On October 25, 2023, I am scheduled to make a ten-minute presentation and serve on a panel about my PD journey during a Treatment Options Program conducted by Fresenius in Fort Worth, TX. It seems that this blog has made me well-represented in this community.
In assembling initial thoughts on how to approach an ad hoc ten-minute presentation, my thoughts turned to a tidbit I learned from US Navy SEALs while serving with them while I was going through Vietnamese Language School in Coronado, California. The SEAL Rule of 3 suggests giving your audience three key messages or pieces of information when explaining complex topics. Then, give them a break. The mind can only absorb three items at once. I followed a form of this sage advice all of my teaching career at Purdue University, having employed it in classes ranging from Freshman Entrepreneurship to PhD Global Marketing. It has never failed me.
As I pondered how to apply the Rule of 3 to this presentation challenge, I had an idea to see what my AI-assistant Poe might have to say about this application, the Rule of 3 to my dialysis journey presentation. So quizzed Poe with the following Prompt and results:
@poe
Prompt: I am scheduled to make a ten-minute presentation to a group all interested in dialysis. I want to use the US Navy Seal Rule of 3 to communicate with them about me and my journey with peritoneal dialysis. Provide me an outline or 500-word blog entry on how to accomplish this.
Poe Assistant:
Title: Thriving with Peritoneal Dialysis: Embracing the Navy SEAL Rule of 3
Introduction:
Greetings, friends of dialysis! Today, I stand before you to share my personal journey with peritoneal dialysis, a life-saving treatment that has empowered me to thrive despite the challenges. In this presentation, I aim to captivate your attention and communicate effectively by employing the Navy SEAL Rule of 3 – a powerful technique elite Navy SEALs use to convey information concisely and memorably. So, let’s dive in and discover the three key aspects of my journey with peritoneal dialysis.
Overcoming: The Battle Begins
a. State the challenge: Begin by describing the initial shock and emotional turmoil that accompanied the diagnosis of kidney failure and the need for dialysis.
b. Reaction and adaptation: Share your personal experience of accepting the reality and the determination that sparked within, propelling you to explore the available treatment options.
c. Emphasize peritoneal dialysis: Highlight the unique advantages and benefits of peritoneal dialysis, such as flexibility, independence, and improved quality of life. Explain how this treatment modality became your pillar of hope and a catalyst for positive change.
Adapting: The Journey Unfolds
a. Learning the ropes: Describe the learning curve associated with peritoneal dialysis, including the initial training process, the adjustment period, and the integration of dialysis into your daily routine.
b. Overcoming challenges: Discuss the hurdles you encountered along the way, such as managing infections, maintaining a sterile environment, and dealing with potential lifestyle limitations. Highlight the strategies you employed to overcome these obstacles, emphasizing your resilience and adaptability.
c. Achieving self-empowerment: Share how peritoneal dialysis gradually transformed from a daunting medical procedure into a self-managed routine. Discuss the sense of control, independence, and empowerment you gained as you became proficient in administering your treatments.
Thriving: A New Lease on Life
a. Regaining normalcy: Illustrate how peritoneal dialysis allowed you to resume your daily activities, pursue your passions, and maintain an active lifestyle. Emphasize the freedom it provided in terms of travel and employment opportunities.
b. Building a support network: Discuss the importance of building a strong support system, including healthcare professionals, fellow dialysis patients, and loved ones. Share how this network contributed to your emotional well-being and overall success.
c. Becoming an advocate: Conclude by expressing your commitment to raising awareness about peritoneal dialysis and advocating for its benefits. Encourage the audience to embrace the Navy SEAL Rule of 3 in their own lives, helping them effectively communicate their stories and experiences to others.
Conclusion:
In summary, my journey with peritoneal dialysis has been an arduous yet transformative one. By applying the Navy SEAL Rule of 3, I have shared my experiences of overcoming challenges, adapting to a new reality, and ultimately thriving with peritoneal dialysis. Through this presentation, I hope to inspire and empower others facing similar circumstances, demonstrating that we can conquer any obstacle and lead fulfilling lives with determination, resilience, and the right support.
And that, my readers, is a roadmap for my presentation provided by Poe, which is a very good starting point. Poe and other AI engines work, and you should be exploring them, too!
Like that Seal Rule of 3! Wish I’d known that YEARS ago when I was doing a lot of speaking for Federation (in my former life, ha)