On Public Speaking
Heart pounding. Hands are shaking. Sweat rolling down my back. I can do this. It is not like the topic is foreign to me. I am preparing to speak for approximately 20 minutes to a Human Services Committee in our State Capitol. The lady next to me, someone I know, has offered to help me hand out speaking notes to the legislators. I have prepared myself as much as I can, my display is hidden and ready. I walk to the podium. Seems surreal. As I grasp the sides of the lectern to prevent an obvious display of my nerves, I began to speak. Rather than opening with my notes, I open with a heartfelt thank you. A thank you to the Family Voices organization in my state, a thank you to our Care Coordinator, a thank you to the facility, so many people and agencies to acknowledge. I hope