It's the July meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by our Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh, and I am once again going to post about public speaking. But first, if you'd like to join the group or visit other members, go here for the sign-up list.
I first posted about my public speaking phobia/anxiety/insecurity back in March. I was overwhelmed with the encouragement and support I received so now I am thrilled to be able to share that all of that encouragement and great advice really did help! I've completed all of the events I was nervous about back in March and all of them went so well I still have to pinch myself to believe it.
The event I was most nervous about was held last Tuesday, June 24. I did a presentation at my local library about The Ghosts of Aquinnah and my family history on Martha's Vineyard, as well as the Vineyarders who moved to Cincinnati in the early 1800s and helped found the township I live in. I also planned a book signing to go along with the event.
I knew I was going to have to stand up alone and speak for about 30 or 40 minutes so I was trying my best to remain calm and not have a panic attack. I was totally amazed, but once I got there I wasn't even nervous at all! And once I started my presentation I actually enjoyed it and barely even needed to look at my notes. I even managed to make people laugh a few times (intentionally) which was awesome. Here are a few pictures from the presentation:
The librarian told me there were 31 people in attendance so I was thrilled with the turnout, especially since it was a very rainy and stormy evening. Several people asked questions after I was finished and everyone seemed interested throughout. It was so much better than I ever could have imagined. And to top it off, I managed to sell a few books. :)
I feel safe in saying I'm officially over my public speaking phobia. I made it through two book signings, a book festival and panel, and a presentation and with each event my insecurity decreased and my enthusiasm increased. So you can't ask for more than that. Thanks again to everyone who supported me through these past few months!
In other news, my Untethered Realms buddies and I shared some of our geeky belongings over at the UnRealms blog yesterday. If you missed it, check out our nerdy treasures here.
Speaking of Untethered Realms, we are just one follower away from making it to 100 followers on our blog. When follower #100 joins us, we plan to host a fun giveaway with lots of our books. Stay tuned to see when we reach that milestone!
*Edited to add that we reached 100 this morning! Thanks to Chemist Ken for following and getting us over the hump. We will start getting the giveaway together and share the details soon. Thanks to all our followers!*
And speaking of giveaways, my publisher Ink Smith is holding a giveaway to celebrate their two year anniversary. There are lots of prizes available, including a signed copy of my book Polar Night. If you'd like to enter check out the rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.
Happy July, all!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
No insecurities here! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Julie!
Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
That's a huge crowd. But you did it! And had fun. Now you know you can do it again.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the geeky post.
Well done, Julie! After completing talks I have had a long break due to husband's illness, now to pluck up courage to begin again!
ReplyDeleteThat is a huge fear to overcome. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I went ahead and followed Untethered Realms, which I've been planning on doing for a while now.
ReplyDeleteGlad you made it through your talk okay. I still remember the first time I had to stand up in front of a college class and talk. Shudders!
@Madeline, thanks!
ReplyDelete@Alex, I still can't believe what a good time I had with it. Thanks!
@Carole, good luck, you'll do it again I'm sure. Thank you.
@Tonja, thanks so much. :)
@Ken, oh, so you're #100! Thanks!
Congrats on your victory! Public speaking isn't for everyone, that's for sure. I'm working my way back into that mode and each time I think it improves for everyone. Good work, Julie.
ReplyDeleteWhat an accomplishment, Julie! Congrats.
ReplyDelete@Dean, thank you and good luck to you working your way back into it. :)
ReplyDelete@Diane, I am so thrilled about it, thanks!
Yay, now you've conquered the speaking phobia all's good for future speaking engagements!! Sounds like a great turnout and selling a few books is a bonus!!
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME!! I remember when I started college and had to take Speech. I was very intimidated because I didn't like (and still really don't) being the "center of attention". In taking the class, though, I found that I'm sort of a "ham" and that helps me get through.
ReplyDeleteVery glad to hear you've conquered that hurdle. Just remember it when you get to the next one and you'll sail right over that one, too :)
What a great turn out. I'm so glad to hear you are feeling more comfortable in front of a crowd.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Hein - Scribbling in the Storage Room
That truly is something to celebrate! Wow, great job on the presentation. And you sold books too! Woohoo! Way to kick that insecurity to the curb. :D
ReplyDelete@Cathy, it was a great bonus, no doubt. Thanks!
ReplyDelete@@Mark, I hate being the center of attention too so I felt the same way. Maybe I am a ham too and didn't realize it until now LOL. Thank you!
@Elizabeth, I appreciate that, thanks so much.
@LG, yay! Thanks so much.
@Karen, aww, that's so nice, thank you!
