What an honor ... this morning, I got to present to an enthusiastic and talented group of young writers and illustrators at my son's school's Young Authors Day. I'll admit to my stomach being in knots, leading up to this morning, as I tried to figure out the best writing information to share with a gymful of kids ranging in age from 1st to 8th grade within the timeframe allotted.Throughout my professional life, whether presenting to staff or colleagues, a board or students, or - now - children and teachers, it has always been the anticipation that has worn on me the most. I worry and fret, I perfect, I analyze, I probably overprepare ... but, once I'm in front of everyone and talking and interacting, I'm completely calm and comfortable. If only I could make the preparation process as pleasant as the experience itself!
Are any of you the same way?
Nonetheless ... this morning, I'm taking a deep breath. Things went well ... and the knots are unraveling.
20 comments:
I have to agree. The anticipation hoping that you have everything, and everything will go well, is the worst part!
I bet they loved you!
I'm glad that the knots in your stomach are starting to disappear!! I'm sure everything went well and they loved you, but I know where you are coming from! I can be a bundle of nerves!
I've come a long was on presentations. I used to get SO nervous, but now, not so much.
So glad it went well!
so glad it went well!!! I agree that the worry is so much worse then the event!
Speaking in front of people terrifies me. I had to say a few words during the school board meeting last night, maybe 40 people that I knew. I broke out in a sweat and I could feel the giggles creeping up. Ugh. I'm much better at writing :)
Young writers awards - ahh - as a teacher one of my favorite things during the year. I'm sure you did great.
Good for you for going ahead with it despite your fears and anxiety. I could never talk in front of a group and I'm always so impressed by those who overcome those fears to do so.
I'm so proud of you. I really am. Kids can always tell who is there for them for the right reasons, and I'm sure you were perfection.
I am exactly the same way! But I know you did great and they loved you!
Yeah, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do that!! Makes my stomach hurt just imagining it!! Congrats to you!
I am not a relaxed speaker at all. I have been told I do a great job, but am one who rarely remembers what I said. . .which can be bad.
So great that you could speak to all those young writers. Sometime they will remember forever!
Oh, heckyeah! The nerves are killer. The most prepared lesson I have is the first day of school--it's just introducing myself and the syllabus, but it's scary to start talking to 30 new 16-year-olds!
Hooray - I'm so glad it went well! I haven't had to present anything in a long, long time, but when I used to I learned that the more comfortable I was with the subject, the more comfortable I was presenting. If I knew the subject so well they couldn't ask me a question I couldn't answer, then I was pretty at ease. Otherwise, it was pretty agonizing.
Oh, how fun! And, I agree. It's like parent-teacher night--once I'm talking, I'm fine, it's just the thinking about having to talk in front of parents that does me in! I'm glad it was such a success!
My worse fear having to stand up and talk in front of people. Well done you :o)
I'm EXACTLY the same way. Hand-sweating nervous till I start talking. (I'd probably be MORE nervous if I were calm to begin with. Um, you know what I mean. :-)
School visit...How fun! When I taught, we loved having authors coming to visit. I'm glad you got over your nerves. I'm sure your next visit will be easier. :)
How exciting! I'll bet you were wonderful. Franchesca is my daughter's favorite. We listen to that CD every morning on the way to school!
So what exactly did you speak about? I'm dying to know what the subject was.
And good for you! I imagine, like PJ, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
I agree that the worry is so much worse then the event!
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