shaping our physical and cognitive reactions. During moments such as public speaking or important meetings, our bodies may activate the "fight or flight" response, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, loss of focus, and shaking. However, it is essential to understand these reactions as natural survival mechanisms rather than sources of rejection or discomfort.

 

Minna encourages listeners to view these experiences as opportunities for growth and resilience-building, emphasizing the importance of practicing solo and in group settings. By embracing discomfort and practicing risk-taking through activities like public speaking or expressing opinions openly, individuals can develop muscle memory and confidence in their communication skills. In turn, this allows them to adapt and respond effectively based on feedback from others.

 

The speaker also touches upon the concept of "play" as a crucial aspect of life, which she defines as the unpredictable space where we grow and learn. Play is not merely frivolous but a vital means of expanding boundaries and fostering deeper relationships with ourselves and others. By approaching interactions with curiosity and a willingness to iterate and improve, we can transform moments of risk-taking into valuable learning experiences.

 

Minna's expert session emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort, practicing risk-taking, and developing effective communication skills through solo and group activities. By focusing on the physiological aspects of these experiences and viewing them as opportunities for growth, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, ultimately leading to stronger relationships and personal development.

No other sessions available at this moment.