I don't know about you, but for me, one of the hardest things I do every year is attend writers' conferences. Reading posts that tout, "Can't wait for National," or "Our local conference is three weeks away," are enough to break me out in a cold sweat.But the fact remains conferences exist to help writers, not send them into apoplectic fits. These events truly are the most efficient and economical way to connect with agents and editors to set you apart from the hundreds of anonymous queries they receive every week.
Does this knowledge help, however, when your tongue is less than golden? Probably not. While some people can practice their pitches, memorize their log lines and appear at ease, most cannot. Ever stood in a room full of writers waiting to pitch? I have. I'm here to tell you that public speaking for an introverted author ranks right up there with tightrope walking. What's more, given the choice to talk about their book to the agent or editor of their dreams, many would opt for the tightrope -- without the net!
So why do I bring this up when it's a foregone conclusion that in spite of this fear, we'll do it time and time again? Because last year I had such a fiasco at a conference, and after doing a marvelous impression of a deaf mute, I resolved to do something about it. I decided to step out of my solitary comfort zone and overcome my fear of public speaking. Ladies and gentlemen, Toastmasters is helping me do it.
What's so special about Toastmasters? In a word -- everything. Instead of preparing for a conference in the weeks beforehand, I now attend weekly meetings. This organization isn't only about giving speeches, it's about building leaders and creating confidence. It also teaches you to ad lib, to think on your feet, and while my tongue may never be golden, I no longer feel like it's wedged in cement.
My ability to write also has helped me with Toastmasters. While many members fret over giving speeches because they first have to compose them, that's the area in which I excel. I'm already on speech number five of the Competent Communicator, and recently I took third in a citywide humorous speech competition.
I tell you this not to gloat, but to let you know that if I can overcome shyness or speaking in public, anyone can. As a writer, I am by far the most comfortable at my keyboard and in my fictional world. But for those few times when I'm at a conference, I plan to make the most of the opportunity and treat it as a business. It is business, you know. Thanks to Toastmasters, I'll be ready.
Check out the Toastmasters in your locale or this link will take you to Toastmaster's International. http://www.toastmasters.org/
10 comments:
I'm weird. I'd rather give a speech to a 1,000 people than be in a room with 20 and not know a one of them!
I pitched for the first time at nationals. She was so great and told me I could read straight from my notes. After that first time, I don't get so anxious anymore when it comes to pitching.
Well, Donnell, it was you who introduced me to Citizens' Police Academy. It may be you who prompts me to try out Toastmasters, too. Several members of my local writing group belong and have been chatting it up, but I'm just a little busy (ahem) right now. However, I may have to make the effort to get involved.
By the way, I had a half a glass of wine before being literally shoved into my first face-to-face pitch to an agent. It was a cocktail party at Malice Domestic and I did get a request for pages. Not that I recommend gettng drunk in order to pitch, but...
Keri, you were one of the lucky ones :) I sat down to pitch with my index cards and the agent looked at me with a shocked expression and said you're not going to read that to me, are you? Tell me about your book...glad to know you feel comfortable. I'm working hard to get that way too ;)
Annette, omgosh are you busy. Yes, but ya know as Conference chair, you will have to talk to people and network, however I suspect your Yoga classes and being in front of people has been a great ice breaker already. Thanks for stopping by ;)
So true, Donnell. After demonstrating Downward Facing Dog while wearing yoga pants in front of a roomful of strangers, I have few qualms about speaking while fully dressed.
By the way, my word verification today is alowedin. I guess as long as I misspell it I'm allowed in.
Donnell, you're so vivacious and out going, it's hard to believe you wouldn't charm the pants off any editor in sight! I know Toastmasters is working for you. You're setting a good example for the rest of us.
Funny graphics, too, btw!
I actually feel a little sorry for agents and editors at conferences. Everyone's so nervous around them and they do and say a lot of weird stuff. They're people just like you and me...even if they do hold our writing careers in their hands!
LOL, Misty, you would think. Unfortunately, at these things I'm overwhelmed. Trying my best to overcome it. Thanks very much, though, for the compliment ;)
Most of the time I'm okay at pitching. It's talking in front of a group that's hard for me to do. I'm better at it, though. Right now I don't have time to take Toastmasters. I'll give it a shot when I get less busy.
Incredible idea, Donnell! I'm with you all the way about writers being comfortable writing. Participating in blogs is a good way to get exposure for yourself and your work, but I break into a cold sweat when I realize interviews and conducting workshops is also on the successful writers' agenda.
Congrats on the humorous speech competition!! A good friend of mine is in Toastmasters, too. She thinks it's best thing peanutbutter.
Thanks for reminding us about all the other aspects we should be aware of as writers.
Great stuff, Donnell!!
Thanks, Edie and Audra! Yeah, time definitely is a factor, but I think one of the best examples I can think of was watching a best selling author at a book signing and how miserable she looked -- clearly out of her comfort zone (that would be me LOL). Then Colorado Attorney General John Suthers promoted his book No Greater Calling, No Greater Responsibility and at his book signing stood and talked to people all around him. Naturally, he's a politician and a lawyer and he was in his element -- but the fact remains at one point he had to get used to it. I've had terrific role models. My Toastmaster Mentor told me to Fake it Until I Make it! Is that great advice or what?
I'm late as always. :)
Donnell, this was a great topic. I think most people are shy their first time, 2nd...in front of an audience. My stomach does its own kind of flip-flop, my tongue does a funny twist and it seems I always need to pee. LOL. For me, the first minute or two never gets easier.
Until you mentioned Toastmasters, I'd never thought about the organization. Hmm. Guess I'll have to look them up. Do they ever gather in the boonies? ;)
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