I’ve always been terrified of public speaking… and yet, in this season in my life, since the book’s launch, what am I invited to do the most? Speak to groups!
Over two events this weekend, friends will all gather in one space to hear me talk about the book. I will also be speaking to a variety of groups through the year.
I love the idea of sharing my story with others. I’ve been given pointers on what makes a presentation engaging and I’ve been coached on the what-not-to-dos. I’ve studied technique. I’ve prayed for eloquence.
But the thought of facing a roomful of people is a whole different thing. I’m afraid I will stumble over my words. I’m afraid I will forget to talk about key pieces in my story. I’m afraid my nervousness will get the better of me and make me incoherent.
Once I begin, as I look around the room, I will see that most in the room can relate to elements in my story. Certainly, we all know pain and have experienced varying levels of it. Whether it is physical or emotional, pain is pain. And pain and loss often go hand in hand. I am not alone.
As I tell my story, I want to be ‘raw’ and real. The passion I have to encourage and inspire others is what drives me.
Will this realization help me become a better speaker? I don’t know.
I think those butterflies in my stomach are hard to tame. Those beautiful symbols of metamorphosis are the very things that make me want to run in the other direction. Learning to embrace them and live with them as I face my fears is an important part of the journey towards excellence.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is a habit.“ - Socrates
Excellence must be pursued. It doesn’t just happen.
I’m learning to live with the butterflies as I live, laugh, learn.
~shini abraham, ©2013, duco divina – contemplative doodling
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