I'm shy. No, really. I am. Those of you who actually know me may be snickering right now because yes, I talk a lot, but I'm still shy! I'm a client trainer, so yes, I talk to unfamiliar people all day long. But I do so in the safety of my own home, via phone and internet, sort of anonymously. Like that, I'm brave.
Public speaking? Hate it. Standing in front of a group of people, all eyes on me... red faced, major panic attack. I suck at it.
But I jumped at this opportunity when it was first presented! Voluntarily! No bribery needed!
I've often raved about how lucky I am to have found such a great running group (and an equally awesome triathlon group!). Who would have thought that running would introduce me to a group of 9 amazing and fun women that I am excited to be spending a week with in a house, in San Francisco, equipped with only 2 washrooms :) By the way, the men in the group are awesome too... they are just not coming on the trip with us, only the girls!
The clinic instructor that started them on their 'Learn to Walk' journey had asked if any of us would be interested in being a guest speaker... to talk to her current "Learn to Run" group. Talk about motivation, being part of a group, what drives us each individually, and things learned along the way. When I saw the email request, I immediately thought... hey, that's pretty much what I blog about... shouldn't be a problem.
But wait, there's people there. And I'm talking. And they're listening to me. And they're looking at me. And they're nodding their heads. Laughing as I candidly talk about my history, my journey and transition towards triathlon.
It was over before I knew it; time for them to run, time for us to have coffee! We've been asked to speak to another clinic in the coming weeks... which I already said I'd be happy to be a part of. Guess it's a lot easier and enjoyable to speak to others that share a similar passion, and have common goals & dreams. I feel like such a big girl now! ;)
I hadn't had the chance to run during the day, trying to catch up on being out of the office for the better part of two weeks, including off-site work, a stat holiday and bereavement. Never been very keen on running in the dark, by myself, but I really wanted to get my run in. I drove to the pool where I had planned to swim after a short run, on well-lit, busy streets, without my ipod of course... until I went inside to use the restroom and realized that the pool was closed for maintenance until next week. Boo. Hoping I can get at least one swim in this week ahead of my last triathlon of the season on Saturday!
24 comments:
What a cool opportunity! You have a ton of great info around here, so you'll do great.
That's an awesome thing to do...and I bet you're perfect for it. You have such a wonderful inspiring story about running and triathlons, I can't imagine anyone NOT wanting to listen to you talk all about it!
Public speaking - I don't know many people who actually like it. So you are certainly not alone. Good on ya for overcoming the fear of public speaking and just doing it. You've got so much to share and I bet you are actually good at speaking to people - engaging and inspiring - once you calm the nerves. LOL
When it's something we really like, we can talk for ever!
I am TERRIBLE with public speaking. Good for you being brave and sharing some of your experience with the newbies. I'm sure you were GREAT!
i agree with Diana when it is something you are passionate about it's so much easier. so glad you are still surrounded by such wonderful things, you need this right now
surprisingly, public speaking has never really bothered me. I've been teaching for so long now that it's ok. but it is certainly something that people get used to over time.
that's awesome mel, congrats!
Wow, what a great opportunity.
I guess I'm one of the blessed ones that isn't bothered by public speaking.
You were the perfect person to speak - you're an inspiration!
I was a Speech communication Major in college so I would LOVE to be asked to talk in front of anyone at any time... I love that you took the opportunity and made it happen.. Growing in so many ways.. Your story is truly AMAZING!!
You have a great story to tell and I know you will motivate and touch so many people. Good luck!!
very cool mel! glad you had the cajones to get up there... i hate public speaking too, and i don't think even talking about running would fix it for me :) i know you lit a fire in all the people there - your spirit is just contagious!
I can't think of a better person to do the job!! You'll do great!
you have a great story to tell. share it!
I hate public speaking. Good for you getting up there and I'm glad you had such a great experience. I'm sure it's a little easier when talking about something you love and have such a good story!
Mel you have such a great story to tell it would be an shame to keep it to yourself, you're enthusiasm, never say die spirit and willingness to both try and push you're own limits while supporting those around you make you the perfect ambassador!
It's just another fear to embrace, which you did...see I told you so!
Hi Mel
I think you are the perfect person to have as a speaker. You are truly inspirational and what you hae accomplished is amazing.
It doesn't hurt that you are also about as nice as they get...
Take care.
I'm sure you inspired many by your talk! People don't believe me but I too HATE speaking in public. Yet, I used to teach college classes, gym classes, give conference presentations, talks at workshops ...
For me and many others I've found out, the best way to get over hang-ups is to just get used to the discomfort. Very similar in tris too, actually. I don't think I'll ever love swimming in murky lake water or training in heat but I can do it.
Keep putting yourself out there!
Yes, I'm with Bill and Stuart, I'd love to listen to you talk about your journey ~ anytime.
Like other folks here have mentioned, talking about what you're passionate about makes public speaking a lot easier. It's like one of the basic tenets about writing -- write what you know.
I think you'll do awesome. We wouldn't say so if we didn't mean it. ;)
x a million on talking about what you love. Way to go!
Awesome! It's always nice to talk about something you really love. It makes it a bit easier. Well done!
The same thing happened with me and the pool on Sunday. I was very bummed.
Speaking from the heart in front of a bunch of people is much easier than speaking about an abstract topic. That's fantastic!
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