It's Official ...
I hate public speaking. I really do. I don't feel I'm very good at it, even after the Toastmaster courses I took (well, maybe I should have finished them, to be fair ...)
I write far better than I speak. Perhaps that's because I live in my own head most of the time, not really talking to anyone but myself. Or maybe that I can go back and edit my writing, but not my spoken words.
I had to lecture tonight for about 2 hours. Needed a PowerPoint presentation to even half-way face it. Brought in some food too - props were definitely needed. I pace when I speak too - a horrible habit - and the room was set up funny, so I kept stumbling over equipment, furniture etc. Nice.
I had a very nice, kind audience though (and this is a shout out to any of the ladies who were there tonight if you're reading this - thanks.) I really think people understand the whole public speaking-fear thing. They say it's a more common fear than death. So that says something, no?
Like I never want to do it again.
Sigh. I feel another 'suck it up, princess' moment looming near. More anon.
I write far better than I speak. Perhaps that's because I live in my own head most of the time, not really talking to anyone but myself. Or maybe that I can go back and edit my writing, but not my spoken words.
I had to lecture tonight for about 2 hours. Needed a PowerPoint presentation to even half-way face it. Brought in some food too - props were definitely needed. I pace when I speak too - a horrible habit - and the room was set up funny, so I kept stumbling over equipment, furniture etc. Nice.
I had a very nice, kind audience though (and this is a shout out to any of the ladies who were there tonight if you're reading this - thanks.) I really think people understand the whole public speaking-fear thing. They say it's a more common fear than death. So that says something, no?
Like I never want to do it again.
Sigh. I feel another 'suck it up, princess' moment looming near. More anon.
Comments
But I don't hate public speaking as much as you... And having seen you in action, you speak better than you think you do.
Mind you... it is supposed to be the 2nd biggest fear out there... after death.
Next year... tag team!
Unlike death, you can "go again" and really can get better and more comfortable.
I'm not sure if you're a music buff, but Rod Stewart suffered from massive stage fright in his early years. So much so that he would do his performances from behind the speaker stacks, amplifiers or with his back to the audience. Doesn't seem to have hurt him in the long run.