I've never asked for some good vibes before. I could use a few.

[trof]

Like many of us, I hate public speaking.
My knees shake. Really.
My hands shake. Especially if I'm holding notes.
It's damned embarrassing.
Hell, I'm a grown MAN.
A geezer even.
:-(

Tomorrow I have to preside over our annual property owners' association meeting.
I'm dreading it.
And it doesn't matter that I know everybody.

I'm OK with running the meeting, calling for the reading and approval of the last meeting's minutes, calling for the treasurer's report, the nuts and bolts stuff.

But then I have to basically do a monologue about what we (the board of directors) have done in the last year and explain a fairly complicated tax situation that has arisen on our common property (a clubhouse and a boat launch).

I need COURAGE.
Damn.
At least it's my last year on the board (EVER!) and as president.
:scared:

[JoePhilly]

1. You can do it ... you just need ...

A simple list of points ... 4-7 or so main points ... skip memorizing it ... use ONE 3x5 if you need ... just write down the POINTs ... explain them in your own words ... then open up the discussion ...

[trof]

4. I'm thinking a couple of shots of Scotch.

Scotch Courage!
See also: Dutch Courage
;-)

[TZ]

2. You'll do fine

I used to be utterly petrified of public speaking but I've learned that I can do it effectively. However try not to waste energy worrying about it beforehand. Its always never as bad as you imagine.:hug:

[trof]

8. I find it's a tiny bit better as I get older.

I think there's a bit of 'I really don't give a shit' kicking in.
There are some good things about being a geezer.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. My dear trof...

Aw, sweetie...

You'll be fine!

Remember....they're coming because they want to hear what you have to say...

It's a friendly audience...

It might help if you have a lecturn or something to stand behind, and hold onto...

Or if you can sit...

Also, if you can practice your speech...that'll help too...

Whenever I read a poem in public, first I print it in 20 point print.

This makes it super easy to read!

Hope this helps...

My good vibes will be with you...:hug:

[trof]

9. Thanks, Peg.

yeah, I think I'll sit.
It's a smallish group.
Probably about 60-70.

[texas1928]

5. Picture everyone in the crowd, in their underwear.

[trof]

10. THONGS!

Yeah!
:evilgrin:

[Richardo]

37. Wrong. Picture Scarlett Johannsen in HER underwear.

You may flub the speech, but you'll be happy.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

6. Two things I was taught that have stuck with me

1. Find a friendly face and focus on speaking to that person.

2. Remember that you may be teaching them something they don't already know, and you are in control of that message. That is supposed to give you a feeling of confidence.


You'll do just fine, I know it!

[trof]

11. Right. I'll talk to Miz t.

She's my greatest supporter.

[LiberalEsto]

7. Courage vibes are on the way

))))))))))))))


I hope everything goes well.

By the way, I was terrified of speaking in public all my life, Ten years ago I couldn't even chair a small PTA meeting, although I knew everyone there. I never talked in class, even in college.

However, a miracle happened. About 5 years ago the minister at my Unitarian Universalist church encouraged me to do a very short reading during a service. And then another. I figured the UUs weren't going to boo me or throw tomatoes. The minister asked me to help plan some services and gradually take bigger and bigger roles in them.

Now I'm on the Sunday services committee, and I generally lead about three services a year as a lay leader, by myself. I can hardly believe it. I never dreamed I could get up in front of 50-plus people and talk.

I am forever grateful to that minister, who left last year to work for a larger congregation.

[trof]

12. Yeah, maybe the more you do it the easier it is?

I'm feeling better.
But then I HAVE been drinking.
A bit.
:toast:

[Longhorn]

19. Yes, the more you do it, the more comfortable you get.

Also, many in the audience will be identifying with you -- they'll be on your side! I agree with the advice to just talk to them, not really give a speech. A conversational tone is more enjoyable for the audience as well. After you've warmed up on the association's business, I'll bet the rest will just come naturally. :hi:

[Mrs.Matcom]

13. Good Vibes and

a few shots of scotch and you will be fine!! :hi: :hug:

[demmiblue]

14. I remember those feelings!

Keep it simple!

However, one of the best ways to relax before a speech is to tense all of your muscles. Ok... I know that sounds weird, but it helps! If you tense all of your muscles before your speech, they have nothing to do but relax.

And remember... you know what you are talking about! Also, have some props... they divert the attention away from you (handouts, bulletin board, etc).

Good luck... you can do it!

