42 thoughts on “This is what’s on my mind. What’s on yours?”
oh you poor thing! knowing you I can only imagine how stressed out you are!! I remember when I spoke at a conference and had to go to the toilet twice and was terrified and meanwhile liss was cool as a cucumber telling me I’ll be fine!
you’ll be fine! just be your sweet self
corrie:)
Oh, I’d love to have Liss alongside me. That’d be grand. Are you going to the PB Event?
You’ll be ace!!! It’s good to be scared – awesomeness lies outside our comfort zone.
I’ll remember this. Thank you! x
Yeah im trying to find the way out of mine:)
I would be pooping my pants. You will rock it though. Good for you for doing it. I am so chicken I would never agree! I stutter when nervous. Even giving a PTA update with only a few others around makes me ill. What a great experience for you!
Ah yes. I am pooping my pants. 😛
I would be too! Good luck, you will be awesome! Just dont show you are nervous and they wont know:)
Lmao!! You are awesome.
I wish you a ton of luck and I agree with you…you will feel so grand after it’s over. I had a Sheryl moment (or as my daughter calls it… a “a mom wack-a-doo moment” the end of August when I set a goal to walk 180 miles by Sept. 21st….your blog today reminded me how proud I’ll be on the 21st when I log into my app and let the cyber people know I did it…and of course email the news to my kids!!! Maybe they’ll buy me a crown to wear with the new tennis shoes I’ll have to buy!!! 🙂
Go you! That’s a massive effort and achievement. x
oh my gosh! Good luck with that. Its and awesome achievement!
it will be exhilerating and scary all at the same time..me: im cursing myself that i dont know more about computers and im scared i will never get into my wee blog again xxd
What happened?
lol..thats the problem I dont really know..Im having a fix it man come out today..hopefully he can explain things to me like Im a two year old. I can only access my wp as a registered user not as admin and cant post or anything adminie..I didnt touch anything so I have no idea what I did but you know everything happens for a reason..wish me luck..its crazy how much my blog means to me though..I have been beside myself for hours..lol.my husband thinks its rather funny..hmm I do not. xxDeb
Good luck with the event. You’ll be great and I know you’ll get back on that plane proud of yourself. I have been reading your ebook and I think it’s great. It’s been helpful. Thank you. Jx
My 95 year old pop goes into an aged care facility today. Has been a hard few months for my nan , my mum and her 5 sisters. He has never even had one night in hospital, but has very quickly deteriorated to the point where my nan can’t look after him. They have been married 76 years bless em. Big day ahead but trying to be positive and just want to be the right amount of support for my mum and nan.
Brain dumps feel good…thanks.
Good luck with your talk…if your public speaking is same as you write, then you will nail it!!!
Allison x
Awww hugs to you, thats gotta be so tough xx
I am scared to jump out of my comfort zone.
Your posts have resonated with me a lot lately.
The Balance one for a start!
Ive found a good balance and if i venture outside my comfort zone its going to upset my Balance, and I am wondering if i really want that right now?
But if i don’t go for it, then i am going to be further behind the 8 ball than others in the same field. (I have a tendency to want it all right now or not at all:) And i lose interest if i have to wait to long, so i am wondering if a course of study will get me the job i want and whether i am going to want it after i have spent a lot of money to pursue it??
Thanks for asking:)
You will do great at your Speaking Engagement:) Dont show your nerves and they will think you have done it forever, although i am glad its you not me:)
Good luck with the speech – if this here blog is anything to go by I’m sure you will be amazing!
I’m freaking out over my first market stall. I’ve been upcycling furniture and have decided to take it out to a local arts and crafts market rather than just eBay. I have moments of calm and then remember that next Saturday I’ll be there with all these people looking at my work.
OMG.
I know exactly how you feel. But I think it’s worth challenging ourselves every now and then and jumping out of our comfort zone. I’m giving a social media workshop (2-3) hours in a couple of months and I’m quietly freaking out. But I’m sure I’ll get through it and hopefully it will go down well.
