Last week, I delivered a keynote address for the Girl Scouts 56th annual national convention. I was on the biggest stage of my life thus far, speaking to a room of 1,000 people. So, it might surprise you to know that I have public speaking anxiety.
Those who are closest to me know that I’m not hyperverbal. It takes a lot for me to get going. I’m an introvert by nature, I feel best when I’m writing – not talking. As a therapist and psychiatrist, I picked a job where I get to listen to other people talk, and that feels safe and comfortable and I’m good at it.
But now as an author, I’m being asked (and paid!) to speak at events. Folks want to hear what I have to say – and, generally, I enjoy the feeling of teaching a willing student, engaging with readers of my book, and showing someone something new.
There are still the nerves, though. What if I mess up? What if I don’t sound smart? What if I’m not wearing the right thing?1