Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: Topics I Could Give an Impromptu Speech About

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I'm not much on public speaking, which may sound strange to some of you who know of my love for community theatre. However, that's different....that's not ME in front of people. That's Annie from "Calendar Girls" or Clairee from "Steel Magnolias". And, it never bothered me standing in front of my preschoolers when I taught or when I was doing story time as a children's librarian. But.. put me in front of a group of my peers (classes in college, workshops, etc.) and my mouth would go dry, my hands would tremble, and my stomach would churn. Valium was my friend.

Saying that to say this... if I HAD to give an impromptu about something.. the first thing I would do is pretend I was someone who knew what they were talking about, try to picture my audience sitting criss-cross-applesauce, and talk about whatever it is. I know a little bit about a lot of things... I love talking about the theare, books, my grandkids, the ability the internet has given us (especially in these times) to reconnect on a new level with people we love....or, if they would let me write it out ahead of time (even a couple of minutes)...I can probably come up with something (there's a reason I loved discussion questions in school).

But...really impromptu.. like... "stand up now and talk about...".... I'm not sure I could do it. How about you?

Comments

Lydia said…
Would you talk about theatre from the perspective of an audience member or someone working on the production in some way?

My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-topics-i-could-give-an-impromptu-speech-on/
6:58 AM
Wendi Zwaduk and Megan Slayer said…
I'm glad I'm not the only one who wasn't sure what to write about. Lol! I got a little stumped, too. Good post :-)
8:55 AM
Judy said…
Lydia.... probably from the perspective of the cast or backstage crew. I love it!
9:46 AM
Tena Stetler said…
Interesting post. Nice to know I'm not the only one who feels kinda like that Thanks for sharing. Here's mine. https://www.tenastetler.com/lsrs-wednesdays-blog-challenge-topics-impromptu-speech/
10:28 AM
Aymee said…
I think you've got a lot of company here, honestly! While I don't like standing up in front of people, I can do it and I'm generally decent at it. But it's a frightening prospect for sure!

My post
10:37 AM
Mary Morgan said…
Great post, Judy! I don't feel comfortable speaking to crowds. There's only one exception: talking about my stories at book signings. My husband says "I transform" into this other woman, lol!

I'd enjoy hearing you talk about the theater. :)
10:52 AM
Michael Mock said…
I always do my panicking afterwards, so yes: I could stand up and give an impromptu speech in front of an audience, as long as I was allowed to go hide some place dark and quiet afterwards.

My list is here.
10:58 AM
P M Prescott said…
Why does it have to be a speech? Maybe you're with friends on a hike or at the beach around the fire, on the front porch with a loved one and you're asked a question, could you give an impromptu answer at length? Just a thought. Others have said the same thing about not liking to give a speech. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/2020/04/wc-040820.html
11:49 AM
Fiona McGier said…
Since I'm a teacher in high schools, currently subbing (or I was until it was canceled), I'm used to speaking in front of "rough crowds." If you can keep teenagers engaged, and on-task, you've got it made. The trick for me is to radiate good mom-vibes, to let them know I care. Works for me!
5:42 PM
Echo Ishii said…
I would love to hear a speech about the theater. I couldn't imagine getting on stage and acting. That's an incredible skill.
7:04 PM
Tanith Davenport said…
I used to be into local theatre too, and yet I still hate public speaking. Even with a calm crowd.
3:53 AM
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