This is how I feel on occasion when I am standing in front of a large group of people just babbling on and, in my head, forming zero coherent sentences.
In actuality, I probably have had those moments. I know for a fact I've had many, many moments in the hot seat that have gone horridly wrong.
Yet, I still get up there. Heart pounding, hands shaking, my bladder feeling as though it will burst any second. You would think that feeling would go away after logging countless times in the spot light; however, I thought the exact thing as I continually toed the start line of a race. Sure enough, I can always count on the flutterbees showing up, my bladder suddenly filling on its own accord seconds before the gun, and my heart racing a million miles a minute.
I've learned to embrace these awful feelings as an athlete and channel them into my performance. Nerves are good. Ask anyone. Or, maybe ask your coach. They'll always tell you nerves are good, even if it does result in you peeing your pants. For real. Its happened to the best of us.
Our class guest on Monday September 13, president of Bozeman's Toatmasters, said nearly the same thing. He noted how most athletes utilize their nerves as power, and the same can be done with those speaking publically. However, more speakers are still trying to figure out the conversion than athletes...at least I am.
Before my speech on monday about my love for camp I looked over the Toastmasters International's 10 tips for public speaking. All of these ten tips are easily achievable for every individual, yet I know it's always easier said than done. For example, tip number two. Practice. Practice. Practice!
Goodness! If only I had time to intermittently whip out my two minute speech throughout my daily schedule. Looking back it sounds almost silly to say. It's TWO minutes. But the hardest part about it is finding a safe place to practice. It's good to play around with your words, figure out which roll of the tongue easily, and those that don't. It's good to sound ridiculous.
While practicing, don't forget to throw in your meat, (or tofu for me) your sizzle, and your style. We've all figured out by now that we are each their own unique person. We all have our own style, whether its the way we dress or the way we formulate our words!
The biggest piece of advice I took from the day was to ask for feedback. People are inherently prone to ask for no feedback as opposed to hearing criticism. I'll admit, I don't enjoy hearing criticism, yet I know that hearing about what I don't see; in other words, my blind spot, gives me insight into the way I am perceived to others. And I personally, find that fascinating.
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