Looks like everyone here knows exactly how you feel about public speaking. That’s something to keep reminding yourself the next time you get up there – everyone knows how difficult it is and they aren’t judging you, they are rooting for you.

Good luck to your daughter. I took a writing class once where the teacher suggested that aspiring authors join the Toastmasters – a group that writes and presents speeches – in order to learn how to master the fear of public speaking. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but I can certainly see the merits.

Sally, I’m sorry, but I had to chuckle at your snake fear. I have a friend who is so afraid of snakes, she actually stapled the snake section of her hardbound encyclopedia shut so she wouldn’t accidentally open it. And nobody is allowed to say the “s word” in front of her…we have to refer to them as “legless lizards”.

Dianna, I’ve often wondered why other chapters don’t have a PAL program like ours. I know that if I ever move away and my new chapter doesn’t have one…they will before long!

As for public speaking, I got over that fear in high school drama somehow. Oh, and I agree with Susan that the key is to be prepared.

As for me, I fear rejection. I fear rejection to the point I rewrite and polish to get out of submitting–hence the rejection collection. Aside for writing, I fear snakes–and my imagination sometimes leads me to believe one may have slipped into the house making me afraid to step on floors at night. I’ll take sticky floors over a fear of cottonmouths any day.

I totally relate. I am much better if I have my speech in front of me. Sometimes I wonder why I even try to do things extemporaneously.

But I have no problem in front of a classroom of children or adults. That’s probably because I should know what I’m talking about.

Thanks for putting yourself out there…know that there are many more of us who feel the same way. Have a great week!

For me, the answer is to stick to writing. That’s where I get to perform with out stagefright, LOL.

I’d also like to tell you from the other side – as an author listening to PAL reports – I love hearing those every time I’m there. I feel a huge sense of pride for the generosity of our unpublished members to promote the authors and enjoy hearing about the work that is being published. I doubt many chapters have the “line” of PALs we have every time.

You PALs bring a sincerity and joy to the reports that is very special. This is the only time we hear someone give a verbal review or overview of our characters and plots, which is very different from reading about it. I’m always telling other chapters about how much we appreciate our PAL reporters. Many of those groups are now doing it as well. Kudos to all of you for setting a high standard to follow…and for standing up there in spite of being nervous.