I just returned from the Volunteer Breakfast at my son’s elementary school. The Volunteer Breakfast is a special “Thank You” event held for parents and other community members who have volunteered at the school throughout the year. I’ve been to these breakfast’s before, and they’re always very nice, but this one was the best yet!…and I’m excited to share a story about why this year’s breakfast was extra special!
While we were all eating, the school’s principal made some informative announcements about important things going on at our school and within our district. She also extended a big and heartfelt thank you to all the parents and community members who have donated their time throughout the year. As a token of her appreciation, she purchased a bunch of colorful spring plants that were placed on the tables throughout the room, and then had a raffle and drew names until all the plants available were given away to winning volunteers to take home.
Well guess what?! She drew my name and I won a plant! Sweet!
My new plant! Isn’t she a beaut! Please say a prayer for her. My thumbs are anything but green, so she likely won’t make it through the week!
Winning the plant felt pretty good, but things soon got even better!. . .
I think when the principal pulled my name out of the basket for the plant drawing, it reminded her of my new book (which she had recently read when it was first released last month) because she then proceeded to tell everyone in the room some really kind things about it! What a wonderful and unexpected surprise! But wait, there’s more!! She then hands the mic to me and asks if I could give a 30 second speech about the book!! YiKes, I was so unprepared for this, but So grateful for the opportunity! I tried to keep it short and sweet, and gave a quick talk explaining what my book was about, and where it could be found (www.HoneyIShrunkTheGrief.com).
Pretty great morning huh?! Although I should also add that my mind has been racing ever since I gave my “speech”. I don’t feel like I crashed and burned, but I also feel like I could have done a much better job. Did you ever leave a voicemail on someone’s phone and wish you could get a “do-over”? That’s exactly how I feel. I wanted my moment in the sun to be just right, but I’m afraid it was far from it. But I also realize that I did the best I could, and what else can I do, right? Also, when I returned the mic to her, she continued on a bit more with her positive review of my book…so I think her additional final comments very much helped to express some of what was probably lacking in my description (she’s The Best!).
It’s crazy, I spend five years of my life writing a book that I feel so passionate about, and yet I have difficulty summarizing it, clearly, in 30 seconds. I wish I would have done better. But of course I can’t go back and do it again…but, I can learn from this experience, and work to make any future speeches better. Maybe it’s time for me to head to one of those Toastmasters groups that teaches people how to be better public speakers? I’m sure this would be well worth my time…as there so many things in life where good communication skills are extremely valuable.
an invitation to you…
Do you have a memorable, big or small, public speech that you gave? How did it go? How did it make you feel?
Have you had any experience with Toastmasters or any other kind of speech instruction that helped you to be a better public speaker?
Do you have any public speaking tips to offer?…things that help you to comfortably, confidently, and clearly communicate your message?
I just started reading Shania Twain’s autobiography and she talks about performing as a child, and how she would look above people’s heads when she got on stage. Does that help?…help you to relax and help the thoughts flow more freely? And I remember one of the old Brady Bunch episodes where one of the kids was taking their drivers test and was told to picture the instructor in their underwear to make the situation lighter, more comical. Does that help?!
What helps??? Help!
(responses can be left below. Thanks!!).
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Having taught a bit about public speaking, I can give some advice on being nervous/dry mouth. You know, that cotton mouth panicky feeling? There are a couple things you can do. Other than deep breaths, yawning actually helps relax the neck/jaw and gets your saliva flowing so you won’t lose your voice or feel your voice crack. So before you have to speak, try yawning a few times (out of sight, of course, so no one will think you are bored!). Avoid caffeine before speaking because that dries out your mouth and consider chewing gum for a bit before you “go on”. The other thing you can do, other than imagine everyone in their underwear, is to look just above your audiences head like Shania did (or at their forehead). For many people, eye-to-eye contact is what causes the anxiety. If you look at their forehead, or just above their head, you give the illusion of looking at them while dealing with your nervousness (of course, you may not feel as connected to your audience). Just some ideas!
Thank you for sharing your helpful public speaking ideas Sue! Now that I’m armed with your tips I actually feel excited to give my next speech!