- Author: Jenni Dodini
I was going to write about one of my plants, but when I was getting myself started, I changed my mind. I was still thinking about the presentation that I was involved with on the 8th at the Vacaville Community Center. I had the pleasure of working with fellow Master Gardeners (MG) for the first time.
One of the thoughts that has stayed with me the most since that day is how each presentation takes on a life of its own. The audience participation can change a well made plan pretty quickly. One must be prepared to answer very good questions that had not even flickered in the process of preparing the presentation. It is always a good thing that there are fellow MGs to help to answer when one finds him/herself clueless. That sense of security certainly helps calm my jitters. The pre-presentation rehearsal also helped me immensely to better my part for the actual date.
The other thought that has stayed with me is that the diversity that we MGs bring to the table of our common love of plants is what makes our presentations and interactions with the public so much more interesting than a dry canned lecture on a topic. (Yes, I was thinking back to college.)
Working with different people even though the topic is the same is also a learning experience. The person presenting brings a new light and each time, I have learned something.
Anyway, overall, the point I am trying to make is this. Especially for the "Newbies" YOU ALL have so much to offer. Don't be afraid to get involved with a group presentation. It is fun, you get to know your fellow MGs from other classes, and you learn more every time. To those with whom I have worked, THANK YOU.