Public Speaking
I have a full agenda for the next couple of months. I've got the Writers League of Texas conference in June and the Romance Writers of America conference in July. The nice thing about conferences is that you can get a LOT of information in a very short amount of time. It is overwhelming, but very profitable in the big scheme of things.
I trade information with a friend of mine who is carving out a career in illustration. The business side of art and writing sometimes intersect and we share whatever tidbits we learn from our respective enterprises.
Recently, we discussed the importance of knowing how to verbally represent ourselves to potential clients, editors and agents. We agreed that a confident speaking voice is vital for promoting our work. She invited me to her group's next meeting on Public Speaking. Unfortunately, it's not until late July, (after my conferences) but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless.
Public speaking has never been my favorite vehicle for expression. I'm all right with it if it's a group of people I know, but it's not so comfortable when the crowd is full of strangers. I muddle through despite my reservations and I force myself to speak whenever the occasion calls for it.
One of my goals is something I've kept pretty much to myself. I want to join a local Toastmasters group sometime by next year. It's been on my mind a lot. I've heard good things about this organization and I think it will help me get over my apprehension of speaking to large groups of strangers. Toastmaster groups are scattered all over the world and a few are within driving distance from me. But I need something that meets on the weekends and during daylight. I have a terrible time driving at night.
While my speaking skills are adequate and I don't suffer from freezes, I'd like to go beyond okay to something more memorable. So this workshop on public speaking should be a nice way to get my feet wet. Besides, my buddy is coming with me, so I'm sure there will be liquor involved (after the event).
I trade information with a friend of mine who is carving out a career in illustration. The business side of art and writing sometimes intersect and we share whatever tidbits we learn from our respective enterprises.
Recently, we discussed the importance of knowing how to verbally represent ourselves to potential clients, editors and agents. We agreed that a confident speaking voice is vital for promoting our work. She invited me to her group's next meeting on Public Speaking. Unfortunately, it's not until late July, (after my conferences) but I'm looking forward to it nonetheless.
Public speaking has never been my favorite vehicle for expression. I'm all right with it if it's a group of people I know, but it's not so comfortable when the crowd is full of strangers. I muddle through despite my reservations and I force myself to speak whenever the occasion calls for it.
One of my goals is something I've kept pretty much to myself. I want to join a local Toastmasters group sometime by next year. It's been on my mind a lot. I've heard good things about this organization and I think it will help me get over my apprehension of speaking to large groups of strangers. Toastmaster groups are scattered all over the world and a few are within driving distance from me. But I need something that meets on the weekends and during daylight. I have a terrible time driving at night.
While my speaking skills are adequate and I don't suffer from freezes, I'd like to go beyond okay to something more memorable. So this workshop on public speaking should be a nice way to get my feet wet. Besides, my buddy is coming with me, so I'm sure there will be liquor involved (after the event).
Comments
I need two of me. But Greg says one is more than enough.