As speakers we all get nervous before an event, especially a big one. My nervous energy is high right now. I leave this afternoon for 4 weeks in Australia. In that time period I will give 15 different lectures, doing 38 presentations. See my calendar if you want to know when, where and what topics. I will not be home in between. If I don’t have the document image, or scan with me I will do without it. In the old days when everything was on overhead transparencies and you got on that plane everything was set in concrete. Now with powerpoint we tinker with the presentation, making adjustments, fine tuning the transitions and content right up to the time it is given.
The reality is that I know where the strengths and weakness are in my presentations because I am the presenter, and that should be the case. I know what I am having to leave out because of time constraints. From the audience perspective the issue is can I cover the subject in a clear and instructive manner. I know I will do that. So why the stress? Because as speakers we can and always want to do the best job that we can do. Plus we want to be continually improving.
Since I start the trip with a genealogy conference on a 10 day cruise I know internet access will be limited. However, I hope to share observations about how things are done a little differently ‘down-under’ during this trip. So I hope you do follow along.
Now its time to finish packing the camera, computer and the suitcase.
Just remember to speak slowly as we poor Aussies aren’t too good with foreign accents.
Paul, some of the best advice I ever received as a speaker was when I sat in on one of your classes in Richmond, VA. The ones I had attended with my parents as a young girl nearly made me fall onto the floor in boredome. I learned how to bring genealogy topics to life. I will always be grateful for that class.
Paul, having listened to your presentations today at Hornsby RSL I can say you were one of the best speakers I have ever heard. Loud, clear, & well-spoken. A pleasure to listen to. And slow enough for an Aussie to understand
Paul I was at your Scottish Seminar today and you did just fine. You were entertaining and knowledgeable – I look forward to looking up all the new websites your told us about.
Thanks again – and enjoy the cruise. Wish I was coming.
Liz