Oh. Em.
Gee.
I still
can't believe I missed a Twitter invite to appear on HuffPost Live
two weeks ago.
I had
experienced web woes and was off social media and e-mail for four
days, only a few months after I vowed to never take a Twitter break.
It wasn't deliberate, though. Before my internet issues I checked
Twitter all day, everyday.
So of
course the minute I lose access, I receive a possible
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – early in my writing career might I
add.
I want a
do-over. Who misses out on the HuffPost? Live.
Live?
As in no
“Action!” or “Cut!” Not even a “Previously recorded” in
the top right of the window?
Oh.
My
introversion (or maybe
that was shyness and there is a difference) probably wouldn't
have been ready for a next-day, on-the-air interview. One of those
attributes reminded me as I shared my good news.
This
impromptu-averse speaker needs rehaearsals. Hours of them. Never mind
I know the topic – skinny-shaming
– intimately. What I didn't know was if questions for this
particular segment would be provided in advance, if there were other
guests or if the interview would be in the form of a panel or debate.
Confrontation
isn't my thing.
Then
paranoia piped in with its opinions. Your hair is overdue for a touch
up. Your brows haven't met thread in months. Your lashes are tangled.
And your voice is kinda high.
And what if
you can't quickly answer a particular question? Or what if you
stumble over your words and lose authority?
Public
humiliation isn't my thing either.
But I'm
also pressed to hold book tours one day, meeting my supporters and
reading book excerpts. The idea of hosting, guest-appearing,
guest-lecturing and conducting writing workshops is actually
intriguing. Exciting.
Exciting
enough to make salon appointments and practice speaking into a
webcam, looking for my good angle. Bring on the publicity and
speaking engagements.
I'm waiting
for another invitation.
cant wait to see your first public speaking appearance!
ReplyDeleteHa! I'm working on my stage presence in the meantime!
ReplyDeleteYou're a natural! Anyone who writes this well can certainly speak well! The shyness will eventually fade.
ReplyDelete