I threw Jeff a 30th birthday party a few years back. It was an intimate affair, filled with our closest friends and some family. Around 3o people. I worked for months coming up with the decor and the drinks and the menu. (Gold color tones and pomegranate martinis and appetisers galore. In case you wondered.) The one thing that never dawned on me? Actually having to give some sort of toast. At one point in the evening, Jeff turned to me and asked if I was going to say anything. Say anything? Um, okay…
I stood in my living room and nervously stammered, “thanks everyone for coming… Happy Birthday, Jeff!” I don’t think it was quite what he had in mind.
I was surrounded by people I knew– some of whom for a decade or more and I simply couldn’t pull together an intelligent string of words. It was a pretty lame moment to be me.
So, when I found out that I was selected to be a keynote speaker at BlogHer in two weeks, my immediate response was excitement. Holy shit- this is really cool! A room filled with the most influential people in this business, along with so many people I consider friends. What an opportunity!
Until it hit me: A couple thousand people. Plus me. On a stage. Speaking. And, so I fainted.
Okay, maybe not really, but I felt like it.
So, any tips on public speaking? Other than the whole picturing them naked thing? Because all that’s going to do is make me want a tummy tuck and a boob job.
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Huge congrats to you! Public speaking tips? All I got is this:
-stop trying to stop feeling nervous. you’re gonna feel horribly nervous. that’ll motivate you to knock it out of the park.
- breathe
- and ativant, xanax…they’re super helpful little guys.
I’ll be there cheering you on. You can pretend you’re just talking to me…a little ol’ blogger, instead of a room of 1,500.
denise recently posted..Sand in My Toes
Make sure to practice in front of a few trusted people beforehand. I say trusted, because you need to be able to accept their advice and suggestions. And it’s always a good thing to practice! That way, if you have something written out, you can see if it matches your way of speaking. Spoken and written word are not the same!
But most of all? Take a deep breath, take a sip of water, relax and HAVE FUN!
What are you speaking on? SO EXCITED FOR YOU! Just practice and practice and practice. Out loud. Watch yourself on video. Yeah, that might make you vomit but it will help. I promise!
JenniferG@Hip As I Wanna Be recently posted..Motivation On A Monday
It’s top secret! But, design related. :)
One word, Spanx. But just don’t forget to breathe, those things are tight. The fainting thing on stage wouldn’t be too cool, although it would make for good blogging.
Amy recently posted..What it is No 5
That would be good blog fodder. And I’d certainly get people talking.
practice…pratice speaking in front of people, overtime you get very used to it. works for me. or you could take a couple valium, but then you might get cottonmouth and that would suck.
vanillasugar recently posted..pimento cheeseburger w- tomato-balsamic reduction
Video tape yourself! It sucks watching yourself giving a speech in your bedroom on “tape” but it really helps. You get to see all the weird ticks that you have when nervous.
If you think about the information you want to share–instead of you having to speak it. It really helps.
Like a mission.
Preach your gospel, Woman!
I for one cannot wait to witness it.
xo and HUGE congrats.
Ann’s Rants recently posted..Crossing Over
awesome! congratulations!! xoxo
Always engage your audience. If you feel a connection they will too. Be prepared and be confident. Make sure you don’t spend too much time memorizing. If you speak from the heart the whole thing will just come together naturally. It can be very intimidating, but if you feel comfortable it can become an extremely liberating thing. Good luck from one Scary Mommy to another:)
Don’t laugh.. but in all my public speaking classes I had to psych myself up. So I’d sit there & look around & be like “pshh..I have a nicer ass that her.. he’s goofy looking as fuck, so there is no way he’ll make fun of me..” etc..
I know, I’m a horrible person right?
But it gave me the cocky confidence to go up & absolutely own the podium!!!
=)
Although, since you’ll be speaking to “us” I’m not sure I like this idea..haha!! =P
But really, talk yourself up so when you walk up your just exuding confidence! “If you can fake it well enough, eventually you’ll believe it yourself! is my motto! LOL!!
claire recently posted..Going to the movies
HA! That’s an interesting tactic. I won’t look at you if I use it. :)
ahhh, I can’t wait to hear you speak! You’ll be awesome.
