AIHM’s Executive Education short courses provide industry professionals the opportunity to upskill, to upgrade their knowledge and to put practical new tools and techniques into action as soon as they complete a two-day course. Taught by guest experts and AIHM’s own passionate faculty, our Executive Education courses tackle the most important topics and talents required to succeed in today’s hospitality industry and in fields beyond.
Gain a sneak preview of the Public Speaking course in this Q&A with its instructor, Samantha Lauver-Marion.
Discover AIHM’s ‘Public Speaking’ Short Course
What can you expect during the Public Speaking course? Learn more about the course as instructor Samantha Lauver-Marion gives a behind-the-scenes look and shares her insights below.
Do you have a favourite moment in this course?
My favorite moments while teaching this course are when I see people who were previously nervous begin to share their experiences and display the confidence to share their idea or product. I get to watch participants progress in real-time.
I love telling stories so I’ll share my unique approach on how to tell a story, engage your audience, and gain buy-in for your product, service or idea. As a group, we’re able to see how individuals apply this approach and develop it by integrating their own particular twists or strengths that we explore in class.
What might people find surprising in your course?
People might find it surprising that I used to be very shy. It took me a year of practicing to learn to feel confident and excited to give public speeches. The trick I used is to begin by slowly widening your comfort zone. Share your idea with small groups, and then slowly grow your audience until you are ready for the big stage.
If you were to recommend one website for course participants to browse before attending this course, what would it be?
Our website! People can explore AIHM and how we approach continuing education. Most importantly, they should read the Public Speaking course description page. It is important for participants to come ready with your preferred public speaking scenario, whether an executive presentation, interview with a potential employer, pitch to a client, or elevator talk with a perfect stranger. You’ll leave with newfound confidence and the ability to persuade and inspire.
What will students learn from you that they probably wouldn’t from another instructor?
How to approach creativity and writing in a way that makes you feel more confident in front of any audience. As I teach, I make sure to marry creativity, positivity and empowerment. You’ll learn to remove barriers and creatively engage any audience.
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a fantastic look into the mysteries of creativity and inspiration. I love her book Eat, Pray, Love as well, but while that’s more of an inspiring personal journey, Big Magic speaks more directly to the reader. Gilbert teaches us how to find the “strange jewels” hidden within us so we can share our passions and express our inner worlds. I love opening the book’s pages to explore the creative process with her and read about how she generates her own creative ideas.
Picture your ideal student for this course. Who are they? Who will get the most out of the class?
The most ideal student for any course is someone who wants to be there. There are so many things available for us to learn. I would like to work with students who have an interest in enhancing their strengths or improving upon their weaknesses or both! Every participant is coming from a different place so there is no ideal background. Passion and ambition are what matter most.
You’re teaching three Executive Education course(s) at AIHM—Public Speaking as well as Supervisor Development 1 and Supervisory Development 2. If you were to take one AIHM Exec Ed course taught by another expert, which course would you choose? Why?
I would really like to join the course Emotional Intelligence by Alison Stanworth. There are so many forces shaping human interactions beneath the surface. People like to pretend we’re rational beings driven by facts and knowledge, but in reality, emotions and attitudes shape so much of what happens in our work environments and social lives. I think the Emotional Intelligence course would be a great way to look beneath the surface, tap into these forces and discover new ways to succeed.
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Join the next session of the Public Speaking course. Register now.