I always dread public speaking until I get there and then I totally enjoy it. Glad it turned out that way for you too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on dealing with your phobia. It's good when we face our fears and do what needs to be done. It empowers us.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that things went well. And you overcame a phobia. AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteThat is a fantastic turn out, Julie! Especially with the weather not cooperating. I'm so glad it went well and that your intentional jokes got the appropriate response. I'm pretty sure, the laugher would be the opposite if I was to get up there lol.
ReplyDelete31, wow! That's so kewl, Julie. I'm happy for you. Getting over a phobia is a huge accomplishment. Bravo! A standup comedian in our midst?
ReplyDelete@Susan, that's exactly how it was! Thanks so much.
ReplyDelete@Joy, good point! It did feel just great.
@Misha, thank you!
@SK, oh, I doubt that LOL. But I thought sure the only laughs I might get would be if I tripped and fell over my own feet, that sort of thing, LOL. Thanks!
@Joylene, LOL, I doubt that but who knows? Thanks! :D
Glad you had such a great turnout and that you got over your public speaking anxieties. Looks like you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteWoot! Grats on getting over your public speaking phobia. It's great to hear you had such a good turn out and participation level. That's awesome.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to conquer that fear!!! Way to go with that great crowd and your ability to make them laugh (and sell a few books too)!
ReplyDeleteHappy writing!
I'm so glad your library appearance went so well. Good job!!! :)
ReplyDelete@Sarah, I did, thanks!
ReplyDelete@Loni, thank you!
@Tyrean, thanks and happy writing to you as well. :)
@Chrys, thanks so much!
Geeks rule! I would wear that actual badge and be proud since I do wear socks with sandals on occasion:) Congratulations in conquering a fear! When you look back about all the fear you had and you think about it now how do you feel? I bet you realized how much you triumphed! Congrats again
ReplyDeleteI love the one-on-one with signings, and while I never imagined I'd ever be nervous speaking in front of a crowd, when I had to at a huge writers' conference, I thought I was gonna pass out. And before I knew it, it was over. I don't even remember much of it. Sounds like yours went very smoothly!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you ended up enjoying yourself. That's great news. I knew you'd slay it. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm tossing confetti over you! Congratulations on not only making it through, but excelling. You're a rockstar.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting over your phobia, that's great! I'm glad your presentation went so well, too :)
ReplyDelete@Birgit, yay for geeks LOL. And thanks for that thought, I really do feel so great about it!
ReplyDelete@Nancy, that's how it was for me! I really thought I would vomit but then it went so smoothly I still can't believe it.
@Mary, thanks! :D
@Nicki, yay, thank you!
@Laura, thanks so much, I appreciate it.
What an awesome turnout! Wish I could've listened in, sounds like very interesting stuff indeed :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful news about your most recent speaking engagement, and about all your public events! You're such a sweetheart, I know that comes through when you do these things, and people can tell. Who wouldn't like you? Congrats on putting your phobia to bed. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on beating your phobia! :) I'm not the biggest fan of public speaking, but I love talking about my books, so hopefully I won't find it too traumatising when I do events!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your event went well. I know it's scary before you actually show up to do a presentation, but really it always turns out to be such an amazing experience.
ReplyDelete@jamie, oh, that's so nice, thanks!
ReplyDelete@Lexa, aww, you're making me blush. :) Thanks so much!
@Emma, I think that's how it was for me, talking about my books and subjects I love was so much easier than any other presentations I've had to make. Thank you!
@Lee, it really was, I actually look forward to the opportunity to do another one now. Never thought I'd say that!
There is no stopping you now. Fly and be free. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
@emaginette, aww, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat is great, Julie.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you're no longer afraid to talk :)
ReplyDelete(You know what I mean.)
Congrats & Happy 4th!
@shelly, thanks!
ReplyDelete@Carol, LOL, I do. Thank you!
I'm so glad that you've overcome your fear of public speaking, Julie! That is a huge accomplishment, and you should be extremely proud of yourself! Have a great 4th!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteWell done, you! :) You've worked through that phobia. Challenging and confronting our fears makes them less of an anxiety inducing situation. A few laughs put you and your audience at ease.
Whenever I've done public speaking, I tell my audience to be seated! LOL
Great stuff, Julie.
Gary :)
Congratulations! I know that public speaking can be very nerve-wracking; I used to be scared of it too, before I became a teacher. When I first started teaching I used to practice what I was going to say before every class. It took a long time before I was finally comfortable with speaking in front of an audience.
ReplyDeleteI think it really helps (with public speaking) when you're interested in what you're talking about.
ReplyDeleteI'm very impressed that you're over your fear of public speaking. Go you!!! You are an inspiration. :)
congrats on your public speaking success!! It's a big fear to overcome and you did it!
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm so impressed! I'd be a puddle of nerves. Congratulations on overcoming a fear!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, so glad everything worked out. You'll be a pro in no time.
