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The Badger Herald

The Student News Site of University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Badger Herald

The Student News Site of University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Badger Herald

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Inspirational speaker gives UW students leadership advice

The “Dating Doctor,” David Coleman, addressed a packed lecture hall in Grainger Hall Saturday afternoon as the keynote speaker for the Eighth Annual Spring Leadership Conference.

Coleman’s speech, titled “How Will You Shock the World?” was part of a conference aimed at improving University of Wisconsin student leadership skills.

“There are so many opportunities to become a leader on campus, and it’s very important in today’s job market to show that you have leadership skills,” said coordinator of the Student Leadership Program Alison Hamer.

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During his speech, Coleman said there are five key points to follow in order to “shock the world”: students must believe they can make a difference, have a vision and a plan, believe in themselves, understand who will be affected and be aware of their limitations.

“You should have a plan, always thinking, ‘If I do not do this, who will?'” Coleman said.

According to Coleman, it is important for people to get to know themselves and then understand the difference between a dream and a goal. This is because unlike a dream, a goal has a deadline, according to Coleman. He had students share their dreams and what their plans are to achieve them.

“If you don’t know a lot about yourself [and] you haven’t taken a good look inside your heart, you won’t know how, when or why to shock the world in a good way,” Coleman said.

Reaching a dream can be possible, said Coleman, but it requires day-to-day effort.

“Everything you do for the rest of your life should be taking you in the direction of your dream. If you don’t allow that to happen on a daily basis, you’ll never reach it,” Coleman said.

The speech was audience-oriented and allowed for participation. After Coleman gave students advice on obtaining leadership positions, he had students break into groups according to their interests. Small groups included “Building Strong Foundations,” “ABCs of Leadership” and “Be an Invaluable Asset in the Workplace.”

“I was amazed at how it wasn’t a typical motivational speech,” UW freshman Amy Kordus said. “He made a really emotional connection with the audience,”

Coleman is known for his expertise on dating and relationships and included advice that applied not only to relationships, but also to leadership.

“Control comes from fear, and fear comes from a lack of faith,” Coleman said. “We fear losing something we already have. We fear we won’t get something we want. We fear we will be embarrassed. And, most importantly, we fear we will become unnecessary,” said Coleman.

Coleman told students the next time they see that handsome stud or gorgeous girl they have been dying to talk to, they should “shock” themselves and do it.

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