So you want to be an Internationally Renowned Angelfish Expert and Public Speaker

Well I can’t help you there but let me share how my participation in the hobby led me to be a featured speaker at the 2007 MCA Expo

The Fish

I’ve been an on again off again (with breaks for military, children, etc.) Angelfish keeper since my teens .

I’ve kept and bred wilds, and domestics of at least every major variety.

I’ve sold angelfish locally to private buyers, local fish stores and wholesalers.

I’ve sold fish over the internet and shipped, juveniles to adults pairs, across the United States, using USPS, UPS, Fedex and Speedee.

I’ve accomplished, maintained and outcrossed 2 (scalare and leopoldi/dumirilii) wild lines that are in there 6 th and 7 th generations.

But there are still tons of crosses to make and fish to “improve”, Angelfish are a hobby I will enjoy in some way for the rest of my life.

Involvement

Memberships The Angelfish Society Board Member at large, Presenter, Newsletter contributor, forum.

Minnesota Aquarium Society participated in auctions, shows, meeting speaker, active on forum.

Midwest Cichlid Association Local Chapter, speaker, forum.

The Angelfish Forum II Frostbite Falls Discus Club Membership and contributions to creditable groups of angelfish and aquarium enthusiasts provides not only learning but sharing opportunities.

Public Speaking

I was involved in high school and college level speech and debate team competition. Highlights include 1st and 2 nd places at regional and statewide Debate, Model Senate, Extemporaneous and Humorous Interpretation speech competitions in high school at Bloomington Jefferson. Although they will probably never see this, I’d like to thank Del Holz and Norm Leistikow 2 coaches I will never forget, who gave of their time and expertise so unselfishly and added so much to so many peoples lives. In college I participated in the Debate and Speech programs, placing 1 st in 2 separate tournaments during my freshman and sophomore years.

My “training” in public speaking has been a huge bonus throughout my life, in so many areas. The ability to comfortably present ideas, reason an argument and react “on the fly” to your audience may come naturally to some but I was especially fortunate to have these opportunities.

Intangibles

Being handsome, well educated, rich, having an engaging personality, a giving nature, enjoying talking to people, and plenty of free time are a huge bonus to being a speaker. I have overcome a lack of all of the above to do it anyway! I am however obsessed with my angelfish, spend large amounts of time observing them, gather information from many sources and apply/adjust it to my fish keeping, enjoy do it yourself projects – learning how things work and making them better, I know more about filter systems and water chemistry and any normal person should. And while I have a great amount of information, there is always something else to learn. I’m not shy about talking about what I know and not at all afraid to admit what I don’t.

As popular as angelfish are, there always seems to be someone with a question, the availability of quality angelfish and a breeder to talk to about them, has been an asset to the local club(s) recognized by requests for me to speak, and on the selfish side more people with angels means more customers and angels I might not breed available to me.

How You Can Participate

While presenting isn’t for everyone I’d like to share some things that just about everyone can do to spread the love of angelfish around.

In each section by category there are things that people with community fish, one pair, up to a large hatchery can accomplish. Given the amount of questions I have personally received, everyone's area of expertise is valuable if presented properly, just stick to what you know and an aquarist audience is there to listen.

The things I am suggesting are by no means a comprehensive list, but that’s why we have meetings and discussion, etc.

The Fish

Nobody knows your fish better than you, and you probably know them better than your kids. You see them sleep, eat, fight, and breed. You watch them interact with others in the environment you maintain, you medicated them when they are sick, they eat what you give them straight from your fingers, they recognize you and communicate with you by shaking their fins, charging, dancing and sulking. It’s everyday stuff to all of us, but to new owners or potential owners they’d like nothing better than to hear about and see your fish. For those who breed even one pair, nearly everyone who keeps angelfish thinks about taking the next step and raising their offspring. While each fish is unique, and each pair finds their own way to do it, your experience has a pretty good chance of helping to make another successful, by just taking the time to share. As your experience grows your opportunity to observe and knowledge base grow too, and the possibilities are endless.

Involvement

As TAS members, everyone here already has knowledge of the value of involvement. Carrying that over to the local and regional clubs and organizations is a process that yields incalculable benefits both the those communities and yourself. Opportunities can present themselves in situations you might never imagine unless you are looking for them. Has your local club had a speaker cancel? You might be able to show a few pictures, describe how you house and care for your angels, describe their breeding behavior, promote TAS and/or your forum of choice, and don’t be surprised if a quick 1 hour talk turns into a 2 hour question and answer session. Ever been delivering fish to a local fish store when a customer asks a question? The LFS is your customer, angelfish are probably not their specialty, without stepping on their toes, answering a few questions, helping people pick out the best fish, pointing them at the products you use that the store sells, etc. can help both the LFS and your relationship with them. LFS’s frequently have chats, presentation and demonstrations, a positive relationship and volunteering to help can be a foot in the door. The list of ways to become involved is only limited by your imagination.

Public Speaking (or Presenting)

My advice for other people who wish to present angelfish talks is simple, stick to what you know. If your time is limited (which for me is a common problem, ask anyone I can talk for hours) it’s not usually difficult to match your topics to the interest of the majority of the audience. Remember to leave time for questions, either during each section or after your conclusion and don’t be afraid or ashamed to say you don’t know, but you can find the answer (at TAS or your forum of choice).

Not everyone has the training, desire or the aptitude to speak in public but as a TAS member don’t let that deter you from sharing. The newsletter is a great place “present” a short story, describe a project, share a experience, etc.. I am sure that the members of the committee would be happy to help, proofreading or even asking you questions to answer in your article, and you get prizes! Tamar or myself on the presentation committee can help you turn your words and your pictures into a presentation like this or if you have Powerpoint or like software on your computer you can try it yourself, I think I speak for all when I say how appreciated it is at our meetings.

Intangibles

Are you handsome/beautiful, well educated, rich, have an engaging personality, a giving nature, enjoy talking to people, and plenty of free time? Well even if your aren’t, like me, you’ve got something people want to hear about, Angelfish! Without getting too “New Age” find the things that interest and fascinate you, share them with others and you’ll be amazed at the returns you can receive. My only real suggestion here is be positive, listen at least as much as you talk, disagree but don’t fight, ask for help but don’t demand it, lead when asked but be prepared to follow (applies to any discussion/presentation), speak out about what you know but don’t be shy about admitting what you don’t. Your contribution, via forum, meeting, article, presentation, public speaking or as simple as helping setup an aquarium for someone new is a step towards becoming an “Internationally Renowned Angelfish Expert and Public Speaker”, enjoy the journey!

Back to the Chat Room for discussion and to continue the meeting.

Thanks, Chuck