I think Jim Morrison of The Doors said it best “People are strange when you’re a stranger“. Well, of course they are. People are always strange, or think you are, before you get to know them (or they get to know you). Then again, after you’re better acquainted, they realize how strange you really are – but that’s a subject for another post.
The blogging assignment for today is to write a post to someone specific. The perfect client or customer, or that person you’ve always wanted to apologize to or let them know how much they mean to you. So, today, I’m writing to you, the really strange person (you know who you are).
First of all, let me tell you; you are not that strange. Odd, sure, but that is part of your charm (as long as you keep it in under the wack-job level). Why do you think you are strange, or assume that others think of you that way?
I believe a lot of it is confidence (or lack of). I have noticed that whenever you meet someone new, you tend to withdraw into a shell. You seem to be comparing yourself to that other person, and, in your mind, coming up short.
Well, let me tell you. That other person, you have no idea how strange they are. If you ever peeked in their closet you would run like hell. (Again, a story for another day.) You spend too much time letting yourself be intimidated by others who aren’t half the person you are.
As you may guess, I want to bring this post back around to public speaking; and that’s easy to do. It’s all about confidence! (Well, maybe not all, but a lot.) I’ve have see you when you are excited and passionate about a topic. I’ve seen you lay out your facts and figures, your well thought out examples and your flaw-less conclusions. You are great when you’re confident! No one can stand in your way.
You may ask, “why can’t I do that all the time?”. I’m here to tell you that you can! What I won’t tell you is that its’ easy. It is all about preparation. If you are prepared, if you know your stuff cold, and you know your audience (very important), you will nail it every time.
And guess what? No one will think you’re strange. (I’ll know, but they won’t.)
Leave a Reply