Need some words of encouragement--a fear I have had for a while

[Trishie]

I wonder…

Be like the prisoner who improved his game of golf while in prison…because he practised successful shots repeatedly in his head.

You say, “I keep having these images in my mind of not doing well, or forgetting to include something, or someone in the audience who doesn’t like me rolling his/her eyes…”

Do you think you can reject these negative images and re-program yourself progressively to successful images?

Or, who was it who said, “in every audience, play to the King”, who is of course Jesus, and who is really quite fond of you.

 

[chevalier]

Or, who was it who said, “in every audience, play to the King”, who is of course Jesus, and who is really quite fond of you.

As in imagine He’s on the audience?

Less elevated advice is practice, destress, keep some eye contact with the audience, try to be relaxed, avoid excessive recitation - even from memory (but you can have notes on paper in turn, especially with the most important data), don’t allow yourself to be distracted too much but don’t be tense, either. Smile a little. Respect the audience and have faith in what you say. Try to engage them at least a bit. I know it’s not theatre, but every presentation goes better if the audience is cooperating.

And follow Trishie’s advice.

Oh, and don’t focus on yourself. Focus on the message.