In the 6th grade I had to give a presentation in front of the class. My teacher, Mrs. Coe, was terribly aggressive and wore colors that were too loud to be worn in such a confined classroom. I was terrified of getting up to talk in front of the class. What if I messed up? What if my face turned red, which it inevitably would because I was Casper the ghost pale! And what if, with all the anxiety bubbles in my stomach, I farted?!?
I can’t remember when my fear of public speaking faded, but public speaking has become something I actually enjoy doing. I have hosted a number of events, I was the mistress of ceremonies once…which yes, I agree is a terrible thing to call anyone. I have done stand up…which is a million times more terrifying than normal public speaking…but I haven’t ever been listed as an official bona-fide keynote speaker.
But, as of last night, I am officially able to cross off “be a keynote speaker” off my To Do List. Because last night, I was a keynote speaker at the YMCA’s Campaign Kick Off event. At first, I didn’t think it really counted because it was a small room with 150 people in it, and I spoke for less than 10 minutes, but Paul reminded me that there was an official program that officially noted me as the Keynote Speaker which officially made me a keynote speaker…so, I have now officially crossed it off my list.
I think it went over well…and I didn’t fart once.
