Public Speaking and Time Management

I tend to think these are areas in which even some of the most brilliant, fabulous, shiny people often struggle.

For me, time management is easy peasy.  I'm organized, I'm fast, and I can see the big picture and the pieces that need to come together to make it happen.  It's what I bring to any team.  It's how I help any project get done...and done well.  Just as its true with my filmmaking, my heart is in directing, but most naturally, I'm a producer.  And, I love it...so that's cool too.

Public speaking on the other hand...well...I find it to be extreme amounts of suckage.  A class of 10-25...no worries.  That's fun for me.  Especially if that class has a few friendly faces and a few new eager faces that are coming to the table with some positive energy.  Even a less friendly environment I can handle...if its relatively small.  BUT, a large crowd...30 or more...and now I'm getting a little fuzzy in the head when you put me up at the front under bright lights.  Things get less mentally organized, I turn red, I feel nervous giggling bubbling under the surface (because in my brain my being on this stage is RIDICULOUS TORTURE), and I push myself to smile and get through it and get it done.  Afterwards, I usually cannot tell you what I even said when I was up there.  It's all a blur.  People say, "Really?  You seemed fine. You did great."  Sell it to someone else buddy.  The truth is...public speaking is one of my least favorite things to do and I'm no fan...not at all.  :)

I did find the tutorial useful though in giving tips on how to stay focused and reduce anxiety.  I need that help and I'll use those tips and do my best to get better.  Improvement and evolution of skills is always a good thing.  But the reality is that at the end of the day, I will only speak in front of large crowds when it is absolutely necessary.  I'm 43.  I'm not expecting to ever love public speaking at this point.  I'm totally fine with this though.  I know I ROCK at certain things, so when I'm not awesome at something, or truly suck at it, I'm kind of okay with it.  I'll leave that stuff to the people who love it...like Andre.  Boy loves a big crowd and a stage and a microphone.  And I will make sure that the event goes off swimmingly so he can enjoy his bright moment in the sun (under those crazy bright scary lights!).