What You Need To Know When You Host a Workshop On A Day With A Bomb Scare

Last week, I had the privilege of facilitating a workshop in New York City. The workshop served as my book release event in New York. Months ago, we scheduled it for October 24th, 2018. It was a glorious and perfect day until a maniac decided to send bombs to prominent Democrats.

Luckily, everyone was safe. However, we did receive emergency alerts to shelter in place. By the time the workshop started, the bombs had been recovered safely. Yet, I learned a valuable lesson about rolling with the punches. If you ever want to learn how to go with the flow, try to put on an event during the aftermath of a bomb scare.

Safety first, for sure!

Don’t get me wrong. Of course, I was concerned about everyone’s safety. Once the news reported that everyone was safe, business returned to normal. That’s one thing I know and love about New Yorkers. They are a hearty and courageous lot. Although we had a smaller turnout than expected, thirty people still came to learn how to conquer their public speaking fears.

Actually, the entire day gave us all with an opportunity to look at our fears. We looked at them through the eyes of people who had just had a bomb scare. Then, we compared those feelings to the fears about public speaking.

In today’s Tell Your Story Better podcast episode, you can hear how we handled it. Additionally, you can hear how we dealt with our fears and the lessons I learned about putting on an event under challenging situations.

I extend huge thanks to Maria Carter of New York Estate of Business for planning and logistics and being the creative Rock of Gibraltar. Also, I want to thank the folks at the flagship Microsoft store on Fifth Avenue for hosting us so wonderfully. Together, we provided the opportunity for thirty people to face their fears and build their skills on the road to becoming confident, inspiring public speakers.