Oh..and drinking prior to my college courses helped.. so..get a un scary flask!! =P
claire recently posted..Going to the movies
I am just here to offer to slip you a drink before-hand and hold your hair if you need to puke. That’s the best I can possibly do for you.
I’m sure you will do great! Can’t wait to collect some hugs!
Jen recently posted..Organizing the Make-Up Drawer
That’s the best offer- hopefully I won’t need it!
Just be you. Write out your speech and practice, practice, practice. But just be you. Practice the speech and RECORD WHAT AND HOW YOU SAY IT. Listen to it. You want your speech to sound like you’re in your living room having a coffee with the girls. Relaxed. Natural. Free flowing. When you get on that stage you’re going to be nervous. Being able to retreat into a speech you know by heart and have listened to ad nauseum, will help you deliver a warm, friendly and easy flowing speech.
lceel recently posted..Monday Meanders 7-19
Gah, but I hate watching myself on film. But, yes, I’ll do it. Ugh.
LOVE that you got picked. You are honest and upfront about everything, so I say bring that to your speech. And say “Holy shit” in it. That would be flippin’ cool.
I was on the fence about using the word pussy. I may just have to.
Oh you’ll do fantastically! You will, you will. Try not to think about it too much. Practice what you’re going to say leading up to the talk. But the day of, put it completely out of your mind until you walk on stage.
I also used to listen to some music before I had to give a speech/talk. One of my favorites is Three Little Birds. It puts me in a calm sort of mood. Cheesy? Maybe, but it helped.
Oh and I also find it’s easier to talk to a room full of strangers rather than one full of people I know.
You rock woman! Remember that.
Jen recently posted..Celebrate Childhood- Tin Can Phone
That’s so true about strangers. Not that you guys are strangers, but Jeff said he wanted to be there and I was like, NOOOOOOOOOO!! So odd- he’s seen me poop on a delivery table yet I would never want him in that room.
A room full of 1,500 people that love you! Just don’t look at them, scan the room and focus over their heads, they’ll never know, and pretend you are just talking to your mirror at home. Make notes and go off the notes, but practice a lot before hand so you have it very clear in your mind what you want to talk about. And above all else, believe in yourself. You can do this.
Jennifer recently posted..The elevator pitch
You can do it…and you’ll be great! I tend to freak the frick out when I have speak publicly and I’ve only found one thing that helps…to talk to one person. Sure, I may be speaking to a group, but I single out one person and really talk to them…and give little glances around the room here and there.
Good luck!!
Sky recently posted..Link ‘Em Thursday
You will be awesome!! I wish I were going to BlogHer even more now. Nuts. We will be at the Cape that weekend, otherwise I probably would’ve gone.
The Mommyologist recently posted..Tell Us Why You are “Not” Mom of the Year!
Have someone you know well sit where you can see her. Then just focus on that friendly, smiling face when you get nervous and pretend you’re just in a room, talking to her.
And tell her not to make goofy faces at you…
amber recently posted..A Running Conversation
Confidence is key.
Here are my tips:
- Over prepare. Write your speech, practice it so much that if you lost the notes, you’d know the major talking points.
- Don’t read your speech. It’s the fall back for the nervous. Have talking points only for the big day (and go by tip 1, you need to practice with the talking points a lot.)
- Wear your battle clothes. Honey, these may be your friends but you still need to wear killer clothes. Buy something you know you look awesome in. Comfortably awesome.
- I like the “talk to one person” suggestion. But make it three or four people (or pts in the room)- there may be bright lights, pick 3-4 spots/people to focus on randomly. Everyone will think your talking to them, not the sconce on the back wall.
- Big-ass martini chaser. I’m all for the liquid courage, depending upon how nervous you are- limit it to one prior, and have another waiting as a reward.
- Know you’ve done all the hard work already. You’re good enough to be invited to speak, you’ve already convinced everyone you’re awesome. The room is full of Fans of Jill, everyone wants you to succeed.
- If you make a mistake 98% of the time no one will know. Unless you trip. On the stairs.
Ok. that’s my tips. Enjoy your time in the spotlight!
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Now I’m afraid of tripping. Fuck.
There’s something to be said about a little physical comedy…go for it!
Congratulations and good luck!!! Can’t wait to see the video!