[trof]

16. I'll go out on the deck and do the Hulk Hogan 'flex'.

HUNH! HHUUNNNHHH!!!
That oughta do it.
;-)

[applegrove]

15. I'm sure it will go fine. ((((HUGS))))

[mikita]

17. I feel for you...

As President of an association, I had to present an overthrow of the property manager of our association -- he was robbing us blind. I shook like a leaf, and my voice matched it, and it was a bit humiliating that I couldn't control myself, but ya know what? I lived through it, and would never want to repeat it, but in the end who cares?

You'll either be perfectly fine, or show your emotions, but as long as you're telling the truth, what's to worry about?

So take heart, do your best, and drink heartily afterwards.....

Here's one to get you started.....

:toast:

Mikita

[NJmaverick]

18. It's not really that bad

“According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
Jerry Seinfeld


Humor aside, public speaking is like anything else, the more you do it, the easier it gets.

[trof]

24. I may use that. Thanks.

[TheCentepedeShoes]

20. You'll be fine

That being said, I was on the board of my condo assoc several years back.
Listen to Mrs.Matcom, a wise person indeed.

[Rabrrrrrr]

21. Courage comes in a bottle, my friend. In a bottle. Though as a pilot, you know that already.

:rofl:

Seriously, though, please know that I'm only kidding about the pilot joke - that was really more intended for irony and other people, than aimed at you. I just think it's funny to think of pilots getting hammered because they're afraid to fly...

anyway...

Part of this is because I've had only a small salad today, about three hours ago, and am finishing my first Martini of the night...

As to the public speaking thing - remember that, as President, the people really do want to hear what you have to say; they aren't judging you on your speaking skills, they are supporting you; and to think of it really as a conversation, not so much a speech.

If it helps, and is possible, perhaps you can do your talk while sitting down at the table, and not move to a lectern or other "official" speaking prop.

And of course, write it all up first, and read from the script. One of the more brilliant and wonderful preachers I've known was a guy who was very uncomfortable speaking from the hip, and so he always wrote out his sermons, didn't deviate from them, and read them from the pulpit - but they were brilliantly written AND he was a good enough speaker, so they worked. And not just sermons - this guy wrote out everything, even the announcements, because he couldn't even "wing" those. You can do the same thing, and make it work wonderfully!

Especially with something as delicate and specific as a tax situation, you truly would do well to write it all out, in precise and accurate detail, so that you don't say something that isn't true or wrong.

Lastly - dude, you've landed planes, filled with people (and yourself) whose lives depend on your actions, on ice and in snow and on instruments. Any of that is way, way more difficult and terrifying than speaking in public. If you can do the former, you can do the latter. And even if you do the letter with less excellence than the former, fuck it - landing people safely is far more important, in the grand scheme of things. :-)

:yourock:

[trof]

29. The tax thing is a long story.

And complicated.
Quick and dirty...our real estate taxes tripled.
The county tax collector was deemed so incompetent that the state department of revenue has taken over the appraisals and taxes in our county.
It's a goddam mess that I have to work through.
I've filed an official appeal on behalf of the association.

And they'll sure be hanging on my every word about how I plan to deal with it.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

22. 2 things...

If you can see your doctor tomorrow before you talk, you might ask about the possibility of a beta blocker prescription. They've done wonders for me in high-pressure performances. I still feel the nervous energy; but I don't get the shakes. My nerves are no longer disabling.

The other possibility is munching a couple of bananas right before you speak. What I understand is that they're a kind of natural beta-blocker.

OK, I lied...There are 2 more things:

Avoid caffeine at least 6 hours before you speak. Alcohol won't help either.

Consider starting your talk with a joke. It'll lighten the mood, and who knows, people may even be more attentive.

:hug::hug::hug:

[trof]

26. I pop beta blockers like popcorn.

No...seriously...I have hypertension and I been on a beta blocker and an ACE inhibitor for years.
Doc says anybody over 60 should probably take them.
"Just think of it as another vitamin pill."
;-)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

28. Have you tried them right before speaking?

I take mine about an hour before I play...20mg Propanylol...and I take it with food.
Getting the shakes sucks when it's your bow arm that's doing the shaking!

[YankeyMCC]

23. No worries...

They need to hear you, you're the one with the info and the platform.

You'll do fine!

[Babel_17]

25. You can do it

"Just start at the beginning and when you come to the end, stop." :)

or

March Hare: Start at the beginning.

Mad Hatter: Yes, yes! And when you come to the end, hehehe, stop! See?

http://www.alice-in-wonderland.net/books/script.html

:)

[matcom]

27. show up hammered on Scotch!

it really is the only solution :D

GOOD LUCK!

