Today, I stand before you, filled with gratitude and emotion. I enjoyed my experience as master of ceremonies during the “24h challenge for the planet” event, organized by Horizons Naviguer Partager. This is an opportunity that marked a turning point in my career, and I would like to warmly thank the entire team for this incredible opportunity.
Let me back up a little. In middle school, I was so shy that my teachers wondered if I could speak. I had this visceral fear of expressing myself in public. However, as a student, I decided to come out of the shadows, by launching myself as a DJ to host birthdays and weddings, well hidden behind my turntables. It was a first step, but the real turning point came in 2006, in Dublin, when I discovered the Junior Chamber International. This meeting gave me the opportunity to practice public speaking and give speeches in English. Surprisingly, I felt more comfortable in this language, with my beautiful French accent, than in my mother tongue.
My passion for sustainable development and my deep conviction of the need to raise awareness of environmental issues linked to digital technology pushed me to go further. The geek that I am, decided to train as a speaker in 2019. Since then, I have given dozens of conferences, in French and English, in person and remotely, and I feel more and more comfortable with a microphone in hand.
It was through events that I discovered the profession of master of ceremonies, or MC for short. The one who introduces the speakers, makes the announcements and ensures the smooth running of the event. “I will never be able to do that,” I told myself. And yet, the opportunity presented itself this weekend, and I jumped at the chance!
Despite capricious sound equipment, a microphone which regularly lost connection and which did not broadcast the end of my sentences, I enjoyed speaking to these hundreds of visitors and encouraging them to participate in the various challenges offered! So, you should never say never. And I'm ready to start again, especially since the positive feedback didn't take long to arrive.
Overcoming your fears, getting out of your comfort zone and seizing opportunities is probably the best way to progress. I am therefore at your disposal to complete this experience and host your events.
Thanks again to Horizons Naviguer Partager and to all of you for your support.
Together, let's continue to meet the challenges for our planet!