The Secret Word is KEYNOTE

When I finished writing Going Google I knew there was a possibility that the book might help open up some new doors for me professionally.  In the education world having a book to your credit is a nice sign of credibility.  It seems like the years of hard work are starting to pay off.

A couple of months ago the Utah Rural Schools Association (URSA) had a cancelation for one of their keynote presenters.  Now, I've presented at this conference for years, but never had the chance to share on the big stage.  It's amazing how things fell into place.  I was asked to give the Friday morning keynote in front of the entire audience of conference goers.

Normally, my presentations focus on technology tools and how they can be used in the classroom.  While the keynote still has a lot of that content, it is more important to inspire the crowd and help energize them as teachers.  Let's just say I was incredibly nervous that I could come up with a presentation that could accomplish that.  I spent days pouring over different stories, videos, and brainstorming with friends.

In the end, everything worked out pretty well.  I was able to share the presentation and I didn't get booed off the stage.  Not bad for a first effort.  Let's just hope I didn't close any future doors by my performance.