Thankfully, I’m a bit prepared for it. I say a bit, because I’m talking about the Voice and Articulation and Public Speaking classes I had to take at Emerson College — twenty-plus years ago. I know how to project my voice when need be (and I’ll admit I don’t do it nearly as much as I should when we’re in loud and crowded places). I know how to lift the tone of my voice just a tad so it’s clear and not a droning mumble. And I’m comfortable talking in front of a crowd.
But man, I’ll be honest right now — when I do that reading and that panel at FOGcon in early March, I’m gonna be a bit nervous anyway, because I’m not just talking about writing or reading my novel. I’m trying to sell the damn thing. And I am TOTALLY a n00b at that.
Still, I gotta start somewhere, right?
I’ve of course been given the suggestion that I should record myself reading to hear how I sound, but I’m my own worst critic when I do that. I hate hearing myself talk on tape. [I can deal with my own singing, but that’s a different avenue entirely.] I’d be more inclined to prepare myself for talking in front of a crowd by making sure I know what I’m going to say (or read). I rarely prepare for this sort of thing; I’m someone who feels more comfortable winging it when the time comes. My preparation for the reading won’t be how I sound but on the pacing and the time it takes. And I’m already thinking about points I’d like to make on the panel I’ll be on.
I’ve still got a few weeks to prepare for this, so I’m sure my nerves will be calm by then. Hopefully…!
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