You’ll be great.
I’m not a public speaking fan either (yet…. will get there one day) but my advice is to comfort yourself with the fact that 9/10 people FREAK out about public speaking (the other 1/10 are just FREAKS) and that everyone wants you to shine. People simply want to know what you know. I think people connect with vulnerability too, so being nervous or showing nerves isn’t necessarily a bad thing (guaranteed all the other speakers will have the same thoughts). Can’t wait to hear you rock it! x
I’m an introvert with extrovert qualities too – can talk all day to strangers at the shops etc and am fine in meetings but the minute I have to stand up in front of a group, I am a mess. I have found it helps to remember that you know probably more about what you are talking about that anyone in the room and that is why you are up the front – they are there because they want to hear you. This somehow relaxes me and after the first few minutes I get into my groove and the nerves are gone. And prepare prepare prepare. I am ok with talking about stuff I know and love but I would never subject myself to the toastmasters type scenario where you have to talk adhoc about a random topic – biggest nightmare!
It seems that the one thing we hope to see when we look into the eyes of another is ourselves. If you can see yourself sitting in every chair in the audience then you will connect and engage in a kind way. I believe you will do a great job and live to be very proud.
Oh I feel your pain. I’m definitely an introvert at heart. Whether a huge audience or one on one, I’d rather not speak. I’m more into listening. I’m heaps better and am challenging myself to be even better, I used to freak out so much with talking to people I shook. How bad’s that? That was when I was a teen though, and I’ve certainly improved!! No more shakes 😉 And it seems I’ve been on a journey last few years to get better at speaking in front of people too. Best of luck!! And good on you for stepping out to learn and grow and get out of that comfort zone!! 🙂 You’ll do great and when it’s all over you WILL feel AWESOME!
As for my mind? Ugh. You don’t want to go there. It’s a mess. Too many thoughts crammed into one brain. Like that junk drawer we all have (or room maybe?) where we just put anything and everything in when we don’t know where else to put it. It’s not all bad, not at all, there are heaps of good thoughts in there as well, just no sense to any of it lol. Trying to organise 😉
Kim xx – http://www.happymummyinspired.blogspot.com
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll be great! I loathe, abhor and despise public speaking…a little part of me THINKS I like it, then I hate it, then when I get into it you can’t shut me up, but deep down, nope I hate it! And I can’t see me every doing it again!!!!! The only public speaking I may do is yelling at the kids in the back yard 😉 lol (just kidding!)
I go to a lot of gigs and I hear it a lot – every performer, who is really good at what they’re doing, is always somewhat nervous before getting on the stage. If you’re not nervous, it means you’re doing the wrong thing, as it’s become too routine and easy and doesn’t feel like anything at all. So, good for you for being nervous and overcoming yourself and giving the best public speech ever!
public speaking COMPLETELY terrifies me. but I’m starting to discover that scary things feel so so good once you actually do them. I actually wrote about this earlier- being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid, being brave means you have the courage to stand up and to that thing even though you are scared. you can do it!
Thank you for doing this entry because in two days time, I will be hosting a corporate event for the first time. I can totally understand where you are coming from in terms of introvert with extrovert tendencies. My boss recommended me for the job but I am not sure how I am going to fair. I am thankful for supportive colleagues and yes it’s good to get out of the comfort zone. So, hopefully I will not embarrass myself and have the time of my life. 🙂
How did you go?
OMG.. i had the time of my life. You won’t believe it. Everyone praised me for doing such a good job. They said I was a natural and was very funny. Two of the board members personally congratulated me plus my big boss too. Guess it’s good to get out of that comfort zone and challenge yourself. You might never know what other talents you might be hiding. 🙂
And, all the best to you as well.
