Public Speaking doesn't come easily or naturally to me. I love the idea of it, but then it comes time to stand up in front of a bunch of strangers and talk, my heart rate rises, I start to sweat and tend to feel anxious. I'm better in smaller groups, but even then I can get nervous.
But it's something I want to do more of and I know that if you want to get better at something, you have to do it. (There's simply no substitute for doing.)
Which brings me to my most recent experience: An hour and a half long presentation on the adVANture in front of over 70 people at the REI here in Boulder.
I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd never done anything like this and as far as I know, REI hasn't hosted a presentation on this topic before. They have a system online that requires people to register to attend. The presentation is free to the public, but it's their way of managing capacity limits, flow, expectations, etc.
I sent in my description back in the spring and when it posted online, I noted that there were 70 spots available. Was I going to fill 70 spots? Did I have 70 friends interested in hearing about our trip? Would anyone be interested?
Once scheduled, I created an event via Facebook, invited local friends and then left it at that. I decided not to worry about it until July or August.
The presentation was set for a Wednesday evening in late August (8/29). Plenty of time!
I spent the week prior to the presentation outlining, creating and culling through the few thousand pictures we'd taken during our year on the road. I was grateful to friends who posted reminders on Facebook and shared the event with new friends. I was starting to get a little more nervous - Would I live up to their expectations? Would I do our trip justice?
Every few days I'd check the registration and watch as more and more people registered. I'd think, "cool!" And then it'd be, "whoa" as I felt increasing pressure to do well. I took comfort in the thought that most of the people coming would be good friends and I'd just pretend I was in my living room telling stories.
When we scheduled it, the intent was that both Bracken and I would speak. But as it turned out, Bracken had class that night and wouldn't be able to make it 'til later.
It was just going to be me.
He was hoping to get out of class early and get there not long after I started, but it didn't turn out that way. I was totally on my own. With 120 slides to get through.
The evening of the presentation a good friend called me with some calming advice on getting rid of nervous energy. A few push-ups and pull-ups later, I left to get set up and wait to see who showed.
Here's the room as people started to arrive:
One of the most surprising things was that most of the people who showed up were total strangers! Meaning, people who saw the event through REI and signed up because they were interested in the topic! Which I think is really cool - and could mean that there's a need or further interest in doing more of these.
If I can inspire a few more adventurers to take the leap and go travel, I'd be totally stoked.
There were definitely a few familiar faces interspersed throughout the room as well. I was feeling better.
When 6:30 rolled around, I walked up front to let everyone know I'd be starting soon. I was greeting with such welcoming energy. Everyone in the room seemed to be anxious for me to start and curious about our adventure. I could feel the warmth and support.
My nerves subsided and as I got started, everything just flowed naturally. I adore talking about our trip. The questions that came were super-friendly and insightful. I was hoping my presentation would take about an hour, which would leave the last 1/2 hour for questions, which was exactly what happened. Then I offered to give a tour of the van to those interested.
I didn't rehearse all 120 slides before the event, hoping instead that I'd estimated the time accurately. Whew! Bracken showed up as I was giving a tour of the van, which was awesome.
Here we are outside in the parking lot checking out the van (photo courtesy of my friend Steve O.):
Overall, I was delighted with how it turned out. I want to thank everyone who spread the word beforehand (a special shout out to Kent, Rich & Michael), all those who attended, and especially REI of Boulder (specifically Sarah & Mike) who welcomed me, encouraged me and provided the opportunity (and helped with the AV set-up!). And a special thank you to Dave Taylor who very generously videoed the entire presentation!
My only wish was that I'd somehow figured out a way to ask the audience questions... So for those of you who came and want to answer, here goes:
- What prompted you to come?
- What about the description and topic was interesting to you?
- Did I cover everything you'd hoped?
- Did you enjoy it?
- What were some of your take-aways?
And for those of you who weren't able to make it, Dave (mentioned above) videoed the whole thing, so as soon as I figure out how to edit and upload it, I'm going to try to post 5- and 10-minute segments for y'all to see, as well as somehow get the 120-page presentation uploaded somehow. :) So stay tuned.
Thanks to everyone, and Happy adventuring!