AmazingGreis recently posted..One Week…
OMFG, there will be video. I totally forgot. Oh, no.
You’ll do great!
Michelle recently posted..A Recipe For a Crabby Mama
Congratulations. I read at the Community Keynote in 08, and it was a fantastic experience. You all are backstage together receiving tons of support, and the audience is gorgeous and welcoming. But one thing, though of course everyone doesn’t attend (though they should!) the entire audience of BlogHer this year is more like 2400. Right? No worries, we’re rooting for you. I’ll be up front and smiling!
Is it really? Oy.
Great advice in the comments – I do public speaking a ton as a part of my job and I do many of the things listed but the one thing that helps me the most is going to sound all “Oprah” but it works. Positive visualization – picture this gig being fun, engaging and when you’re done the feeling of “that rocked” – you know this topic better than 90% of the people in that room – don’t forget that – you were asked because you’re good at it – now prep well and picture yourself being good at the speech – None of that “i’m gonna suck’ talk – if you believe you will suck, you will – if you believe you will rock – you’ll be like the long hair’d Bon Jovi -
Congrats! I always have to think about keeping my knees bent a little bit–it also helps to keep me from passing out!
Also remember that these people chose to come hear you speak, so they must already like you! Anything you have to say about blogging would be relevant and entertaining. I think that makes it easier to be yourself and say what you really want to say, rather than an office meeting with a bunch of people who would rather be anywhere but there!
I agree that practicing is a good idea, and having chunks memorized can be helpful…and I would like to think I could take advice from close friends and family, but I am not always good at that.
Good luck!
Practice. Practice. Practice. Out loud.
When I give briefs at work, I make notes in very large font. I also put different ideas (or topics or paragraphs) in different colors so that my eyes can easily separate the sections.
Don’t talk too fast. When I get nervous, I fast talk.
You can do it! You are hilarious and original…you GOT this, girl!
I’m a major fast talker. MAJOR.
Scotch. That’s what I use, and people think I’m absolutely hysteric – - oh, wait.
……………………..nevermind.
(Congrats! I’ll be cheering you on at BlogHer. And, y’know…my Scotch. ;))
Congratulations! Be prepared… and have a glass of wine before you hit the stage! You’ll do great, Jill!
Jill! Oh my gosh! I just screamed with delight! Sooooooo happy for you. You will do a wonderful job! I just know it : )
Now I would say to tell a little inspirational story because people love that : ) Well, I love that : ) I don’t know if most people do. Totally tell a story! : ) You are going to ROCK it!
Life with Kaishon recently posted..One More Day
I’m SO the wrong person to give advice here. I had to give a speech at a big school event I planned. It was awful… I spoke to fast and forget half of what I wanted to say. Everyone else thought I was fine though so don’t judge yourself too harshly.
Barb recently posted..A shameless plug for my Etsy shop!
I’m so there on the Spanx thing and I will so be there to hear you speak. Just don’t picture my naked okay? Remember my Scary Mommy post? I still have all those weird baby veins all over my boobs so I don;t want you to be nauseous or anything!
I say write it out and practice! You want to make sure that the piece doesn’t have any parts that are hard to say out loud or areas that when saying aloud don’t work well together. Oh – and be a little funny if you can with your subject. That’s one thing we all love about you!
Good Luck!
Brittany at Mommy Words recently posted..Let’s Take the Elevator
I’m sooo happy for you Jill! So glad I nominated you too! YIPPEE! Can’t wait to see you (NOT vomit) on stage!
christy recently posted..Saying goodbye to the picnics
I have found that I give my best sales presentation without my glasses on. It’s like they Ostrich-Syndrome: if you can’t see them, they can’t see you. Of course this only works if a) you wear glasses and b) if you are somewhat functional without them!
Congratulations. I will sit close by with a margarita to revive you if you faint, mkay?
OK, that sounds like a plan.
We love ya, don’t worry. You’ll do fine. It’s not like you’ll stop reading your blog or anything if you totally mess up. .
adhocmom recently posted..Grandma Has Left the Building
Everybody there will be wishing the best for you. Realize that you have a couple thousand people rooting for you and that want you to do well. Realize that you are worthy of those wishes. Know that we’ll all be encouraging you in our hearts.
Also, practice. And smile.