Go for it Chantelle! A few years ago I spoke at the Biannual Early Childhood Intervention Australia conference, and I thought I was so unprepared; I hadn’t even written down what I was supposed to talk about. My colleague wanted to confer with me about our notes and I had a blank page. I got so nervous then it just clicked in me! Of course I knew what to do, it’s my job and my passion so just talk! I think I did a really great job and it shone through, it wasn’t a farce and wasn’t just off a piece of paper it was straight from my mind (and heart I suppose) and that’s what the audience connected with.
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll be fine 🙂
You’ll be great! When you talk about your passion it just flows 🙂 And letting on that you’re scared just makes you even easier to relate to. Go for it 🙂
I agree with all your readers! When you’re talking about what you are truely passionate about, everything will just flow perfectly. Being scared is totally normal and this will be a true test to yourself. Go get em’ Chantelle!!
Let me begin with: Yah, I’m strange. I love filling in government forms. I have done a “beached wale” imitation in front of strangers. And I don’t mind singing or speaking in front of people! I filled in for our pastor once – did it on “God’s Timing” – having to do with Jesus WAITING while His friend Lazarus was dying (and then died)… not a note on me, except the scripture reference! And, I was comfortable with that! (once again – I’m strange!)
But, I would suggest NOT to act like this is “old hand”, or feel you need to be so “professional” – tell them upfront – “Hey, y’all, would you guess I’m petrified up here? Anyone else feel like passing out the minute they get in front of a mic? But, I so want to share this stuff with you, I’m gonna make sure I breathe and not lock my knees! But… please forgive me if I DO pass out – I’ll be back up and in front of this danged mic in just a couple of minutes!” – trust me, you will get 99% saying they understand – and immediately you have connected. (and the other 1% might not understand, but will chuckle!!!!)
And oh, wear something you feel comfortable in – and ask someone you trust if anything is sticking out!!!!!
Good luck – do we get to see transcripts on here?
I don’t know about transcripts, as it will be a panel. But I’ll definitely write about what I speak about. 🙂
I hear you loud and clear! I am exactly the same when it comes to speaking in front of anyone. However, I am going to be at this session you speak of (and am very excited about it, btw) and I KNOW that you are going to fabulous and charming… and above all, you know your sh*t, and it shows. I always get nervous when I present that I will come across as a fraud, like how could I be standing up there as an ‘expert’? But it’s always surprising (and satisfying) realising how much you actually do know, and how many people out there are looking up to you and hanging on your every word. You are going to kill it! x
Thank you Celeste. Thank you!
My mouth dries up sometimes, so be sure to ask for a glass of water with a straw (so you can elegantly sip rather than do the ungainly guzzle), and think about taking Rescue Remedy in the hours leading up – it really takes the edge of your nerves. Have a lectern and notes so you can refer to them as backup, make eye contact with alternating patches of crowd and SMILE because this really helps, too, but most most most of all – remember YOU are the expert. You know what you are talking about and people are there to hear that – so gain confidence from this. I STILL get awfully nervous even after hundreds of talks and presentations, so remember it’s normal normal to feel this way – and that adrenaline rush will really honestly help you present your best. Thinking of you! xx
Thank you Tania. Shall take a bottle of water, with a straw, with me… and the Rescue Remedy. Oh yes!
All the best to the day! I reckon you will rock the room 🙂
And after all – everyone is the same….probably nervous at speaking in front of a crowd but happy to share what they know!
On my mind…trying to work through my emails and not waste time on facebook!
don’t look at the crowd! look just above their heads, do not make eye contact, look from left to right, they will all think you are talking to them personally, picture your audience sitting in their underware, make facial expressions from time to time, have your main point subject matter in larger bold type have water handy to take a small break when you are finished then make eye contact with each and everyone that is looking for it, and smill, raise your arms , and look up at some creator for getting you through the event, thank all those that provided assistance, and support and forgive yourself for not having done this a long time ago!
