Mark another one off the bucket list

I recently conquered my fear of public speaking! Not quite as exciting as riding in the wienermobile, but still thrilling for me in a “I’m not the big scaredy cat I thought I was” kind of way.

I was asked to present at a social media conference for financial communicators (at NASDAQ!) back. Totally thrilled, I accepted, but for some reason it was all very surreal and I didn’t think it would actually end up happening. I’ve always been scared of public speaking — not like in a meeting or in a casual setting — but up in front of a room full of people, on a stage, alone, lights blaring …

Just like this scene. But the conference rolled around last week and surprise, I was still supposed to present. Once I got up there, I wasn’t scared at all. I don’t know if it’s because I’m 40 (and fabulous) or what, but I wasn’t full of crazy nerves like I remember from my younger days. (Or maybe it was because I just don’t give a crap anymore? ha!) So it was really rewarding to conquer the beast, and I received some flattering feedback from people in the audience. And I got to participate in the NASDAQ closing bell ceremony. That alone was worth it.

Now on to my next two big fears: Spiders and walking on these …

8 thoughts on “Mark another one off the bucket list

  1. I’m totally afraid of walking on those too……and don’t bring up spiders or centipedes or snakes, etc., etc.

    But yeah, I’m fine with public speaking now too. I once moderated a conference and it was a huge thrill as well as a power trip.

  2. Too cool you did that!

    I used to walk on those things all the time but the closer I get to being 40 and fabulous the more I start to walk around.

  3. Good read … headline catchy … good points, some of which I have learned along the way as well (humility, grace, layoff the controversial stuff). Will share with my colleagues at work as we begin blogging from a corporate perspective. Thanks!

  4. Howdy, i have just added this particular post on my facebook account and got a lot of great reactions! I think you are definitely doing a good job with your blog. I have one particular question though, this is a blogengine blog right?

  5. I hope you never stop! This is one of the best blogs Ive ever read. Youve got some mad skill here, man. I just hope that you dont lose your style because youre definitely one of the coolest bloggers out there. Please keep it up because the internet needs someone like you spreading the word.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.