And congratulations!
Stimey recently posted..Still Here
You’ve got tons of great advice already here (and I’m a little queasy just THINKING about speaking in front of such a big group)…so I’ll just say Congrats and Good Luck!!
Liz @ Peace, Love & Guacamole recently posted..Lucky 13!
-Rehearse like crazy and do it in front of a mirror.
-Cross your hands. Fight every urge to talk with them.
-If you have a podium or mic stand, hold on to it. Did I mention fighting the urge to talk with your hands?
-Don’t touch your hair. It’s just as annoying to watch as talking with your hands.
-Type your speech. Double space it. Make the font big so you can see it from a distance.
-Don’t step on stage and say, “Oh my gosh, I’m so nervous!” Nobody cares if you’re nervous.
-Smile. Crack jokes. That’s why people love you.
-Have some water with you in case you get cotton mouth. No gum chewing!
I had to take a ridiculous number of speech classes in college, this is some of the stuff I can still remember. Good luck! Practice! You’ll be fabulous!
Heather recently posted..Pantry Disaster – The One That Puts Me in a Very Bad Mood Every Time it Happens
Really? No hand talking??? Not sure I can swing that one. And typed out for sure- I can never read my own writing.
mild self-deprecation + heart-string tug + HUMOR = perfect combo. i’m totally in your corner…you’ll ace this bitch! xoxoxo
Congrats Jill. You’ll do great.
I wasn’t able to enjoy BlogHer last year because I was too nervous for my reading at the keynote. That was my biggest regret. That I let my nervous get the best of me. I hope you are able to relax more then me. Enjoy it. Live it.
OHmommy recently posted..33!
That is awesome. I am sure you will do wonderful. My best advice would be to practice. Hopefully you will then feel more confident in what you are saying and also feel prepared. Good luck!
Melissa recently posted..monday minute
Practice but don’t over rehearse. Have some back up notes if necessary. Have your best bloggy buddies where you can see them, and just talk to them. I wouldn’t picture anyone naked. I would imagine my fingers on the keyboard and blog my speech if you know what I mean
And CONGRATS!
I am so bummed I’m not going!!!
Julie recently posted..A Mommy Fail
oh, and? Congratulations. Big Time. That’s AMAZING! I hope someone records it so I can listen from home!:)
Julie recently posted..A Mommy Fail
I have no advice, but just wanted to say congrats! That’s awesome. Wish I could be there to see you in action.
Allison recently posted..CSN Store 50 Giveaway
Congrats! That is so exciting!! I am so bummed that I am not going. Hearing you speak would def. be a highlight for me. I do have some advice:
- Practice, practice, practice
- Have a drink before-hand to calm your nerves!
Good luck!!!
Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation recently posted..Recipe of the Week- Zucchini Bread
When you’re speaking, no matter how slow you think you may be going, take a deep breath and slow down a little. Adrenaline’s a bitch.
Texan Mama recently posted..Unexpected Changes
Congrats! That’s wonderful. Whenever I have to speak at work, I always do better if I have done a couple of run throughs by myself of the entire thing. When I don’t do that, thinking that I don’t need to, I always end up regretting not practicing.
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http://www.pampersandpinot.com
Honestly?
Here’s my advice:
You’re on your own!! Nature always gives me a call in nervous situations! I’ve tried call block on that one…doesn’t work.
I find it’s the anticipation that is unbearable, though. Cause once I get started I usually calm down enough to pull it off without anyone major catastrophies!
Congrats on the honor! May the Force be with you……….and if its not………may they have an open bar!
Jennifer @ The Mommy Mambo recently posted..Do You Like Them Here or There
Honestly, I am one of the least shy people I know. Until you put me in front of a group of people where I am supposed to do something that is “planned”…like a wedding speech, a speechy speech or a skit. I can get up and just do random things in front of millions of people if I had to – as long as it’s just improv and it’s not supposed to be special. Throw in some special and I freeze. And then usually start crying. Yep – I am awesome.
My advice? Don’t cry. Don’t faint. And don’t pass any gas and then giggle. It all ends badly if you do that. Oh, and i have found that picturing everyone in underwear actually makes me think LESS about what I am saying and I get sidetracked from trying so hard to picture everyone naked. Doesn’t work AT ALL for me.