Congratulations for overcoming your Challenge that faced you!
oh you poor thing! knowing you I can only imagine how stressed out you are!! I remember when I spoke at a conference and had to go to the toilet twice and was terrified and meanwhile liss was cool as a cucumber telling me I’ll be fine!
you’ll be fine! just be your sweet self
corrie:)
Oh, I’d love to have Liss alongside me. That’d be grand. Are you going to the PB Event?
You’ll be ace!!! It’s good to be scared – awesomeness lies outside our comfort zone.
I’ll remember this. Thank you! x
Yeah im trying to find the way out of mine:)
I would be pooping my pants. You will rock it though. Good for you for doing it. I am so chicken I would never agree! I stutter when nervous. Even giving a PTA update with only a few others around makes me ill. What a great experience for you!
Ah yes. I am pooping my pants. 😛
I would be too! Good luck, you will be awesome! Just dont show you are nervous and they wont know:)
Lmao!! You are awesome.
I wish you a ton of luck and I agree with you…you will feel so grand after it’s over. I had a Sheryl moment (or as my daughter calls it… a “a mom wack-a-doo moment” the end of August when I set a goal to walk 180 miles by Sept. 21st….your blog today reminded me how proud I’ll be on the 21st when I log into my app and let the cyber people know I did it…and of course email the news to my kids!!! Maybe they’ll buy me a crown to wear with the new tennis shoes I’ll have to buy!!! 🙂
Go you! That’s a massive effort and achievement. x
oh my gosh! Good luck with that. Its and awesome achievement!
it will be exhilerating and scary all at the same time..me: im cursing myself that i dont know more about computers and im scared i will never get into my wee blog again xxd
What happened?
lol..thats the problem I dont really know..Im having a fix it man come out today..hopefully he can explain things to me like Im a two year old. I can only access my wp as a registered user not as admin and cant post or anything adminie..I didnt touch anything so I have no idea what I did but you know everything happens for a reason..wish me luck..its crazy how much my blog means to me though..I have been beside myself for hours..lol.my husband thinks its rather funny..hmm I do not. xxDeb
Good luck with the event. You’ll be great and I know you’ll get back on that plane proud of yourself. I have been reading your ebook and I think it’s great. It’s been helpful. Thank you. Jx
My 95 year old pop goes into an aged care facility today. Has been a hard few months for my nan , my mum and her 5 sisters. He has never even had one night in hospital, but has very quickly deteriorated to the point where my nan can’t look after him. They have been married 76 years bless em. Big day ahead but trying to be positive and just want to be the right amount of support for my mum and nan.
Brain dumps feel good…thanks.
Good luck with your talk…if your public speaking is same as you write, then you will nail it!!!
Allison x
Awww hugs to you, thats gotta be so tough xx
I am scared to jump out of my comfort zone.
Your posts have resonated with me a lot lately.
The Balance one for a start!
Ive found a good balance and if i venture outside my comfort zone its going to upset my Balance, and I am wondering if i really want that right now?
But if i don’t go for it, then i am going to be further behind the 8 ball than others in the same field. (I have a tendency to want it all right now or not at all:) And i lose interest if i have to wait to long, so i am wondering if a course of study will get me the job i want and whether i am going to want it after i have spent a lot of money to pursue it??
Thanks for asking:)
You will do great at your Speaking Engagement:) Dont show your nerves and they will think you have done it forever, although i am glad its you not me:)
Good luck with the speech – if this here blog is anything to go by I’m sure you will be amazing!
I’m freaking out over my first market stall. I’ve been upcycling furniture and have decided to take it out to a local arts and crafts market rather than just eBay. I have moments of calm and then remember that next Saturday I’ll be there with all these people looking at my work.
OMG.
I know exactly how you feel. But I think it’s worth challenging ourselves every now and then and jumping out of our comfort zone. I’m giving a social media workshop (2-3) hours in a couple of months and I’m quietly freaking out. But I’m sure I’ll get through it and hopefully it will go down well.
