Are you shy?
Most of the time I’m not, though on occasion I can be. Sometimes when I least expect it. I speak publicly all the time and I still get those pre-show jitters. Sometimes it’s triggered by someone in the room, other times it’s just the mood I'm in or maybe what’s going on leading up to the event.I have a standing joke with myself, “Am I an extroverted introvert, or an introverted extrovert?” You’d have to be me to get the joke I guess, but it’s ironic I’m still not sure. As a guy who’s lived a lot of his life in public you’d think standing up and talking to a room full of real estate agents would be no big deal. Most of the time it’s not.
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I've learned when I’m totally absorbed in the subject and I can’t wait to share it because I know through the act of conversation I’m going to learn at least as much as those in the room and I’ll have a great time. If my attention wanders and I start to think about the attendees, worry if my thoughts are on target, or I can’t remember everything I planned to talk about, I know I’m headed into dangerous territory. |
Little doubts can quickly escalate to fear. If I have the presence of mind to stop and take heed I realize I need to get out of my head and reconnect with where I started. I’m here to contribute and to help, I don’t know everything and that’s totally okay. It’s not about selling or convincing. It’s not about second guessing the crowd and it certainly ain't about looking good.
It's about intent and one thing I did learn along the way is no two conversations are ever the same, so don’t even try to go back and repeat one. Just start talking and let it take you where it will today.
A bit of advice I take to heart from a favorite author...
“Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.” ― Henry Miller
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