Sunday, June 3, 2007
the natural
People call me a "natural." Claim that what I do just "happens." That I just "know" how to handle things. That I look like it just flows. That I don't have to work.That I can just appear, and I'll be fine. But "people" would be wrong. I'm a long way from natural. I work hard to appear natural. But underneath it all, I'm not a natural. I work really hard. When I first started teaching I would spend three hours a night writing scripts for myself. Every speech I've ever given -- my sisters wedding, my fathers funeral -- I worked and practiced. Does that make me less honest? I don;t think so. I'm just not a natural. And never claimed to be. Other people have. Their perception. I know myself. But it's fun to watch. Because then comes the claim that I can manipulate situations. I don't pose, I have a job that demands............skills. I have them.
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1 comment:
Great post. I also speak frequently in my industry, however I was recently asked to speak at a Kiwanna's (sp) meeting of a friend of mine. Instead of speaking about what I KNEW; I decided to speak about what I wanted to be (A Public Speaker)in the future and attempted to develop a new speech at the last minute and WOW what a mistake! I had notes which I couldn't read, I didn't have enough time to practice and felt as though I stumbled over every word. The short 5 minute speech was about 'my passion my work'; and I embarrassed myself. No I humiliated myself. Not withstanding my friend and neighbor was in the audience and I embarrased him I imagine too as he had invited and reccommended me. Practice practice practice. I will never make that mistake again! I am also perceived as a fun off the cuff kinda speaker and know the agony of the reality and if I had forgotten this... this last experience re- taught (Reaffirmed) to me that lesson. Good Post fella keep it up. Ruth
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