This was the most frightening item on my 43Things list, but I actually got through it! I had to practice it many many times to feel comfortable. And I even video taped myself, just to get a feeling for how I looked – especially for what my nervous habits were.

So, I basically memorized the core content of my speech to feel comfortable. When it came time to give it, I was nervous as hell… but I did it. I was also able to ad-lib some.

I say “umm” too much (where I should have a transition), and my voice is shaky. I mumble… or at least don’t speak as loudly or slowly as I should. I have to concentrate to say words clearly. But my eye contact is way better than I expected. I was able to smile and laugh some, and definitely one of the key helpers was to breathe deeply.

Now, I definitely can’t stop here. This is a step in the right direction, but I can’t let inertia hold me back anymore.