From Public Speaking Phobia to Open Mic Town Crier
In spite of my Yankee bluntness and my Irish gift of the gab, I’m a shy person. But I believe the universe sets us up to heal weakness that keep us from being whole, which is what makes a shy person like me take up the open mic, interview people (aka ask nosey questions) for a story, or stand out when no one else is to snap pictures of strangers or produce in the grocery store.
My inclination toward introversion is a strong trait that’s tempered by my love of fun and new adventure. But for every two hours I’m out, I need about four at home to recover. In the end it’s my curiosity about people and my urge to communicate that bridges the gap between the wallflower in me and the social butterfly just waiting to fly solo again.
Post note: Public speaking phobia 9/05 post HERE.
Comments
That sounds very familiar.
Posted by: Pearl | March 10, 2008 10:43 AM
interesting how we compensate- What's your word this week?Your interesting word??let's start that inteesting words we like the sound of each weeek.. doing computer input this morning- not pizzazzy enough for me
Posted by: sandy kessler | March 10, 2008 11:15 AM
How about ballistic? It just popped in my mind.
Posted by: colleen | March 10, 2008 11:47 AM
Sounds like you have good control of your interpersonal yin and yang!
Posted by: Tabor | March 10, 2008 12:11 PM
I've always been very outgoing - never met a stranger type person! And, nosey! That's why I became a writer...I want to know everything about someone, something, some place...Yet, kind of insecure, too. But, I also love my alone time! Reading, knitting, quilting!!!
I would have never guessed that you were really shy! I am glad that you "get out there" and do the things you love because you share them all so well with us.
Posted by: Sara | March 10, 2008 12:12 PM
"But for every two hours I’m out, I need about four at home to recover."
Me too!!
Posted by: Shelby | March 10, 2008 6:49 PM
Oh, I so understand this. I can speak to an auditorium of 1000 people, and then not utter a peep at a reception. My favorite thing is to work in my office for hours in my pajamas. :-)
Posted by: SunnySchlenger | March 10, 2008 7:45 PM
There seems to be a lot of us out there writing in our pajamas till noon. Speaking to a crowd of 1000? Where's my teddy bear!?
Posted by: colleen | March 10, 2008 8:05 PM
I hate public speaking. I used to look back on pagent tapes when I would be interviewed and I would feel like my chest was going to close up and I was going to die from embarrassment. The only thing worse than the speaking itself is having to watch it back! ...and any time I do a big outing or a photo shoot or anything that takes a lot of "me" with it, I do the same thing with days of down time.
Posted by: Deana | March 10, 2008 10:33 PM
I always have anxiety before any speaking engagement and dread it with a passion. About 5 or so minutes into them, however, I begin to have fun, so the experience begins to flow easily without the self-consciousness with which I began. Even knowing this, the next one always begins with great anxiety!
I am such a curious person, too. I have a zillion questions to ask anyone I find interesting, and I am sure I must wear people out!
Great post.
Posted by: sky | March 10, 2008 11:12 PM
You certainly don't seem shy here and I'm sure I could pick you out in a group. But I know how impressions work too. Many think I'm outgoing and so funny, but only when they already know me...in a room full of people I don't know, I would be pretty reticent and quieter than usual.
Posted by: ruth | March 12, 2008 10:25 PM