Inspire me or Alice don’t believe everything you read (or eat)
free speech 2 (Photo credit: dogwelder)
Write about your strongest memory of heart-pounding belly-twisting nervousness: what caused the adrenaline? Was it justified? How did you respond?
Well, that was certainly unexpected. Have you tried out the “Inspire me” Wordpress widget? Click “new post” and among the various menu options there is a tantalizing bright blue Alice link. I say Alice because when she stared at the “eat me” tag, how could she resist? Naturally I succumbed and clicked and the above prompt is what I received.
In terms of nervousness here is an interesting paradox to consider. I’m a teacher, right? I face anywhere from 70 to 90 teenagers a day. Mostly I know my lesson plan and what I plan to say, yet I am not nervous. Nope, not at all. Talking in front of people is what I do. This is why I sometimes am faced with a request to speak at a conference or at a retreat or at an event.
“You’re a natural.”
“I laughed so hard the last time you gave the book talk.”
“We really need someone who is comfortable being in front of people.”
All these comments trap me with their fluttering flattery. I say “yes” and wither a bit each day until the appointed time. Why? I have to face a hostile crowd three times a day (okay, not hostile– how about reluctant?) as I teach high school English. However, knowing I will be speaking and people will be watching and anticipating information or entertainment revs up the flutterbys to flim flamming around as they ride the nervous elevator up and down until my heart freezes after it’s flip flopped about like the caught trout on the bottom of the boat. I an hooked, lined, and sinkered waiting until I trod up to the podium. But you know what’s really weird? Once I’m there it’s okay. I do much better at spontaneous delivery. Epiphany: It’s that countdown that does me in.
Secondary epiphany: Maybe it’s speaking in front of adults that’s so daunting. Considering they are more polite than teenagers as an audience I should be thrilled at the aspect of having such a nice captive crowd. This could be a problem should my all-American novel get published and I have to go on a coast-to-coast speaking tour.
Anyone else get nervous about presentations?
On to business, get off the rabbit trail. A couple of days ago Mary of MaryMeddlemore nominated me for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award and now it’s time to pass it on to other blogs that I find inspiring:
1. http://mustardseedbudget.wordpress.com/ Speaking out about things of faith and importance
2. http://sethsnap.com/about/ Fabulous photography
3. http://bookpolygamist.wordpress.com Caters to my weakness for words
4. http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/a-glimpse-onto-my-real-life-with-instagram/ She is a rock star among bloggers–great blog, great success and to think she stops by and visits my posts now and then *wow*
5. http://thebettermanprojects.com/2012/12/21/day-369-my-life/ A most amazing motivational blog
6. http://mikeallegra.com/a-bit-of-bio/ Recently published his first children’s book and that is very inspiring to me
7. http://makesomethingmondays.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/ How does she come up with all those ideas?
Usually I don’t bend the rules (I’ve earned quite the reputation for being quite the policy stickler, in fact), yet I’ve got this Agatha Christie I’m needing to finish so I can go on to my next book in th bag. So instead of 15 blogs I’ve shouted out 7 which means instead of 7 facts I’ve done 3 (they are hidden in this paragraph.
Enjoy your holidays one and all!
Blue Skies,
CricketMuse
Pam Webb 
Every author event I go to, I mentally put myself up front as the presenter and my palms start to sweat. I think many writers are introverts and just the thought of speaking in front of an audience starts the adrenaline flowing. Then I remind myself that I went on living after the most heart-pounding event in my life: the call from the doctor after the biopsy. Now, I can do anything!
Thank you so much for the nomination! I’m very touched and I’m glad that my little Save the Words posts have inspired you 🙂
at my company we rotate meetings separated in size of 4 to 6 people. whenever it is my groups turn my nerves are high and i make no eye contact during the presentation. it is when i improvise that my nerves subside and when i do my best work.
thanks for sharing your story. 🙂
Isn’t it strange how preparation can undue the nerve yet spontaneity can overcome the nerves? Thanks for stoping by !
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