Comments | tracy_d74: Relax, It's Just a Few People

tracy_d74

Relax, It's Just a Few People

Jan 18, 2011 23:29

Many writers will sit (or stand) in front of a crowd of adoring fans and read pieces of their work. Dot dotificus shared suggestions on How To Give An Effective Reading. And Jon jongibbs plans to share what he learned regarding effective readings on his blog. (I think on 1/19/11.) For some, the idea of reading their work stirs excitement and glee. (Especially if ( Read more... )

psychology, writing

Comments 30

mtlawson January 19 2011, 11:26:56 UTC

Some people try the, “picture everyone in their underwear” technique. I’ve never done that because well…I don’t want to see the old guy with a toupee and a nine-month-pregnancy belly in his skivvies. Nope. No thanks. But I can appreciate the sentiment behind the technique: picture something harmless.

And try telling that the adolescent boy who has already picked out the "hot babes" in the crowd, and such a suggestion might end up getting him a different sort of problem.

tracy_d74 January 19 2011, 15:45:00 UTC

Ah...and there is that. :D

jongibbs January 19 2011, 18:29:45 UTC

I tried that technique once. It worked okay for a while, until I spotted my old gran in the front row :(

tracy_d74 January 19 2011, 18:34:45 UTC

See? Something you should not imagine..EVAH! :)

bondo_ba January 19 2011, 14:20:32 UTC

Heh. I love it when you do psych posts! I got over my public-speaking phobia by doing theater in high school (after you sing a part in a musical in front of 400 people, it's kind of hard to get worked up about a reading...), but it's still nice to review the techniques!

tracy_d74 January 19 2011, 15:42:00 UTC

Thanks. I like doing them too. Yep, the best way to get over a fear is to face it.

bogwitch64 January 19 2011, 14:49:26 UTC

I've no problem getting up in front of a crowd (hard to believe, right?) I've done it countless times for numerous reasons--but a reading?? Yikes. I'm not sure why that is so, but part of me believes it's because I personally find readings mostly boring. I don't want to be boring. I also don't have great confidence in my reading voice. When I'm in front of a crowd being entertaining and sparkling (heheee!) I'm not worrying about my voice. When it's a reading, it's just me, my words and my voice. Hmmm...yes, a bit intimidating.

When it came to the panel I did at WFC, was I nervous?? I suppose a little. But I was more intimidated by what I felt were more knowledgeable panelists. And this comes down to me and the always-present fear that my lack of a formal education is going to show.

I hadn't thought about any of this. Thanks, Tracy!

tracy_d74 January 19 2011, 15:40:51 UTC

I'm comfortable talking in front of people. In high school I even did foreign language competitions (i.e. read poetry in Spanish, did one act plays in Spanish). BUT I know A LOT of people are fearful of speaking in public. And reading...as you mentioned is a bit different. But then againi,not really. You're still just talking. And just like you want to have voice inflections and be engaging, you want that when you read.

(Letters after someone's name does not make them smart. Trust me.)

(The comment has been removed)

bogwitch64 January 19 2011, 17:15:28 UTC

Hey gorgeous! Well, ALMOST as great as Linda's is stretching it. That's like saying the fingerpainting my kid did is ALMOST as good as a Picaso. ;)

Ah, Linda. I want her to read me bedtime stories every night.

bittner29 January 19 2011, 16:50:26 UTC

you know what is funny, when i was in high school i was really good about giving speeches i just didn't like to be called on out of the blue. but as i have gotten older i can't stand to do either. even in a small group of people if i have to respond to something i start to feel panicked and i talk really fast and i can't breath because i feel like if i stop talking i wont be able to start again so i just need to get everything out really fast so that i can be done and people can stop staring at me!

tracy_d74 January 19 2011, 18:11:55 UTC

Wow! Uh...you totally showed your anxiety in how your comment. Well, lucky for you...you have me around. So when the time comes, I will help you BREATHE. ;)

anabelgonzalez January 19 2011, 16:55:52 UTC

Even when in high school I had to speak a lot in public in english and spanish but I hate it. I'm very shy, I don't like people to look at me but sometimes it has to be done.
Thank you for the tips!
I love this posts!

tracy_d74 January 19 2011, 18:08:40 UTC

You are welcome. I think a lot of writers are a bit on the introverted, shy side.

Thank you! (I wrote it two weeks ago...glad I finally posted it.)