Tag Archives: excited

I THINK I did ok; I will find out later this week

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I was really excited about going on stage for the first time this year.  We got there early so I could set up…an it is a good thing I did.  There were a few challenges, but I got most of them worked out.  The only thing that was wrong: my mic…it didn’t work!

So I began my talk LOUDLY….but I could stay loud so long.  The 120 people could hear me ok..but their were times it could have been louder.

I must admit, I didn’t do as well as normal:  I got lost a handful of times and I left a few things out.   Even though I have given this same speech over 500 times, I still get lost!  The good news: nobody know what I am going to say…except for Jill…and she DOES let’s me know.  It’s a good thing I like Jill.

They gave me another standing ovation…and I am grateful for that.  Fortunately, I ended strong…but I am still sad that I didn’t give it my best. I guess it shows me I have to work at EVERY speech that I give; speaking doesn’t just naturally happen for me.  I am blessed each time I talk to an audience.

How Did I Do In New Orleans?

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We have to wait until later this week for their report.  I THINK it went ok. They laughed at all the right places.  I tried 3 different things:  First, I gave away books to 25% of the audience and they ALL found a home!  Second, I said if you give me a lead and it turns into an engagement, I will send you a FREE iPad mini.  I got 15 back.   Normally, when I ask my meeting planner, I get 3. I will let you know how I do.  I am look forward to the results.

And third, I asked for an evaluation of how I did in the presentation. The results:

  • 80% said I was GREAT
  • 9% gave me a 9
  • 9% gave me an 8
  • 1% gave me a 7
  • 1% gave me a 0!!!!  I guess he didn’t think the story was funny!

Our hosts, Kristel and Jennifer, invited us all out to dinner the night before we spoke.  We have a chance to meet the two other speakers. It was such a great time learning from each other.  We agreed that we would all watch one another and give our feedback.  One of the speakers flaked out…but that was to be expected.

The other speaker, James, was fantastic!  He was quiet…then loud.  He paused frequently….and thought about was he was going to say…..even though he gave this speech almost 1000 times.  It was like the first time he was giving it.  ….and he got laughs!  I really admire James and hope to be like him someday.

Did I mention that he was a former minister?? He was a true pro. I feel blessed to know him!

I can’t wait!

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Tomorrow, I am heading out for Las Vegas for the National Speakers Association Winter Conference.  This is my first time at the winter conference, so I am not sure what to expect.  I just know that the people are kind, generous, and willing to help anyone who has a problem.  They are covering a lot of material so I am excited!

They are a fantastic bunch of people and I am excited to see them.  I tell you about the conference when I return.

Was I nervous?

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IMG_0486Last week, I got to speak in front of college students.

While I don’t normally get nervous, I was with this group!  Oh no:  what if I am becoming like ALL the other speakers?

Could this be a fact?  I haven’t got nervous since my stroke.  What was once a “little benefit” could be gone. While it bothers me a little, I am kind of psyched about getting my old self back.  Now before I speak, I won’t be able to eat, I will pace back and forth,…. and I will get chills down my spine.  Ok, I won’t do all those things, but I am excited to get my “old self” back.

We just laughed and laughed…

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I just met a guy who I hired at my old company in Hayward, California.  Of all the people who I had the privilege of hiring, David was my favorite.  We first saw each other AFTER I had my stroke; I don’t remember much about out conversation.  David reached out to me a few days ago and we set up a meeting at my favorite Starbucks.

Jill and I were really excited to meet him.  Prior to our brief meeting in 2008, we hadn’t seen each other for 17 years!  But getting back with David was like old times; I didn’t want it to end. I just laughed and laughed at all the funny things he said.

We spoke about the problems he has gone through, we laughed about the funny things that happened to us and we spoke about our children-the future leaders of the world.

We had spend 1.5 hours with him and we both were sorry to leave.  I feel blessed to spend time with someone so special.

Then…after all that…he gave me a lead to call. What a great person!

Will this work???

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I have a couple of people who coaching me. Here’ is the suggestion one of them made:

I am deeply touched… because my “coach” wrote:

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!  I am sitting her in awe (and a few tears in my eyes too) with pride at seeing you take our conversation, a few of my words and practicing them until it works.  I am very proud of you and I can’t wait to find out how this might change your sales call.  Who would NOT want to book you!

Will it work?  I don’t know…but I am excited to find out!