tomorrow night i'm going to this writing convishon and reading my story (every other writer there will to i'm not the only one) this is my frist time there and i'm nevers as hell. My friends keep telling me my stuff is good and that i shouldn't be nevers i tell them that they an't reading their story in front of a bunch of people they don't know staring at them. so my ? is how do i stop being nevers???? what do yall do????
2007-02-25 14:21:21 · 7 answers · asked by angel 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Have one of your friends go with you and set in the crowd. Then while you are reading, there will be a familiar face to concentrate on until your nerves calm down. You'll be fine and just remember to have fun! ;)
2007-02-25 14:31:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fear of public speaking is derived from a fear of public embarrassment, which is itself a fear of how other people will judge us.
I think perhaps you could use a different perspective.
Instead of focusing on being judged, you should approach with the attitude of giving. Giving a gift, which in this case is your story - a real part of you. If your friends say it's good and they're not lying (you should be able to tell), then trust that at least SOME people in the audience will think it's good also. So when you read out loud, read with THEM as your audience in mind.
And when you read the story, try to block out the crowd and go into a Zone (this is what athletes do, by the way). Dive into the spirit of the story, and swim through it, SLOWLY (usually, nervousness makes people go too fast). Don't think about what the audience thinks, just think about bringing the story to life as best you can. Think about how much you love your story (I hope you do), and how you want to share that love. You have a responsibility to make the story come alive for your audience - that's your priority and your job, not being nervous about how you will be judged.
A Larry King Tip you may wish to consider:
In the introduction, if you're nervous, say you're nervous. If it's your first time speaking, then say so. If it's an honor, then say that. If it's your first time sharing your writing with so many people, then say so. (That's touching, and makes the event more special for the audience.) If you hope they really enjoy it, say so. Why? Because that's real - and that's what people want to see: real. Not fake. And if you expose your weakness, people will be more tolerant and compassionate.
And try to add one clever joke in, if possible.
Have a great time reading! And you should have a good time reading. Your story may not have such an opportunity again - so give it your heart.
2007-02-25 22:51:54 · answer #2 · answered by sky2evan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, please take this advice as well meant. It won't seem that way now, but after you have studied writing for long enough, you will understand it, and understand that it was meant kindly and with all due respect.
I notice several very large grammatical and spelling problems in your paragraph. Now, even if you aren't a native English speaker, if you are going to be writing in English, you will be expected to have grasped the basics of grammar and spelling. It does not appear that you have these basics yet.
May I recommend going to the convention (by all means!) but instead of reading your story (unless you are very young, and all of your peers will be as well) simply listening to the others. If you are going to a convention with experienced writers/ English majors, you will be best served to sit back, listen, learn, and take copious notes about what constitutes great writing.
2007-02-25 23:20:48 · answer #3 · answered by Eleazar's Daughter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just read like you were writing. Look over their heads and not at them. Pretend they are all naked. (I heard that helps) Be glad to be there. Good luck. Sometimes being nervous is not a bad thing.
2007-02-25 22:27:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just think positive... don't forget that you are you and their is nothing that you can change about yourself that will still make you be you. And who cares what other people think? that's what I always say to myself when i get that feeling. other people might think bad thoughts about you but you just keep going and don't give up. Okay? okay!
2007-02-25 22:26:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
be yourself,have a friend go with you focus on them in the crowd,you will do just fine.good luck
2007-02-25 22:48:04 · answer #6 · answered by johny1punch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe in yourself.
2007-02-25 22:29:54 · answer #7 · answered by CraZyCaT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