I'm afraid of public speaking to begin with, but always felt it necessary to torture myself by taking drama class all four years of high school. I love acting, just not doing it in front of strangers, which is sorta the point. I used to confuse my drama teacher because I was horrible with improv exercises, but would always pull out a great performance when it really mattered, especially in front of a paying audience.
So, during one performance in front of grade schoolers, I accidentally skipped ahead at a tricky part in the script, then forgot the next line. That's not good for someone who is terrified of being on stage, and can't think when on the spot. Of course, I froze. After several painful moments, one of my fellow actors had to save me. My teacher was highly disappointed, to say the least. She even made several jokes at my expense, and everyone gave me the evil eye. Luckily, I was able to burn that part of the script in my brain so I didn't make the mistake again.
That's not as long as the original story, but I can't bring myself to do it all over again.
So, during one performance in front of grade schoolers, I accidentally skipped ahead at a tricky part in the script, then forgot the next line. That's not good for someone who is terrified of being on stage, and can't think when on the spot. Of course, I froze. After several painful moments, one of my fellow actors had to save me. My teacher was highly disappointed, to say the least. She even made several jokes at my expense, and everyone gave me the evil eye. Luckily, I was able to burn that part of the script in my brain so I didn't make the mistake again.
That's not as long as the original story, but I can't bring myself to do it all over again.
I completely understand not wanting to go back re-type something that just got "lost" in some way. I usually say just say "screw it."
ReplyDeleteI almost did that. I was going to just write a couple of sentences that didn't make sense, because I was so over it.
DeleteSorry about you freezing and losing part of your post. At least you still posted.
ReplyDeleteThanks, and thank you for stopping by!
DeleteOh no, that sounds horrifying! I'm not a fan of public speaking, but I tend to be able to think quick, so I'm the opposite in that I can do improv far more comfortably than something scripted. Weird, isn't it? And yeah, I've lost posts and can't bring myself to type it all out again. Blah.
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse
That's another funny thing. I can think quickly in small settings when I'm frightened by something else (not by a crowd).
DeleteYour teacher sounds pretty evil! I used to do drama too as a kid, I'm ok with public speaking as long as I know what I'm doing/talking about and I'm prepared. Hope your enjoying your weekend!
ReplyDeleteShe wasn't so bad. I had another teacher in grade school who was so much worse. He used to bully me horribly in front of the whole class.
DeleteThat sounds pretty bad. When I was in 5th grade I was singing on stage in the choir and fainted. Not only did I faint but I fell into the heavy microphone stand knocking it over off the stage where it fell onto the principal's head. He needed several stitches.
ReplyDeleteDark Thoughts Blog
That sounds like it was horrible at the time, but funny to look back on, am I right? You should write about that on your blog! I'm so glad I can laugh at these things now. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI'm late to your blitz... I can be absent-minded... Here's my embarrassing moment on the web... :D
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a horrid experience. I've gotten better at public speaking, but I mostly do it in the dark [at an observatory] which makes it much easier.
Haha! It's all good. Not embarrassing at all. Thanks for stopping by. :)
DeleteWell, it was at the time. I can laugh about it now. Thanks for caring. :)
ReplyDeleteIn school, as captain of the team, had to introduce everybody to the chief guest, went completely blank, could not remember any names, not one, so went down the line saying 'umm she is umm' and so on.
ReplyDeleteOh man, that's a bad one too! Thanks for stopping by! :)
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