These are tips from the Mary Copeland WRAP training given by Dr. Ken Baiteman as strategies when giving your recovery story which include:
- DON'T BE NERVOUS ABOUT BEING NERVOUS-challenge the negative thoughts; talk it out
- LIGHTEN UP-it's OK to make mistakes; laugh it off with the audience
- BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS- don't go on-and-on; don't apologize
- GET PLENTY OF SLEEP THE NIGHT BEFORE-an alert and clear mind is worth the sleep
- TAKE A FEW DEEP BREATHS BEFORE YOU START-take your time
- MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH FRIENDLY FACES-try to begin talking to friends and supporters
- BASIC SELF-CARE HELPS-make sure pants are zipped; hair is combed, clothes are clean
- BE PREPARED-have your key points down; go over a few times night before
- PACE YOURSELF-make your key points before the time runs out; have someone signal you
- DON'T BE SELF-CONCIOUS TO USE CARDS-stay on task; keeps you from wandering
- IF USING POWERPOINT-don't overload with stats; not too many visuals or info
- AVOID JARGON-don't talk over folks heads; use words most know and use
- GET AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION-ask questions; get folks involved
- GIVE NOTECARDS OUT-to keep questions and comments until the end
- GET FEEDBACK FROM THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU-be willing to get honest feedback
- ENLIST FRIENDS-ask those who know & support you to attend; friendly faces help
- KNOW IT GETS EASIER WITH TIME-enjoy the process; know in time comes maturity
Enjoy this experience. Your recovery story can be one of the most powerful tools to assist others towards their own wellness. You will find a worksheet in developing your recovery story from Magellan Health Systems & DBSA in the link below.
(Summarized from "Telling Your Recovery Story: Giving Meaning and Purpose to Your Pain by Using It to Help Someone" by Ken Braiterman)
Download How To Write My Recovery Story
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