Smile and practice. And be you!
Joie recently posted..Going Green
Practice your remarks at home in front of a mirror. A lot.
And then remember–the anxiety leading up to the start of your talk is ALWAYS the worst. Once you say that first word, I KNOW you’ll be golden. Wish I was going to be there to see it!
Sara Plays House recently posted..Most Of The Time- I’m Busy
You are fantastic at speaking in public! You did an amazing job at Bloggy Boot Camp in Baltimore! I have complete and utter faith in your ability to kick ass at BlogHer…and by the way? THAT IS SO INCREDIBLE!!!! You are a keynote speaker at BlogHer! I am so excited for you, and no one in this world deserves it more than you. I just think you’re the bestest.
Tricia recently posted..Spinning
Awwww, I love you!!!!! But, that was such a small, intimate group and I was with two other people. Still, I’m SO glad I did it. Otherwise, I would be DYING right now.
Xanax!
The same thing happened to me as I planned my sister’s shower. All the sudden my mom wanted me to do a speech. Yikes!
Just plan it out well and don’t think too much about what others think.
bitt recently posted..happy birthday bitt of raw
Fake it till Ya Make it. If you go on stage pretending you are 100% confident, you will be. By about the last 5 minutes of your speech. But everyone else? Will think you were confident the Entire time.
Also – don’t plan to be funny. Pre-planned jokes always fall flat.
DomesticatedGal recently posted..The Best Laid Plans
This is so exciting! And terribly nerve-wracking. But I swear it will be more fun than you can imagine. Like others have said, feel REALLY comfortable with what you’re saying. The first 30 seconds will be rough, but then you’ll be warmed up and the adrenaline will power you through it. When all else fails, talk about the Gosselins. Or Mel Gibson.
You are going to do great! luv ur blog!
super-the-most-congrats! so many great advices here. i’ll have to remember them for … i don’t know when or where but i’m sure i’ll have to give a toast or something at some point.
back in the day, i did a bunch of public speaking. don’t worry about the hand talking.
curious – do you present something (or somethings) you’ve already written? is that how it works? i’m a BlogHer newbie. (and so excited.)
congrats again!
tara recently posted..did you hear the news
Usually, the speeches are previously written posts, but this is the first year there are speeches on design- that’s what I’m doing.
You’ve gotten a ton of great advice already. I would echo just practicing a ton beforehand, rewrite what you want to say a few times. Make sure it’s got your VIBE. Just because it’s not your normal medium of communication doesn’t meant you shouldn’t be YOU.
I would differ with the other commenter about not talking with your hands. I’m Italian and can’t help it, and people have told me it’s endearing and engaging. Considering that I had a successful law career doing it, I think it’s okay if it’s your natural tendency to do it. “Forced” gesturing is just cheesirific.
Have a great time and congrats!
gigi recently posted..Unrequited Love
I agree- if I try not to talk with my hands I’m just going to look pained. It’s too unnatural to even try.
Knock it off. *smack*
You will be fantastic. You’re not delivering a qualitative analysis on subversive light emitting diode refractionary processes to engineers at Raytheon (yes I totally made that ish up.) You are talking about a subject you know WELL ENOUGH TO BE PICKED OVER TONS OF other people, and it’s cute when you look nervous. I’ve seen it. :)
Danielle recently posted..Foster kids
Wish I was in the right country for Blogher. I’d love to hear you speak.
Catch the Kids recently posted..Were Rooned I Tell yaJust Rooned!!!
do NOT open with a joke. unless someone told you to do that already, then ignore me.
pammy pam recently posted..menu plan monday
Little white pills…work great :) what is your biggest concern? Nerves or coming up with what to present or falling? You are clearly funny and smart, so you got that in the bag and it would only make it more entertaining if you did screw up in some not so severe way. If its nerves, I wasn’t completely joking…your doc could give you a very small dose of a benzo (xanax, ativan) or beta blocker which slows the heart rate and lowers BP so that the physical symptoms of the anxiety wont bother ya.
I’d say nerves. I know what I’m going to say- it’s actually getting the words out that scares me. And, I might need to pop a pill. Or, three.
