They sit at a table in a quaint local coffee shop immersed in conversation. No texting, no tweeting, no phone calls; just two good friends spending time together. It was during a moment like this several months ago that Donna James and Katie Deal hit on an idea. They were talking one day over lunch about how technology has changed the way we interact in society. They discussed how we live in a virtual world ruled by computers, smartphones and tablets. They lamented the fact that today’s young people easily chat with others online but struggle to communicate in person. They shared their concerns about the apparent demise of the art of conversation and began brainstorming ideas on how to reclaim it. That’s how their business, Now Presenting YOU, was born.
Now Presenting YOU
Now Presenting YOU is an intriguing concept. It’s a six week course aimed at helping young people develop communication and presentation skills that will help them in life. The first series of workshops is called First Impressions. Each 90 minute session tackles a different topic each week. The workshop begins with “First Impressions Matter” and culminates with “Mix It Up” – a social mixer where students get to practice their new skills with community members of all ages and backgrounds. First Impressions begins August 17. A follow-up workshop called Amplified begins October 19.
“The reason we named it Now Presenting YOU is because the goal is to make them the best them that they can be,” explains Deal. As for the ages of students they’ll serve, James explains, “We chose the 10 to 14 year olds because when you are in those years there’s a certain fearlessness you’re about to lose if you have not already built it into yourself.”
Classes are limited to twelve members each to create a more intimate setting and foster a community of trust and acceptance. It also keeps things manageable for Deal and James who’ll be leading the workshops. James stresses, “Everything makes an impression and you can’t take any moment of that process for granted.”
Strength in diversity
These two friends turned business partners met at Piedmont College in Demorest in 2001. They were involved in a musical production there and just hit it off. They share a mutual interst in and love of theater, music and all things creative, yet, by their own admission, they’re polar opposites. Both are fun and engaging but James is an extrovert, Deal is more of an introvert. She says she’s uncomfortable being herself in a crowd. “My challenge has been, and always will be, speaking to various individuals without turning the conversation into something odd and awkward.”
James draws a clear distinction between their personalities when she says, “Katie says she had to learn how to talk, well, I had to learn how to listen.” As different as they are, these friends find strength in their diversity.
James grew up in a military family and frequently moved. She learned at an early age how to adapt to new social settings. She’s a natural born leader: A commanding presence packed with talent. She’s an accomplished pianist, singer, conductor and music teacher. James’ talents are well known and sought after throughout the region. On top of all that, she’s a mom who understands the pitfalls of kids’ virtual living.
Like James, Deal grew up in a family where her father’s career placed certain social demands on her (her dad is Georgia Governor Nathan Deal). Although formal dinners and large crowds make her uncomfortable she’s learned how to cope. Her own career has had a lot to do with it. Deal, too, is an accomplished performer. She’s a singer and actress who tours the southeast with her popular Patsy Cline show and performs in regional theater. She says of her profession, “The field chose me, I didn’t choose it.” It’s taught her a lot about team building and how to connect with different people on many different levels.
Experience has been a great teacher for both Deal and James and the lessons they’ve learned – combined with their educational and theatrical backgrounds – form the foundation of Now Presenting YOU.
Building social skills and self-confidence
“People have a misconstrued idea of what it means to be social,” Deal says. “I don’t think that you have to be fake. I think you can learn how to be real with people in the way that you’re comfortable and still be socially acceptable and still be appropriate.”
Sharp social skills breed self-confidence and that’s a big part of this duo’s goal. “Katie and I are hoping to be another set of voices that these kids can hear that say ‘We believe in you, we know you can do this and let’s work towards these skills and these stengths that you have so that you can face what’s coming up,'” sums up James.
The pair plans to offer similar workshops for older students in the future to help prepare them for college and job interviews. For now, they’re focused on getting their new venture off the ground and helping younger kids understand that the art of conversation is developed through face to face interaction, not on opposite ends of a keyboard.
Now Presenting YOU is now open for fall registration
Classes begin August 17 at the First United Methodist Church of Cornelia. The cost is $150 per six-week session. A non-refundable $50 deposit is required. Two session times are available 4-5:30pm and 6-7:30pm. Space is limited. Visit https://www.nowpresentingyou.com/index.php for more information and to register.
