Speaking from the Pennsylvania House

Speaking at the NCSL/RELACS Professional Development Seminar, from the Pennsylvania House. So beautiful! (And the building was pretty awesome, too! ;) )

I love my work. Last week, working with the National Conference of State Legislatures, I presented to a group of legislative researchers. Our session took place in the Pennsylvania House Chambers in Harrisburg, PA. If you can visit Harrisburg, DO IT and schedule a tour. Pennsylvania’s state capitol is one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen. Without question, it’s the most gorgeous setting I’ve ever presented in.

What I learned in Harrisburg:

• The House Chambers still holds the original desks, which held their original brass ashtrays and spittoons until 1995. (I met the guy who got to remove the ashtrays and spittoons).

• A collection of Civil War Flags are preserved in the Capitol. They’re kept behind glass, in silk wraps to prevent deterioration.

• The lighting fixtures are heavy. Many of the original lighting fixtures are still in use at the Capitol, and can weigh as much as 1 or 2 tons.

And, while I was speaking to a group of legislative researchers, I was reminded to take my own advice: Give your listener(s) a moment to respond. During an icebreaker, I was surprised when my audience didn’t immediately answer a question, until one of our astute audience members reminded me, “We need time to think!” I appreciated the reminder!