I have additional thoughts on the last post that I wanted to point out, but wasn't able to in that last one, because it didn't fit there. I wanted to clarify that even though I don't mind being before an audience like my other fellow quiet ones, it doesn't mean that it's easy for me. It's often very uncomfortable. I think perhaps the only difference between me and others is that I don't let the discomfort scare me from doing whatever it is I have to do.
I'm more comfortable in some situations than in others. I said that I loved speaking in front of people, and let me explain why:
- Preparation: In most speaking situations, you have to prepare what you're going to present in front of a group before you actually do it. For me, as long as I'm comfortable with the subject and have a good idea about what I'm talking about, this isn't a problem for me at all. There are times when I'm called on without the forewarning, and that has a dangerous 50/50 chance that I'll either find myself up there speaking rambling nonsense or that my creativity will kick in and I pretend like I know what I'm talking about. In most situations though, it requires a lot of preparation, so even if the anxiety kicks in, no problem. Preparation means the possibility of discovering/learning something new, and I love to share those when they happen.
- It's finally my chance to speak: Being an active listener who can be extremely quiet, and also someone who believes in respecting people's right to be heard, I'm often the last one to speak. That doesn't mean I don't have anything to say. I'm also so terribly low on the competitive spectrum that few people get to hear my perspective. Having that mic and an active listening audience provides for a place when I positively know it's my turn to speak.
- No or few interruptions: I prefer to say my piece, and leave it in peace. I'm not a fan of being talked over, and I don't like it when people try to fix whatever it was I said. I don't reject an intellectual challenge, but by being aggressively bombarded with constant talking and interrogations, I'm flustered, overwhelmed and unable to clearly think about things. When I have the stage, I have the stage, and I find it a comfort that I finally have an opportunity to speak without those annoying interruptions; however, I always welcome a laugh or chuckle once in a while.
- Friendly faces: That's often what some people say they fear the most, seeing all of the faces staring at you, but I've often found that selecting out a friendly face has the opposite effect. There was one talk I gave in church once when I remember clearly a smiling happy face in the audience belonging to someone who was always smiling and seemingly happy. Funny thing, but I don't have any clue what I spoke about nor remember much about any other detail on that day, except for that face. I remember looking down at that face and seeing a broad toothy grin.
I think I've said what I wanted here, but I could go on about it. I'm not going to put you through too many other ramblings about this, and I also have about eight other parts that still need to be discussed, and I'm wanting to get through them so I can bring up other subjects. Some of these subjects are a little heavy, because they are truly real struggles that exist, and getting through them will mean a chance to talk about a little more of the positive points of view.
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| One of the tiny flowers that grew in our flower bed a few years ago. A reminder that even the small things posses incredible beauty. |
