
How FFA Kids Helped Me Refocus My Presentation
It had been years since I agreed to talk with a group of youth. Why? Because something shifted in those audiences a few years back for me, and I haven’t dared return. So, there I was, standing back stage as the arena filled in with over 11,000 FFA youth from across Ohio. I never feel nervous before an event. I feel excited, anxious, and generally confident in what I’m about to do. Of course, there are those feelings inside of imposter syndrome or being tired from a bad night’s sleep in a hotel, but this day was different. I felt sick to my stomach. There is always a moment before stepping on stage that most people don’t think about unless you’re the one waiting to be introduced. The room is set. The audience is waiting. The expectation is there. And in that moment, it’s easy for the focus to turn inward. You begin to have a conversation with yourself: How will this go? Will this connect? Will this be received the way I hope? Those are natural questions. But over time, I’ve found they aren’t the most helpful ones. Because they center everything on you, the performer/speaker/presenter. And the more













