For weeks I've known that I would be speaking last night at the IIABO (Independent Insurance Agent's of Oregon) convention in Sun River about DonorsResource.org.
The emcee, Marc Baker called my name I walked on the stage in my usual stance filled with confidence ready to bring it home. Strong start followed by nothing. My mind went blank. "....products....when we got started...long pause...I'm nervous". Yes, I actually said that outloud. "Products?!" DonorsResource.org has NOTHING to do with products. We are about donations. Good grief. I somewhat recovered at the end, but barely.
Fortunately two things happened. The sound was not loud enough for the 200 plus people in attendance to hear me. Secondly, several people speaking after remembered what in the hell it was I trying to say and compensated nicely.
Strangely enough I didnt try to take my life with a toothpick after leaving the stage.
Anyone that knows me would say for certain that my yap is equipped with duel engines that could power a 747 to china and back. I have over 11 years of speaking in front of large groups, never missing a beat. What was so different?
The not-so-bright idea to write out my presentation came to me. So I did, then walked away from it, read it again, printed out a copy, and rehearsed it again.
What I know for sure is that I'm an off -the-cuff kinda gal and my ability to deliver a speech did not need to be fixed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I have SO been there girl! Remember, it's not the polish, it's the silver underneath. And you are sterling!
love ya,
Siouxsie
Given that it worked out well, that is so hilarious! I've been there -- even mumbled the names of my dogs once in front of a class when I was trying to think of what to say. LOL
Post a Comment