I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here.
Today’s tip is to remember that you are enough, just as you are.
I can be better, but my wife tells me how she appreciates me. My kids will let me know as well. At times, I hear this at work or from attendees at events. The girls I coach always ask me to repeat a year with them.
I’m successful and I appreciate all those comments. I do strive to be better, to not only gain wisdom with age, but learn to apply it. However, I also know that being who I am is enough, even if I never get better.
I think about accepting myself more and more as I can see retirement. I’m still driven, but I’m less concerned about it.
There’s a lot of stress in prepping for conferences and talks. I’m used to it, but whenever something is new, I get a little nervous. How are the AV staff? Will my laptop connect to the right resolution? Will I fall off stage (I’ve done that).
With the Virtual Summit, I’m nervous for other reasons, not the least of which is that this is the first time we’ve used the platform. With that in mind, I made two videos.
Bottom line is that most of you will want to record your own video and upload it. If you’re worried, contact me or Jen Stirrup and we’ll try to help..
The Portal
The first one below is the initial login for me. I get into the portal, look around, see data privacy, etc. This was my checking it out, and not being ready to speak.
This second video is my experience trying to record my lightning talk on the platform. This wasn’t a real take, but I wanted to see how things work before I need to.
Preparation is key. Remember that for your sessions.
Below you will see how my recording practice went.
The big thing with this platform is that you need to upload your slides first. The rendering was relatively quick, minutes for my 15 slides, but prepare for that.
Second you need to record each slide separately. That means pauses and being careful with transitions. I’d be ready to click stop, as well as be ready to start talking when you click record. It takes about a second to start, but long delays will make the presentation look funny.
Next, no animations in PPT, or video, but also no animated gifs. Not a lot of you use those, so probably not an issue, but beware. Essentially, each slide becomes an image you record over.
The big issues is no demos. Not on the platform. If you need demos, then you need to record your own video. Sorry, don’t see a way around this. I’ll reach out to PASS, but I would rather get you prepared and be wrong than have you expecting something else.
This isn’t a deal breaker, but you do want to be prepared.
Most of you will need to record your own video.
Jen Stirrup made a promise to help speakers. I agree, and I’ll do the same. If you aren’t set up to record video, ping me on Linked In or Twitter and I’ll set up a Zoom call and record your share. I’m happy to get the video processed and then put it on a share for you to download. You’ll still have to download and upload, but at least you don’t need to worry about some of the audio video stuff.
Update: There are two options people have noted that might help some of you. If you just need slides, you can record directly in PowerPoint. You can also record in Teams, if you have access to that platform.
I’ll give you feedback as well on how things go if you want. If not, I’ll just send video.
Get ready early, and start planning for recording in the next two weeks so you’re ready for the Summit.
I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here.
Today’s tip is to write down three things you appreciate about yourself today.
I am have learned to be a good partner, and continue to do so
I work hard to get things done in my life
I have been able to make positive impacts to others’ lives
My wife has taught me a lot about being a good partner, and with some fits and starts, I think I’ve learned to be better. That’s critical to me because she’s really the only person in my life that I get to choose and stay with.
I am effective in life, in taking care of my health, in being successful at work, in helping run this ranch, and in coaching kids. I appreciate that I can get those things done.
I also really value the kind notes from people that have been helped by SQLServerCentral, or SQL Saturday, or one of my talks, or because I coached or mentored them.
Recently someone asked me if I had a video explaining what a database was. I didn’t, but was curious. Apparently, this person wanted to learn a bit about databases as a layman, someone that isn’t technical and doesn’t want to be. They just wanted to understand the terminology.
I was about to record one, but then decided to see what was out there. Turns out, there are lots of them. Here’s a few I sent over:
Voice of the DBA 