Ah yes, I do suffer from this. It's silly really. I can answer question after question in the store. It's not unusual to have people waiting for me on a release day to answer what ever it is they want to know about the products; BUT put me at the front of a group with all attention on me and I panic. I'm not a teacher, I'm a horrible public speaker. (think Bridget Jones, that's so me!) Part of my job description is that I have to teach classes. Now I have dodged the bullet for over 3 years but they caught up with me. This Thursday I have to teach a class. I'm terrified.
Again I know rationally that I am being silly. I can talk for hours on wine and spirits until you are sick of hearing me go on....but in front of a group with every eye on me? Does anyone have one of those little airplane baggies?
Thankfully it is a cooking class, so that the spotlight is shared with the Chef. Really he is the front liner, I'm merely the opening act, but I have to choose the wines to go with what he is creating. Then I have to explain why I choose them. LOL My heart rate is speeding up just typing this, that is how unnerved I am.
Part if my fear is having a panic attack in front of the class. I suffered for years with dabilitating irrational fears that would manifest in agonizing panic attacks. Thankfully over time I have managed to learn some tricks to diffuse them before they are out of control; BUT I still get blindsided every once in a while.
I can't wait till Friday and it's all over.
2 comments:
I used to have the same problem. The trick is to pick one person in the group and speak to them. You know your subject so just take it slow...or...talk to the chef, tell him why you are picking these wines. It is a conversation between you and him. You will be great.
You can do it! Just remember to breathe and take your time.
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