I’ve been fortunate to sit on several panels as a speaker at professional events this year, and it’s made me aware of a common trope which I think should be avoided.
If you find yourself in a position where you’re addressing questions from an audience, please don’t respond with a story that starts with “back in my day” (or something similar).
You may wonder why, given that we love to hear stories and we also love to speak from personal experience.
The problem is that most of these answers won’t help the audience achieve what’s behind the question.
This happens when the past experience cannot be replicated in the present or the future, or if it’s told as an anecdote and not as a practical learning opportunity.
Strive to share your lived experiences in a way that the audience can apply to their own circumstances.
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