Back when I was growing up and indeed, well into my twenties I was absolutely terrified of speaking in public. We all know the feeling... tongue tied, and anxious, sweating profusely. It was the last thing I ever wanted to do. But I found that around the time I started painting historical murals I had the opportunity to speak to various groups as part of my job. It was just good business to do so. I gradually overcame my fears and learned to speak to large groups about the things I was passionate about. Over time I got my feet under me, developed a speaking style I was comfortable with and even learned to enjoy it. Media interviews for radio, television and the press fell into the same category.
Now I find myself being asked quite often to speak and teach. The secret is to prepare of course. I make a detailed plan and try to stick to it although most often without notes. I often show slides of my work while I talk. The pictures illustrate the things I speak of and also act as a great prompting device. I suppose it must be working or I wouldn’t be invited back.
Next week the eighth Sign Magic Workshop is to be held in our shop. When I think about it I smile for who would have thought so many folks would travel from across Canada, the USA and around the world to hear about the things I love to do. This fall I am booked to talk to hundreds of sign folks in three sessions at a large international sign convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Two other speaking/teaching engagements this fall will take me to Wilmington, Delaware and Denver, Colorado. I even get paid for my efforts. Who would have thought that possible for an extremely shy kid from a small town in remote British Columbia? It makes me smile... and remember back when I thought it would be about the last thing I was capable of or even wanted to do.
Life, it seems, is fun and full of paths to incredible adventures we can often scarcely imagine.
-grampa dan