Do you get nervous if you have to speak in front of a crowd? I always do and I suspect most people feel at least a little flutter in their tummy. My nerves are a mixture of things; will I mess up and talk rubbish? Will I trip on the way to the front of the room? Will there be a heckler? (no sure why there would be, but still…) Will people think I’m [insert worry here]?
There are dozens of people who have put their hands up to present at this year’s LIANZA conference in Palmerston North next month, and many will be feeling a bit jittery when the time comes to do their presentation, me included. What can the audience do to help? Be supportive. Smile. Realise how hard it is to get up the front and offer a friendly word if you get the chance.
Some of the things I love about conference are sharing stories, collegial support, renewing old connections and making new ones. I’m starting to get excited – are you? If you haven’t registered yet, you can find all the details here.
Great article – really looking forward to LIANZA 2012. I’m going for the first time and will do my best to be smiley, supportive and encourage the speakers – looks like a great programme!!!