blue artichoke

Those of you who check out the comments section already know that Chartreuse BLT suggested I add reading a classic I've never read to my list of New Things. I think that is a great idea, and I had just come across (and filed) a pamphlet from the local public library with a list of classics. I pulled it out and was pleased to note that I had read almost half of the selections. I picked out the classic that seemed the least interesting to me (The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan) and have added it to my list. It's a classic for a reason, so it must be good. You'll get my review when I'm done, of course.

I have also just added, and completed, another New Thing. I taught a class tonight. I'm terrified of public speaking, as anyone who has suffered with me through a class presentation knows. I'm an introvert, I don't like being in the spotlight. Several months ago I agreed to teach some classes about organizing through the career center. It seemed like a good idea and the time, and the course coordinator is one of those people who is so energetic and inspiring that every conversation is a brainstorm and you leave her company feeling pumped and rarin' to go. A few months later, when it is time to teach the class, that feeling had worn off. I thought I might be OK because organizing is one of my three favorite topics of conversation (the others are fitness/nutrition and mixed martial arts). I feel comfortable with the topic and have worked in the field and seen enough that I probably won't be stumped. But there's always the fear that I'll start talking and every thought will leave my head, leaving me a stuttering mess. In the past when I had to make a presentation, I over-prepared and wrote out a script, which I would end up reading. That's painful for everyone. This time I thought through how I wanted the presentation to go, rehearsed it mentally a few times, and that's it. I did blank out at one point, trying to think of a word (sentimental), but I quickly found another that worked (nostalgic) and moved on from there. It actually went quite well. I stole a few glances at the course evaluation pages and it seems like the students liked the class. I just hope they got something out of it, felt like they got their money's worth, and left inspired to tackle their own areas of disorganization. I certainly left the class inspired to tackle my own projects. I also left the class feeling great, because I had taught a class in front of people without collapsing into a trembling, stammering mess. I may not be ready to give presentations or become a motivational speaker, but I have proved to myself that I won't die from public speaking (seriously, I used to write on the top of my presentations, "You only die once. This isn't it!" to remind myself that I would live through the presentation). Public speaking was that traumatic.

In the class, and with my clients, I encourage setting small, realistic goals and rewarding yourself comparable to your achievement. Making it through this class - not just enduring it, but making it go smoothly - was a huge achievement for me. I rewarded myself by coming home and cooking a big fat steak, simply seasoned and quickly cooked to perfection, and asparagus. I ate on the steak until I was full, then a bit more, and still have half a steak left for tomorrow. And then I awarded myself an extra truffle for dessert.

I think I could accomplish a lot of things for a steak + chocolate reward.

All said and done, it was a good night for the Blue Artichoke.

Getting to Know All About YOU: Do you enjoy public speaking? What are your tricks for making it less stressful?