Chris’s words spoke deep to me this morning as I prepare for a breakout for The Orange Conference tomorrow. You see, I’m a blogger, not a speaker.
Some have been pretty surprised when I tell that that public speaking is not something I’m very good at, and in fact, it makes me extremely nervous; sweaty palms, increased heart rate, and cotton-mouth like you wouldn’t believe.
What’s even worse is that I get more nervous as the talk continues as I apparently get even more aware of the audience and I jump into the pool of being too self-conscious: “Is there something in my teeth?” or “Is my attempt at humor falling flat?” or “Does my topic of conversation totally suck?”
But, as Chris mentions, building confidence is about the small successes and that’s why I still say yes when people ask me to speak because ultimately I believe that these small “successes” will make me a blogger, and probably impact the other areas of my life.
We need to be willing to step into areas of weakness, get out there and risk.
How are you building your confidence in blogging other areas?
solarcoast says
Great post. When we don't take risks or allow ourselves to be uncomfortable we place limits on what God can do through us.
human3rror says
Thanks shawn. ๐
“solarcoast' is a cool handle.
chrissulli says
Having the same feelings about a potential public speaking opportunity. Can't breathe when I get up there.
human3rror says
the feeling of suffocation is insane.
Graham Brenna says
I'm actually thinking about giving a "guest message" at our student led worship service sometime next month… not my thing at all… but I think the subject is one I'd be good at talking about.
human3rror says
sweet! record it!
Graham Brenna says
Fo Sho! I'll blog it too… ๐ Pretty nervous but also pumped to be doing it!
Brandon Cox says
I used to get sweaty palms, "splotchy" cheeks, and would cry often when faced with public speaking… well not the crying part, but I was extremely nervous. Aside from time and experience, the one truth I learned that has helped curb my nervousness more than anything else was from a speaking coach named Jamie Lash who told his students to focus not on themselves, their faults, or even their speaking ability. Instead, focus on the fact that the audience really does need the message you have to give. You're going to improve their lives somehow by sharing.
So it turns out, for me at least, that focusing on the needs of the audience and the ability of my message to connect with those needs has made all the difference for me in speaking, writing, and other areas of my life too.
human3rror says
Brandon,
Thanks for this word today. really appreciate it. i've come to realize the truth in what you're saying here, but a very helpful reminder… because i apparently forgot it.
just like that, right?
john
dewde says
So does knowing that I'm going to be in the audience with a video camera make you more or less nervous?
human3rror says
yes, because i'll have visual confirmation that someone far more unappealing than myself is in the room.
Jay says
It's funny, but public speaking is something that doesn't bother me. In fact, I kind of enjoy it to the point where I wish I could do it more often. It's talking to smaller groups of people (unfamiliar to me) where I sometimes get nervous. When I have spoken to larger crowds, I have the ability to kind of 'blur' everybody to the point where I can make it appear as though I am making eye contact, but not really doing so. I guess it's a gift.
That being said, a small piece of advice I can offer to you is don't be afraid to go off script from time to time. I know you probably have things written down and have been preparing, but liberating yourself, even for a few seconds during that time often makes the whole process that much easier to get through.
As for blogging in other areas, that's something I've done for quite some time. Politics, tech, pop culture, sports, faith, etc. I've covered a lot of ground. The biggest lesson that I have learned is to try and blog without coming off like an encyclopedia entry and rather as a person who has something to say.
human3rror says
๐ word up.