Stepping Beyond the Blog: My First Live Presentation Experience
The impact and rewards of speaking about finance beyond my inner circle
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to deliver a presentation on personal finance and investing to the employees at a friend’s company. This was a significant moment for me, as it marked the first time I spoke about these topics to an audience beyond my close circle of friends and family. The invitation came after my friend read my deep dive article on Investing in China and thought it would be valuable for his colleagues to hear my perspective. Shifting from my usual format of writing articles on this platform to delivering a live talk challenged me in a new and rewarding way.
I’ve been enjoying expressing my thoughts on investing through writing, where I can take time to refine my ideas and convey them precisely. Speaking directly to an audience, however, required a different approach. It was a test of my ability to simplify and communicate my beliefs clearly and effectively in real-time. Adapting to this format allowed me to connect with the audience in a more immediate and personal way.
The presentation, titled A Beginner’s Guide to Managing Money and Investing, aimed to provide an accessible and comprehensive introduction to personal finance. Below is a brief summary of the key topics covered:
Lifestyle inflation: Discussed how increased income often leads to higher spending and how this can hinder long-term financial goals.
Budgeting and financial planning: Explained the 50-30-20 rule and the importance of monitoring expenses, paying oneself first, and building an emergency fund.
Debt management: Emphasized differences between good and bad debt, and the importance of prioritizing high-interest debt repayment.
Investment basics: Introduced fundamental investing concepts, including setting financial goals, understanding the compounding effect, and defining risk tolerance.
Investing strategies: Offered guidance on defensive investing through index funds for beginners, and enterprising investing for those wanting a more hands-on approach.
What to expect from the markets: Addressed common misconceptions about volatility versus risk, and encouraged patience and discipline in investing.
For those interested, the slide deck from the presentation is downloadable below, providing a deeper dive into each of these topics.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this experience was knowing that my presentation could be impactful for the younger members of the audience. Many are just starting their financial journeys, and I hope that the insights and practical advice I shared resonated with them and will help shape their future financial decisions. My aim was to make these fundamental concepts approachable and to demystify the world of investing, encouraging them to take proactive steps toward financial independence.
I want to extend my thanks to my friend for trusting me with this opportunity and for showing genuine interest in my perspective on managing money and investing. It was both an honor and a privilege to share my knowledge and experiences with his team.