You’ll be great.
I’m not a public speaking fan either (yet…. will get there one day) but my advice is to comfort yourself with the fact that 9/10 people FREAK out about public speaking (the other 1/10 are just FREAKS) and that everyone wants you to shine. People simply want to know what you know. I think people connect with vulnerability too, so being nervous or showing nerves isn’t necessarily a bad thing (guaranteed all the other speakers will have the same thoughts). Can’t wait to hear you rock it! x
I’m an introvert with extrovert qualities too – can talk all day to strangers at the shops etc and am fine in meetings but the minute I have to stand up in front of a group, I am a mess. I have found it helps to remember that you know probably more about what you are talking about that anyone in the room and that is why you are up the front – they are there because they want to hear you. This somehow relaxes me and after the first few minutes I get into my groove and the nerves are gone. And prepare prepare prepare. I am ok with talking about stuff I know and love but I would never subject myself to the toastmasters type scenario where you have to talk adhoc about a random topic – biggest nightmare!
It seems that the one thing we hope to see when we look into the eyes of another is ourselves. If you can see yourself sitting in every chair in the audience then you will connect and engage in a kind way. I believe you will do a great job and live to be very proud.
Oh I feel your pain. I’m definitely an introvert at heart. Whether a huge audience or one on one, I’d rather not speak. I’m more into listening. I’m heaps better and am challenging myself to be even better, I used to freak out so much with talking to people I shook. How bad’s that? That was when I was a teen though, and I’ve certainly improved!! No more shakes 😉 And it seems I’ve been on a journey last few years to get better at speaking in front of people too. Best of luck!! And good on you for stepping out to learn and grow and get out of that comfort zone!! 🙂 You’ll do great and when it’s all over you WILL feel AWESOME!
As for my mind? Ugh. You don’t want to go there. It’s a mess. Too many thoughts crammed into one brain. Like that junk drawer we all have (or room maybe?) where we just put anything and everything in when we don’t know where else to put it. It’s not all bad, not at all, there are heaps of good thoughts in there as well, just no sense to any of it lol. Trying to organise 😉
Kim xx – http://www.happymummyinspired.blogspot.com
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll be great! I loathe, abhor and despise public speaking…a little part of me THINKS I like it, then I hate it, then when I get into it you can’t shut me up, but deep down, nope I hate it! And I can’t see me every doing it again!!!!! The only public speaking I may do is yelling at the kids in the back yard 😉 lol (just kidding!)
I go to a lot of gigs and I hear it a lot – every performer, who is really good at what they’re doing, is always somewhat nervous before getting on the stage. If you’re not nervous, it means you’re doing the wrong thing, as it’s become too routine and easy and doesn’t feel like anything at all. So, good for you for being nervous and overcoming yourself and giving the best public speech ever!
public speaking COMPLETELY terrifies me. but I’m starting to discover that scary things feel so so good once you actually do them. I actually wrote about this earlier- being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid, being brave means you have the courage to stand up and to that thing even though you are scared. you can do it!
http://inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2012/09/on-bravery.html
Thank you for doing this entry because in two days time, I will be hosting a corporate event for the first time. I can totally understand where you are coming from in terms of introvert with extrovert tendencies. My boss recommended me for the job but I am not sure how I am going to fair. I am thankful for supportive colleagues and yes it’s good to get out of the comfort zone. So, hopefully I will not embarrass myself and have the time of my life. 🙂
How did you go?
OMG.. i had the time of my life. You won’t believe it. Everyone praised me for doing such a good job. They said I was a natural and was very funny. Two of the board members personally congratulated me plus my big boss too. Guess it’s good to get out of that comfort zone and challenge yourself. You might never know what other talents you might be hiding. 🙂
And, all the best to you as well.
