Bear with me on this one.
Public speaking is not my jig. I am terrified for one thing. I am that person who will trip going up the stairs if a stage is involved, and most certainly down those stairs. And that is the easy part. Once I am up and must speak, well, let’s just ignore the normal things, like racing heartbeat, twitching foot, and “Is that mustard I see on my white skirt?”
Then there is the proper pronunciation of words. I lose it, just lose it. I look into the crowd and see the faces of those who feel so very sorry for me, and I love them for that. Also, those who say, “Just get off the stage.” and I also love them as well, as I want to get off this freaking stage as fast as I can and hide away in my bedroom, under the covers, until morning. Then I will run and run (see Music and Running post) to try to forget the talk or speech when my intention was to make a difference.
Ok, that is the part that gets me, why I was on the stage in the first place. It is not about the mustard on the skirt. I was there for a purpose. Now get over it.
But it is hard. Luckily, I have found a friend to help me.
Diana Ross.
Yes. If you happen to have any fears like I do about public speaking just listen or watch the Diva Diana. She will give you confidence, a bit of a swagger that may even prevent a trip or fall down the stairs, and even a zest for life. I am partial to “I Am Coming Out” and will play it three to four times if I have to tackle a stage. And I must add Diana Ross is touring this year, at age 71, and the reviews all say she is still just as fabulous as she was when she started.
Watch her make her presence on the stage below, and you will see what I mean.