Confidence

Today I'm feeling behind on writing. I'm actually in the middle of writing 2 or 3 other blog entries, ones that take more thought, so they're not getting done!

But today I need to interject and just write about my most recent experience, speaking this morning! This was my 2nd paid speaking engagement, giving the same presentation I did in November. It felt like the stakes were higher since this time the setting would be more corporate, my "salary" was higher, and I would be speaking in front of one person I already knew. (Speaking in front of people I know is a lot scarier for me! Like practicing for my sisters and a friend a few days ago.)

The first surprise was that I found I was actually excited to go down there today. Bloomington, again! I need to expand my network on this side of the metro I guess...

The last time I spoke I was dreading it, "get this over with" I thought. Today I wanted to be there and I wanted to share. And based on my feedback from last time, I knew they would be interested in what I had to say.

The first VICTORY was that I was on time. I was behind getting the kids to the sitter's by 15 minutes but I had allowed an extra 15 minutes! :)

The conference room was a bit itimidating at first, very high tech, and I had the task of operating my Power Point and DVD clips from a touch-screen and remote. I had listeners through a teleconference who had dialed in from a satellite site as well.

From the beginning of my talk I could feel my confidence level was so much higher than I've ever felt previously in front of a group. I really felt that was the key today. I hardly ever stumbled over my words and I barely used my notes. I'd say I did as well as I'd hoped some day I would do.

To discover this new level of confidence today is very exciting for me because I know it will stick. I know it will go with me every time now, and I'm more confident than ever that I was made to do this.