Ok, I used to be a vocal major and sang in solos, contests, and music groups from age 7. However, I was always terrified to be on stage. It actually worked in my favor since I sang soprano, and the nerves seemed to help me hit my high notes really well. Ok, so I was going somewhere with this other than talking about how I like to torture myself…
So, anyways, my bits of advice to you are few, but there is one that is really really important! Make sure you keep your knees loose. I know that sounds weird, but seriously, if you lock your knees, you will faint. I have seen it happen.
As for speaking, what always helped me is finding one familiar person and look at that person as if I was just talking to that person. You can also try looking just over everyone. Hope that helps.
I had no idea about the knees. Oy!
I had a friend in choir who locked his knees during rehearsal when we were in high school. Needless to say, he fell off the riser which knocked him out resulting in a concussion and the ambulance coming to school. So I always make sure to never lock my knees.
lesa recently posted..What is a good mommy
I sure do hope I can attend this event one day…how do you get invited?
Heather recently posted..stats
JILL… this is FABULOUS!!! Congrats congrats congrats!! Yes, I know it’s scary to speak in front of people but scary is your middle, er, first name!! You’ll be FABULOUS!! Now I wish I was coming to see it!
Keep an eye on the women you consider friends. Pretend you are at a table having a meal and telling a story with just them.
And remember, there is nothing you can say or do that is wrong. We have all loved your voice and been inspired by your words for a long time. We can not wait to hear you to talk right to us, even if it’s from a stage. We’ll be pretending we are at a table sharing a meal and a story with you.
Outsource it.
DC Urban Dad recently posted..The beauty of being a dad
P.S. When I found out I had to go on a book tour, I considered hiring a “speaking double”… ie. finding someone with a supermodel body, great hair and a hilarious personality to do public speaking engagements AS me. Great idea, eh?
Erin recently posted..Im Not a Writer- So Why Am I Writing a Book
Ohhhhhhhh, that’s the best idea EVER.
First of all…..I remember every single appetizer and dessert from Jeff’s 30th birthday party. that is way more important in my book. Seriously…it was all delicious. I am such a fatty! lol. And second…you will be fine! I think you should let Jeff help you. Doesnt he do this crap for a living? writing speeches and things.
Yes, but oddly he makes me nervous. I can’t explain why him more than other people– it makes NO sense!
Okay, maybe someone has mentioned this already, but do what Cindy Brady did: imagine everyone is in their underwear. Remember that episode?
Anyway, congrats!!
Cheryl recently posted..Beach Day Gone Wrong
Do I need to get you a flask? I have no clue on what advice to give. I took Public Speaking in college twice. I finally passed with a C-. Oh, I’m chatty alright, but I speak about a bazillion miles an hour.
I’m sure you will be fine, right? Once again…a flask….ok, maybe a Xanax? hmmm
Julie {Angry Julie Monday} recently posted..An Elevator Pitch
One thing I would suggest is to not memorize it. If it is memorized and you lose your place, you are screwed. Talking points are key – have them in front of you and easy to read so you can glance down and find your place. Use trigger words to remind you what you wanted to say and guide you. Writing out your talk in prose will be confusing.
If you are a fast talker, scan the room and use that to pace you. You might want to practice that so it’s not confusing.
Personally, I think you can practice too much. You know what you are talking about already, so practicing pacing is as important as content.
You will rock it! Good luck!
I am actually a trained monkey. Public speaker. You get it.
If you do nothing else, do this:
Find some object in the back of the room (a clock, an exit sign, whatever) that sits at what looks like hair-level on the crowd, looking out from the stage. Look at THAT while you speak. Pan side to side away from it, but always come back to that one object.
This does two things:
1. Talking to people is hard. Talking to clocks is really easy
2. From the audience’s angle, it will seem as if you are looking RIGHT AT THEM. Thus, you’ve engaged your audience.
Really, that shit WORKS.
Oh, and cry. Go ahead, I give you permission. I was the first blubbering crier in all of BlogHer’s keynotes. It worked out pretty well for everyone in the end. :)
Mr Lady recently posted..How to Fail at Homeopathy in 10 Easy Steps
As a former community keynoter (2008), let me first say congratulations. Then, my advice: enjoy the hell out of it. To quote Vinnie Barbarino (I am old) remember “This is my place and these are my people.” It is a room full of 1000 people, sure, but these are people who GET you. They understand what you do and why you do it, and 99.9% of them (and screw that one bitchy one) are rooting for you to do well.
