As some of you know, I was the keynote speaker at a lit fest last month. Now that it’s over, I will allow myself to admit I was nervous. See, in the months leading up to the event I kept telling myself I was fine. You know what fine stands for, don’t you?
Freaked out
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotional
Yep, I got that from
the Italian job and ever since I first saw that movie I can’t help but think freaked out, insecure, neurotic, and
emotional whenever I say I’m fine.
Let's face it, one doesn’t say “I'm fine” and mean they're
great. Nope, there is always an underlying meaning to that word.
It’s not like I speak
in front of large crowds for a living and I wanted my speech to entertain the
audience. I had the fear of looking out into the crowd and seeing people
yawning, or worse, snoring. I’m glad to say that didn't happen. The speech went good. I gave a recap of the event in a previous post.
Because I was insecure about speaking to a large crowd, I practiced my speech prior to the event. I would recommend this to anyone who has to give a speech. By the time I was standing on stage with a microphone in front of me and a big screen behind me I was comfortable with what I had to say, I knew when to pause, and I knew at what points to expect a chuckle from my audience. (And thankfully I did get them.)
May promises to be a busy month. I have big news coming about Embrace that I can't wait to share. (I know, I know, I'm such a tease, but I have to wait for the go from my publisher before I can say much more.) I will have my butt in chair revising the sequel, Hold Tight. And I'm working on some special promotions to go along with the release. I'll be posting updates on my blog as I have them, so be sure to stop back by.
I really don't know how you do it. I avoid public speaking at ALL costs. Probably not the best move, but I get so nervous. I'd rather forfeit that extra bit of exposure for my own mental well-being. Haha. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt really wasn't bad, and I kept reminding myself that I was speaking to aspiring writers who wanted to hear what I had to say. That helped a lot. As did some encouraging words from friends. :)
DeleteUgh, I hate speaking in public. There's a reason I write, you know - so that I don't have to speak! Congrats on braving it and braving it well.
ReplyDeleteNicki, I think you'd do great.
DeleteYes! practice makes a HUGE difference! I've had to do public speaking a few times and the nerves can have a habit of taking over, but when I practiced, that was one less worry.
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteI truly do not like speaking in public. I avoid it at all cost.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
I like meeting and helping aspiring authors. That helps me with the first step of committing to these events.
DeleteI fear public speaking. I tend to ramble when I am nervous, but I am glad you got things sorted out before your big speech. Best of luck for May and all the new endeavours. Thank you so much for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure. And thanks :)
DeleteAloha,
ReplyDeleteYes, speaking in front of others takes practice, (but my wife and three boys tell me I'm doing better:)
PS...Have you ever seen the original Italian Job (1969, with Michael Caine... *excellent* :)
GOOD LUCK with all your upcoming news :)
I'm ready for the next one. it was fun to meet the other authors and readers.
DeleteI haven't seen the original movie. I'll have to check it out.