Journey Into Public Speaking

I'm getting ready to be interviewed, it's the first public speaking event of this sort that I've undertaken. I've given lectures to privately held events and have worked with hundreds of couples over the years. But this is the first "Open to the Public" (The over 18 Public that is) that I've been involved with in this particular career field.

The topic of this event is an intimate one involving making time for sex with your significant other. As you can imagine, there is just a bit more finesse' needed than if I were going to talk about how to wash your windows.

I'm excited and nervous as I begin to plan the best information to present. There is really so much to talk about when it comes to couples and sex, or just couples, or just sex. I don't know how I'm going to fit what I have to say into an hour long webinar. I have about two weeks now to figure it out though, amongst a long list of other "To Do" items on top of it.

I'm being billed as an expert. Expert is a funny word isn't it? As long as I've studied and as many certifications I can get, I don't know if I'll ever FEEL like an expert. Even with my experience behind me and realizing I have some great ideas and information to share with my audience, "expert" still seems like some big shoes for me to comfortably walk in.

When I write about this topic, or similar ones, I can make a rough draft, edit, cut, replace, and edit again until I think my words will come out smooth, clear, and flowing. Or at least until I decide I've re-read enough times that I can't stand the idea of doing it one more time! I'm wondering how I'll be able to do that during an interview? "Can I delete that and start over please?" probably wouldn't sound very expert like would it?

I've seen so many experts, stars, and public figures in every walk of life. Wow. They sound so eloquent and have well thought out answers as if they were able to practice their "lines" over and over again. How do they do that? Especially if it's the spur of the moment question from the audience?

So, I'm working to learn how to polish my public speaking skills. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I've heard the "picture them in their underwear" tip. Problem with that is when you are talking about sex, picturing people in their undies has a whole different meaning. Plus, as this is a webinar and not an actual face to face event, I'm not really too worried about facing my audience. Of course, not facing my audience means that I can't use body language to help get my point across. That's another set of challenges.

If you are interested, you can see what I'll be talking about at Tips to Spice Up Your Love Life. Join in and heckle me if you wish. In the meantime, if you have any useful hints, tips, suggestions, or even horror stories of your own public speaking events, leave a comment! I would really appreciate the feedback!