Ask some of your girls to get there early and sit right up front so you can see them. Have them cheer loud for you. But even if that doesn’t happen, believe me, you’ll get up there and feel the big wave of love and magic rise up and baptise you. It is a lovely, unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to see you rock it.
Suebob recently posted..So important
Scarymommy forget the picture them nake idea it doesn’t work. Just pick one or two, maybe three people in your audience, generally in different sections n the room and talk to them. Have a conversation. Because they are spead out everyone in each section will assume you’re talking to them. At the same time you can feel more confortable because you’re talking toindividuals not 2000 strangles.
I am a big fan of getting the audience so drunk that they can’t understand or remember what the hell you are saying. It could be like Purim at BlogHer.
Jack recently posted..A Six Year-old Speaks of Marriage
my god, you’ve never had so many comments. Not even when you curse and offend sensitive types!
Your husband is a speechwriter. Put him to work.
All you have to do is pretend to write a blog post, but instead of publishing it you’ll just be reading it out loud. We love the way you put together your thoughts! I’m certain that you’ll do great at BlogHer!!
Lynn from For Love or Funny recently posted..How I’m warding off pesky high school boys
You’re like a real, live motherhood idol now! Holy shit that’s awesome.
Public speaking…now that I’ve read all of this crap (a bunch of comments included), just know that I’ll be sitting in the audience nervous-as-fuck for you. You know, the sympathy anxiety. I think I’ll be sneaking a flask in to calm myself. But I wouldn’t suggest the same for you. Instead, talk like you’re churning out a blog post. Be no one but you. And for lordy’s sake, remind yourself that you will be in a room filled with people who are more excited to hear YOU than you are to talk.
Also, might I add, you have MORE FACEBOOK followers than people that will be at this event. Just sayin’
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You’ll do great. You will. I’m a litigator so I speak ALL DAY LONG. It gets easier. Just breath.
AND CONGRATS.
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I so wish I was going to this event. Sounds like so much fun! Maybe next year. As far as advice goes, all I can say is prepare early and practice while you drive. Public speaking is far from my realm of comfort level, but the few times that I did do it…..I had to really know what I was going to say as the “ocean sounds” in my ears really threw me off when I got to the venue to speak. Best of Luck….I sure you will be amazing!
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I’m pumped for you, Jill!! You must be soooo honored. I’m pumped b/c I’ll be there and can see you.
What a thrill. You go girl.
You know I just did the Audition for Oprah (assuming you read my blog — HA!), that was incredibly challenging but somehow I pulled it together. You were chosen for you.
I try so script everything so I’ll know “where I was” if I lose my grounding. That (trying to memorize) is a FREAKING disaster. NOT recommended. I HATE the “just be yourself” cliche. THAT makes me wanna vomit.
So, my advice? Xanax. ‘Nuf said.
Tell me which thingy you’ll be speaking at… I’ll be there for sure (and hubs).
Kat @ TodaysCliche.com recently posted..Why I’m Soooooo Not “Mom of the Year”
It’s the keynote on Friday, I think 4:00? The one with, you know, everyone.
I am a performer and musician. I have found that my worst stage fright came when I KNEW I hadn’t rehearsed enough. I knew my voice would crack, I’d forget the cues or the lyrics, or trip over mic wires. But when I’d rehearsed WAAAAAAAY beyond what normal people think is necessary, then I’d get some butterflies and feeling like puking, but once I got started performing I’d feel okay and even GOOD. If you’re prepared, you’re much less likely to fear making a mistake and therefore feel nervous. Don’t think, just speak. :) Good luck!
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That is something!! I have no advice for stage freight: was in several plays, the butterflies went away as soon as I got on the stage though. But that’s because I was playing a totally different person but myself. Myself would have been throwing up right on the stage. LOL. This is not helping, is it? *hangs head* Just want to congrat you on this awesome opportunity and recognition!
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I’ll just sit in the front row and make silly faces at you, and you will be laughing so hard you’ll forget to be nervous.
Yay for being asked to speak!! That is an incredible honor! Have you known for a while or is this a new development?
