How to use this Page

I had an excellent time giving my 10 Things Every Writer Should Know talk at Long Hill Library last night.

(Read more ...)

What with the elderly relatives visiting from England last week, I got a little behind on blog reading (and posting), which is why I only just noticed that the amazing Nathan Bransford featured my post, 10 Things You Shouldn't Say To An Agent, in his Friday roundup.

(Read more ...)

 
Every time I’m due to give some kind of public presentation or speech, I get a severe attack of pre-talk jitters. It usually comes at some time between when I first arrive at the venue and when I’m actually being announced. My mouth goes dry. My heart attempts to climb out of my throat and I start looking for the exits. I can’t do this. What was I thinking? Tell ‘em you feel sick, or better yet, invent an emergency so you can get the heck out of here.
 
Luckily, my old gran had strong opinions about coping with fear.
 
“Of course you’re scared, boy. It’s dark and cramped up there, and some of those spiders are big buggers. But being brave ain’t about not being frightened. It’s about being scared witless, but doing it anyway. So get your cowardly arse in gear and start climbing. That chimney won’t clean itself.”
 
I’ve given plenty of readings, workshops etc. over the last twelve months, and I have to say, those pre-talk jitters don’t seem to diminish, but thanks to my old gran’s ‘tough love’ approach, I have learned how to keep them at bay.
 
10 WAYS TO COPE WITH PRE-PRESENTATION JITTERS
1: Expect to be nervous
If you usually get a pre-talk panic attack, don’t hope it doesn’t come, expect it.
 
2: Practice your presentation
Knowing your presentation is well-honed and well-practiced is a great comfort. I have sheets with bullet points on, which I refer to throughout a talk, so I don’t lose my thread if I get distracted or stray too far off-track. 
 
3: Be prepared to panic
Make a note of when that panic attack usually begins (for me, it’s usually when I first walk into the room/hall where my talk will take place), but whenever they usually occur, have a plan to chase those jitters away.
 
4: Decide to deal
My old gran’s approach works just as well today as it did when I was a terrified toddler, frightened of spiders and dark, confined spaces. I’ve found that telling myself to get my cowardly bottom in gear and start climbing really helps.
 
5: Have a standard Presentation Kit.
I keep a check list so I don’t need to worry about forgetting something. My standard presentation kit includes:

• Printed sheet with presentation subject, audience type, name and contact details of the person who booked me and/or the event host.
• Printed sheet with venue address and directions
• Whiteboard, stand and markers (or if venue supplies whiteboard, just markers)
• Presentation notes (usually bullet points)
• Notes/CDs to give out to attendees (if required)
• Letter size promo displays (if required)
• Fur-Face CDs and I are a writer! mugs to sell (if required)
• Receipt book and change (if required)
• Bottle of water