Go for it Chantelle! A few years ago I spoke at the Biannual Early Childhood Intervention Australia conference, and I thought I was so unprepared; I hadn’t even written down what I was supposed to talk about. My colleague wanted to confer with me about our notes and I had a blank page. I got so nervous then it just clicked in me! Of course I knew what to do, it’s my job and my passion so just talk! I think I did a really great job and it shone through, it wasn’t a farce and wasn’t just off a piece of paper it was straight from my mind (and heart I suppose) and that’s what the audience connected with.
Good luck! I’m sure you’ll be fine 🙂
You’ll be great! When you talk about your passion it just flows 🙂 And letting on that you’re scared just makes you even easier to relate to. Go for it 🙂
I agree with all your readers! When you’re talking about what you are truely passionate about, everything will just flow perfectly. Being scared is totally normal and this will be a true test to yourself. Go get em’ Chantelle!!
Let me begin with: Yah, I’m strange. I love filling in government forms. I have done a “beached wale” imitation in front of strangers. And I don’t mind singing or speaking in front of people! I filled in for our pastor once – did it on “God’s Timing” – having to do with Jesus WAITING while His friend Lazarus was dying (and then died)… not a note on me, except the scripture reference! And, I was comfortable with that! (once again – I’m strange!)
But, I would suggest NOT to act like this is “old hand”, or feel you need to be so “professional” – tell them upfront – “Hey, y’all, would you guess I’m petrified up here? Anyone else feel like passing out the minute they get in front of a mic? But, I so want to share this stuff with you, I’m gonna make sure I breathe and not lock my knees! But… please forgive me if I DO pass out – I’ll be back up and in front of this danged mic in just a couple of minutes!” – trust me, you will get 99% saying they understand – and immediately you have connected. (and the other 1% might not understand, but will chuckle!!!!)
And oh, wear something you feel comfortable in – and ask someone you trust if anything is sticking out!!!!!
Good luck – do we get to see transcripts on here?
I don’t know about transcripts, as it will be a panel. But I’ll definitely write about what I speak about. 🙂
I hear you loud and clear! I am exactly the same when it comes to speaking in front of anyone. However, I am going to be at this session you speak of (and am very excited about it, btw) and I KNOW that you are going to fabulous and charming… and above all, you know your sh*t, and it shows. I always get nervous when I present that I will come across as a fraud, like how could I be standing up there as an ‘expert’? But it’s always surprising (and satisfying) realising how much you actually do know, and how many people out there are looking up to you and hanging on your every word. You are going to kill it! x
Thank you Celeste. Thank you!
My mouth dries up sometimes, so be sure to ask for a glass of water with a straw (so you can elegantly sip rather than do the ungainly guzzle), and think about taking Rescue Remedy in the hours leading up – it really takes the edge of your nerves. Have a lectern and notes so you can refer to them as backup, make eye contact with alternating patches of crowd and SMILE because this really helps, too, but most most most of all – remember YOU are the expert. You know what you are talking about and people are there to hear that – so gain confidence from this. I STILL get awfully nervous even after hundreds of talks and presentations, so remember it’s normal normal to feel this way – and that adrenaline rush will really honestly help you present your best. Thinking of you! xx
Thank you Tania. Shall take a bottle of water, with a straw, with me… and the Rescue Remedy. Oh yes!
All the best to the day! I reckon you will rock the room 🙂
And after all – everyone is the same….probably nervous at speaking in front of a crowd but happy to share what they know!
On my mind…trying to work through my emails and not waste time on facebook!
don’t look at the crowd! look just above their heads, do not make eye contact, look from left to right, they will all think you are talking to them personally, picture your audience sitting in their underware, make facial expressions from time to time, have your main point subject matter in larger bold type have water handy to take a small break when you are finished then make eye contact with each and everyone that is looking for it, and smill, raise your arms , and look up at some creator for getting you through the event, thank all those that provided assistance, and support and forgive yourself for not having done this a long time ago!
Congratulations for overcoming your Challenge that faced you!