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I found out late last week and was sworn to secrecy!
Congratulations, that’s fantastic!!
And terrifying. (Which might give you a hint that I do not have any useful tips, unfortunately.)
I hate that I’ll miss it, but I’m so proud of you!!
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And here is one more reason I will regret not being able to go… but rest assured I will be thinking of you and you speech while delivering this baby. YOU will do great, because YOU don’t suck at anything. That’s just a fact of life.
Congrats! xoxo
And here is one more reason I will regret not being able to go… but rest assured I will be thinking of you and you speech while delivering this baby. YOU will do great, because YOU don’t suck at anything. That’s just a fact of life.
Congrats! xoxo
mrs.notouching recently posted..Two weeks aka TWO WEEKS!
apologies for multiple comments… I suck pretty much at everything today.
mrs.notouching recently posted..Two weeks aka TWO WEEKS!
Well, if it were me I’d:
*write down my entire speech
*sleep on it
*edit it
*sleep on it again
*edit it one final time
Then I’d do my best to give the speech without reading the whole entire thing word for word. LOL!
I’m not very helpful am I?
Lessons in Life and Light recently posted..Monthly Manifesto – July
you are AMAZING! congratulations! i am SO proud you!
wow! Just tell them what you really want them to know, like you’re sitting down with a few girlfriends. Your wisdom has helped me out, just pass it along. Let your focus be on them gaining something..not on yourself and the 4000 eyeballs on you!
You’ll do great!
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Hi, I can’t claim to be an expert at public speaking but certainly knows a few things or two as I had to struggle through it myself on the daily basis now in my current job. Yes practice is key but it also depends on how you do it. A few tips I gathered from watching industry experts in my field might be helpful:
* write a story for your speech, summary (what’s important), details to support the summary and conclusion.
* as for the details, try not to memorize too much, because you will not remember it all. Pick a few important points and support with examples (come up with a few funny ones to calm your nerves!) that you will remember most likely. Some times the contents of the details will expand as people ask you questions.
* come up with great transitional phrases (try remember them) to make fillers of your speech and help you remember your next topics. I found out this was most useful for me to make the speech not seem awkward or forced.
*if you know your stuff, and still feel really nervous, it could be you are just a perfectionist :) I think if you came up with a good story and remember the transitional phrases, and be flexible that topics might digress as questions are raised but you need to steer the audience back to your original topics, the rest will flow naturally.
*It might help if you could rehearse (or visualize you are) on the stage a few days prior to the actual speech. Get familiar with the environment prior to the events will calm your nerves as I accidentally found out the first time I had to speak on a project I did in an auditorium full of people.
*I don’t think it would’ve helped me if I rehearsed in front of my close family or friends because they might be over critical. Be your own devils advocate as you are the expert at that stuff!
*Lastly if you are allowed to bring notes or make power point presentation, make them very concise to lead you, so you don’t end up just reading the notes.
I could go on but I fear I am running out of space here. I have not gotten over my nerves but with practice I can now control them a bit :) Good luck and best wishes
Shirley
Hey there! I just have to say, I stumbled upon your blog today….I believe I was reading a cnn or msnbc article. It was the one about medicating your kids with cough syrup, anti-depressants, etc. I almost didn’t make it through the entire article but I’m glad I did. I’ve been hooked since this morning! So, thanks alot, because I might be fired. :)
Anywho, love your sense of humor and your personality. I too hate public speaking. All I can say is that IT DOES get better with practice! I swear! Best of luck!
when i saw that you were speaking i was so excited for you. and then i was like, wow, that’s gotta be some pressure. one time i threw up in my mouth when i was giving a presentation in my shakespearean lit class. so i don’t have a ton of helpful advice. but i would definitely say this:
1. don’t throw up.
2. if you do throw up, swallow it and play it off like it was just a silent burp.
3. check your teeth and your nostrils before you go onstage to relieve at least some of the stress.
4. don’t eat spinach while you are speaking.
5. try to make eye contact with someone you don’t know–if you see someone you do know, you’ll probably laugh. or at least that’s what i did when i was giving a talk in church last week.
i’m so completely excited for you and can’t wait to hear your speech.
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I have an idea, just pretend you’re talking to US. You’ll be da bomb diggety then…
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