ReplyDeleteGlad you overcame that phobia. It'll be a walk in the park from now on.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant. I'm so pleased for you, especially that you enjoyed yourself and for the turnout of that final presentation :-)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are enjoying giving the presentations. I hear this is the most effective way of selling books. And the turnout at your library was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGuess what? Michael di Gesu is working on designing the cover for my debut novel! I was so inspired by what he'd done with your book, I couldn't resist!
@Julie, thank you and Happy 4th to you and your family!
ReplyDelete@Gary, LOL thanks so much.
@Neurotic, oh, I can imagine being a teacher would help you get over that anxiety. Thank you!
@Trisha, that's so true, I realized the reason I did so much better with speaking than I have in the past is because I'm so invested in the books and writing. Thanks!
@Lynda, thanks so much!
@Julie, I was a puddle of nerves too but I bet you would be able to overcome it too. Thank you!
@Donna, I hope so, thanks so much.
@Denise, that would be such a relief for sure, thanks!
@Annalisa, I'm still amazed I enjoyed it. Thanks!
@Kim, oh, Michael will do a great job for you!! He's wonderful. Can't wait to see what he does for your book! :)
WELL DONE JULIE!
ReplyDeleteAt least that phobia has been put to rest now!
@Michelle, thank you so much, I appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice crowd of people! Congratulations on getting over your phobia! It's fun when you can talk about something you really love!
ReplyDeleteThat's brilliant Julie, well done. I'm sure all those people enjoyed your talk.
ReplyDelete@Mary, it really is, I think that's what made this so different for me. Thanks!
ReplyDelete@Suzanne, I hope they did, thanks so much.
Yay! Go you! Glad to hear you rocked your speaking events and are more confident. I know, for me personally, once I get through that first new thing, I'm much more confident about doing them again.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! So glad all your speaking engagements went so well. And what a great turnout at your local library! This is awesome news! :D
ReplyDeleteAwesome to hear you've gotten over your phobia. Public speaking in hard, and can be for even the most experienced. What helped me get over my fear was taking drama class in high school. I'm still nervous when I have to speak in front of people but if I'm well prepared, I can hide the jitters. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Julie - that's fantastic .. I'm so pleased for you - and great news for the future ...
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realised that where you live was settled by ex Vineyarders .. how interesting.
Perhaps you'll do a post on that and why you're there etc .. interesting to hear more about it (perhaps you've done it - and I missed it?! sorry if so!!) ...
Cheers - but I'm so pleased for you .. 31 is enough - as you can engage with each of them ... Happy 4th of July - Hilary
I'm glad the public speaking went well x
ReplyDelete@Patricia, thanks! And that's how I think this will be too, now that I've done it I think it will get easier.
ReplyDelete@Ava, thank you!
@Elise, one of the bloggers who gave me some great advice was in drama school and shared tips from that. It really did help! Thank you. :)
@Hilary, I was thinking the same thing about a post on the Vineyarders here. It's very odd that they ended up here! Thanks so much.
@Rebecca, thanks. :)
That's a huge achievement, congratulations :)
ReplyDeleteSuzanne @ Suzannes-Tribe
x
It does seem the more successful presentations you give, the easier it gets. I've got my next one in October! Part of me is nervous, but much of me can't wait. I hope you'll continue speaking!
ReplyDelete@Suzanne, thanks so much.
ReplyDelete@Shannon, thank you and I hope your event goes well in October!
You're such an inspiration Julie. Congratulations on conquering your fears! :) X
ReplyDeleteshahwharton.com
That is wonderful. You are a natural.
ReplyDelete@Shah, thank you, I appreciate that!
ReplyDelete@Medeia, oh, that's so nice of you to say, thanks.
That's awesome, Julie! I had a similar experience when a close friend and I held a joint 40th birthday party. She was adamant she would not give a speech and I knew guests would be expecting one. I was really nervous before, but just told myself to get on with it. I wasn't at all nervous on the night and actually enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteAwesome job Julie! So very happy for you. What a milestone to have accomplished. Thanks for coming by and commenting. I always enjoy your blog posts!
ReplyDelete@Ellie, that's just how it was! I worried so much leading up to it but then once I was there it was fine. Thanks!
ReplyDelete@Lisa, thank you so much, and it's always a pleasure to visit your blog. :)
Great job on conquering your fear! Now you can set up more and keep the momentum going. Hope you had a fun holiday weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteYAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! GO JULIE!! You rock. I'm so psyched for you :)
ReplyDeleteawright julie!! so proud of you! and cant wait for our next event!
ReplyDelete@Michael, I hope so, thanks!
ReplyDelete@Liz, I owe you for helping me out. Thank you!
@Tara, yay, thanks so much!