Today
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Public Speaking
I suppose I never really talk about the public speaking side of my job. Writing novels and short stories is one thing, but the other part is addressing audiences. As you know, if you follow me - I'm a full-time author. This entails visiting schools, leading assemblies, and classrooms with presentations, and workshops. I do that from week-to-week.
But, when asked at certain times, you've also got to stand up and talk at other events, such as; book fairs - book launches, or address groups of people at writing circles. But it goes on: The picture above is of me at PARACON 2016, talking to an audience in a theatre in Neath (I know, I look a little sad, but it is a paranormal event, its supposed to be dark).
What I'm saying is - you never know where you'll end up speaking. I've spoken at U3A (University of the Third Age) events - opened a school fete, and even been asked to do a prize giving night.
If you think that being an author is only about the writing, you'd be totally wrong.
And, to be honest, I didn't have a clue in the beginning on how to stand up, and talk in front of a large crowd of people. In fact, I had to learn, and very quickly. It takes a lot of guts to take charge on that lonely stage - look down at everyone staring back, and then command the audience. I can remember thirty years ago - I had to do a speech at a wedding. Thinking about it now, I cringe, because I totally bottled it... froze! So, I had to get over my fear.
When I finally realised that I was going to have to take on county halls, institutes, golf clubs, community centres and theatres... I had to evolve into a professional speaker. It took a lot of practice, and COMEDY! Yes, comedy is the biggest part. Humour is how to win over a crowd. When you're the one talking and everyone is listening, make them laugh. In the beginning I made things up as I went along. I'm still doing the same thing today, but I'm more refined now. You've got to know your subject matter too, add a little comedy to that, and that's all you need... well in my case.
The most exhausting time for me; is World Book Day. This has turned into World Book Day week. Then, you have to perform at many assemblies throughout the week. It becomes repetative, but every performance has to have the same intensity - don't forget, you're getting paid to stand there and deliver a funny, informative and exciting set. There may be audiences of twenty, or five hundred. It can be daunting, but once the nerves have settled, I enjoy it.