Greetings from the beautiful Inn at Grand Glaize in Osage Beach, Missouri! (Can't you just see that on a postcard?!)
I am sitting here on this big ol' king-size bed (all to myself!) reflecting on the day so far. This morning, as you know, was my very first speaking engagement at a Crime Victim's Breakfast in St. Robert/Fort Leonard, MO, sponsored by the Pulaski County Prosecutor's office and Kid's Harbor. As I sat at my table chatting with two wonderful nurses, my legs and hands started to shake as I awaited my time to speak. When it finally came, my mouth felt incredibly dry, even though I had been drinking water the whole time. As much as I tried to slow down, I knew I was talking too fast. And I hate to admit this, but I was reading my speech out loud for the first time. I hate reading my own work! So, as I was going through in a room full of amazing, kind-hearted people, I was suddenly seeing all of it's flaws. I did my best to try to really emphasize what I felt where the most important points, and hoped for the best.
In the end, I got absolutely wonderful feedback. I was fighting back tears at the overwhelming response. The people I met were incredibly welcoming and generous, and I can't thank them enough.
This is me right after my speech - Can you tell I'm excited?!:
And this is the gorgeous view I have from the balcony off my hotel room in Osage Beach:
I am sitting here on this big ol' king-size bed (all to myself!) reflecting on the day so far. This morning, as you know, was my very first speaking engagement at a Crime Victim's Breakfast in St. Robert/Fort Leonard, MO, sponsored by the Pulaski County Prosecutor's office and Kid's Harbor. As I sat at my table chatting with two wonderful nurses, my legs and hands started to shake as I awaited my time to speak. When it finally came, my mouth felt incredibly dry, even though I had been drinking water the whole time. As much as I tried to slow down, I knew I was talking too fast. And I hate to admit this, but I was reading my speech out loud for the first time. I hate reading my own work! So, as I was going through in a room full of amazing, kind-hearted people, I was suddenly seeing all of it's flaws. I did my best to try to really emphasize what I felt where the most important points, and hoped for the best.
In the end, I got absolutely wonderful feedback. I was fighting back tears at the overwhelming response. The people I met were incredibly welcoming and generous, and I can't thank them enough.
This is me right after my speech - Can you tell I'm excited?!:
And this is the gorgeous view I have from the balcony off my hotel room in Osage Beach:
-Rachel
You should share the speech with us. I'd love to read the final product.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking about it. I just know there are certain people that wouldn't appreciate it. I was very honest about things.
ReplyDeleteperhaps privately? i would love to see what the finished looked like as well, and again, so so proud of you for going through this and giving such an awesome speech!
ReplyDelete