[trof]

32. That's IT!

I'll just start drinking at 8 o'clock.
Show up smashed.
I'm a LOT better when I've been drinking.
Ask anybody.
But the Baptists will be pissed.
The Episcopalians won't care.
;-)

[shaniqua6392]

30. I would rather have a tooth pulled out than speak in public.

I guess that is not going to help you, eh?? LOL!!! I do know how you feel. I get shaky, sweaty, and my voice cracks. It is usually the eye contact thing that gets me. I can read stuff just fine but then if I try to look at the people, I fall apart. Maybe you should try that old trick of picturing your audience in the nude?? But then you may be laughing too hard to get any words out!! :rofl:

[trof]

52. I guess I'd rather talk.

I HATE 'extractions'!

[GreenPartyVoter]

31. You'll be ok *hugs*

[Parche]

33. You can do it

Here is a L-1011 for courage!!

:woohoo: :hi:

[trof]

34. OK, I'm ready to put this thread to bed.

Thanks for all the advice and words of encouragement.
You guys are aces.
Maybe I'll be so hung over that'll be the LEAST of my worries?
;-)

[ThomCat]

35. I hope you stand tall and do very well.

:hug:

[Connonym]

36. good vibes headed your way

You'll do great.

[Zoigal]

38. The group elected you as president so they respect you

and trust you, right? And those passengers in the planes you flew had
the utmost confidence in you. (I might have been one of them..flew TWA a lot).
So have a table to put your notes on (eliminate any evidence of shaking),
beg a valium from someone, and go for it. After the first minute or so, you will
take off. Trust me, i'm the same way re public speaking and have never bombed yet.
Wishing you the very best. z

[trof]

41. Not exactly.

The board of directors elects its own officers.
I couldn't get anyone else to be president.
Mine by default.

Anyway, off I go.
Butterflies and all.
:-)

[Ava]

39. Don't worry, once you get up there it gets better

I get nervous before speeches, but once i get up there it is smooth sailing. just relax and know you'll do well, and you'll do well. ;) :hug:

good vibes coming your way

[JeffR]

40. trof, trof, trof

You have a great sense of humor. Use it. Use the Force.

[Raven]

42. Scotch would be good...picturing the audience naked always works

for me...beta blockers can help with the nerves and the shakes...my best one is: pick someone out of the audience who looks like or reminds you of a relative or good friend and then direct your speach to them. Also, get there early (unless the meeting is at your place)and greet people as they come in.

You will do fine! And BTW, I'm amazed that you're nervous...your DU personna would not give me a clue! :)

[trof]

49. I held off on the Scotch until approximately 3:28 p.m.

I know, I know.
I came back in the office with a young Scotch and soda at 3:28.
Miz t. eyeballed me.
"Look...just don't say a word, OK? I've wanted this since 9:30 this morning. The 4 o'clock rule is suspended for today."
"If you take me out on the dock for a drink I won't say a word."
"Done."

And we just enjoyed our first drink-on-the-dock of the season.
A porpoise breached and chased shrimp or some pinfish right in front of us.
Nice.

[trof]

43. YEA! IT'S OVER!!!

Thanks for all the good vibes, wishes, and encouragement.
It worked.

The meeting went well.
No shouting, name calling, or fistfights.
Finished in less than an hour, which I think is some kind of record.
And I'm very glad it's over.
:-)

[Ava]

44. awesome

and didn't it get better once you got up there? ;) :hi:

[trof]

45. Yeah, at least I didn't get the shakes.

I was giving a talk to another group a year ago and my knee actually started shaking.
Weird.

[Zoigal]

46. Kudos, trof

You did it! :toast: z

[trof]

50. Woo. Hoo.

That's behind me now.
Life is good.
:-)

[Raven]

47. Naked people usually don't fight. How'd they look?

[trof]

48. Kinda wrinkly?

Lotsa geezers and blue-hairs here.
Mostly repugs.

There's one guy who usually asks for the floor and then rambles on for 20 minutes or more about his particular vicissitudes of life as relates (very remotely) to the association.

"You oughta..."
"We should..."
"Why don't you...?"

Thank god Ed was silent today.
Maybe he's mellowing.
Or just senile?

Many thanked me for my 'service'.
One in particular, a kinda cranky old guy I'm friends with, but who I've butted heads with in the past.
"I just wanna say that in the 19 years I've been here, you're the best president we've ever had."

Damn! Coming from him, I'm quite chuffed.
It did go well.
:-)

[supernova]

51. Glad it went well!

We knew you could do it.

:-)

[TZ]

53. Good for you trof

I knew it would go well!:toast:

[trof]

54. Thanks. Yea ME!

:-)

[LaurenG]

55. I didn't see this before but congratulations

I think just being in GD:P had to have helped you prepare for the worst. ;)

I'm glad it went well for you.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

56. Yay!

Congrats! :hug:

[ThomCat]

57. Mozel Tov!

I'm glad you did well, and I'm glad we could encourage you. :)