I'm public speaking.....again! - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

beckyg · 3rd Nov 2008, 03:32 PM

One of these days I'm going to get used to this and be nerve free.

My PFLAG chapter was invited to the county mental health department to talk about PFLAG and what we do. I'm going to be speaking to about 22 staff at the clinic.

**Maddy** · 3rd Nov 2008, 03:34 PM

Good luck, Becky! You'll be great.

Ronnie92 · 3rd Nov 2008, 03:42 PM

Well, Becky you and me both. I have to present in my web design class tomorrow, so I'll be wishing you good luck and you could wish me some? *cuteface*

Nodnarb · 3rd Nov 2008, 03:47 PM

Good luck Becky! And have fun

xequar · 3rd Nov 2008, 04:42 PM

Don't imagine them naked. Otherwise, you'll get a mental image of that 350-pound sweaty guy in the middle seat, and you'll be too creeped out to speak.

But seriously, you'll do fine

kh23172 · 3rd Nov 2008, 06:08 PM

Good luck Becky you'll be fine.

Ronnie, good luck as well.

George · 3rd Nov 2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xequar

Don't imagine them naked. Otherwise, you'll get a mental image of that 350-pound sweaty guy in the middle seat, and you'll be too creeped out to speak.

..And you'd probably projectile vomit all over them. Not a good impression to make.

Goodluck Becky!

panda · 3rd Nov 2008, 07:40 PM

Yay Becky !!

Bastan92 · 3rd Nov 2008, 07:59 PM

Good Luck!

I'm terrible at public speaking! I always seem to develop a stutter when I try, even when I'm reading infront of that class, lol

jbb1236 · 3rd Nov 2008, 09:39 PM

Two keys to public speaking. 1) No one knows what you are supposed to say, so if you mess up, they don't know unless you say that you messed up, and 2) Anyone that ever gets up in front of people is just as nervous as you are.

**Gerry** · 3rd Nov 2008, 11:01 PM

I'm sure you'll do fine Becky. As great of a speaker -- well technically typist--- you should do fine. Good luck!

beckyg · 4th Nov 2008, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry

I'm sure you'll do fine Becky. As great of a speaker -- well technically typist--- you should do fine. Good luck!

Ha, ha! I'm a much better typist than public speaker. I am so nervous about that speaking engagement, I forgot I'm also speaking to the Human Sexuality class at the college tomorrow.

beckyg · 4th Nov 2008, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie92

Well, Becky you and me both. I have to present in my web design class tomorrow, so I'll be wishing you good luck and you could wish me some? *cuteface*

Good luck Ronnie!

Peter · 4th Nov 2008, 05:48 AM

Remember to breathe! I know that sounds stupid, but if you know what you want to say, know what are the three points that you want people to remember (that's a maximum), if you are ready to put some humour in the talk, you still must remember to breathe. Deeply before you start, and between ideas. Also make sure that you have the right punch line at the end, the one that will get them in the gut just before you say "any questions" (Public speaking is my job)

Psychedelic Bookmarks · 4th Nov 2008, 09:47 AM

All it involves is talking. You know you can do that

It will be fine! ;D

beckyg · 4th Nov 2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortspl

Remember to breathe! I know that sounds stupid, but if you know what you want to say, know what are the three points that you want people to remember (that's a maximum), if you are ready to put some humour in the talk, you still must remember to breathe. Deeply before you start, and between ideas. Also make sure that you have the right punch line at the end, the one that will get them in the gut just before you say "any questions" (Public speaking is my job)

That's great advice. I'm going to be there selling PFLAG as a resource to them. I want them to know there is an organization that is available that they can send people to and know they are going to get excellent support and advice. I'm not sure if I should include any of my own personal story. ????? What do you think?

excuseyou77 · 4th Nov 2008, 01:58 PM

Good luck!

Mickey · 4th Nov 2008, 04:06 PM

Good luck! And ,yes,I think it would be good to talk about your experiences. That seems to
make you more "human",if you know what I mean. Listening to what others have been
through,helps others deal better with their situations.. Just like this forum helps others by reading other peoples stories.You don't feel so alone,knowing others have been through what you're going through. I hope that came out alright! I think you know what I mean.
At any rate,you'll do great. I mean you ARE the mom here! Mickey*

Peter · 4th Nov 2008, 11:00 PM

[QUOTE=beckyg;340640]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortspl

I'm not sure if I should include any of my own personal story. ????? What do you think?

Absolutely! Make it personal. Tell them of the problems you had and tell them about the issues your gay son had. Tell them how you coped when you first learned about it - I am sure you must have had your questions about yourself ("did I do something wrong?"). I would assume (though I am guessing here) that you discovered PFLAG at that point, that you turned to them and they brought you some level of comfort, support, reassurance, guidance, information... They helped you understand that this was not the end of the world, that he was still your son, whom you love. Maybe they helped you deal with bullying in school, helped you to comfort him when you were just as devastated as he was about it all. Maybe they helped you deal with anger or whatever.
We all like a good tear-jerker!

5th Nov 2008, 09:30 AM

good luck hun jst keep th faith

3rd Nov 2008, 03:32 PM	#1
beckyg PFLAG Mom Community Liaison Gender: Female Orientation: Straight Out Status: Out to everyone/Yes, parents come out too! Location: Middle of Oregon Age: 50 Posts: 7,572 Join Date: Mar 2007	I'm public speaking.....again! One of these days I'm going to get used to this and be nerve free. My PFLAG chapter was invited to the county mental health department to talk about PFLAG and what we do. I'm going to be speaking to about 22 staff at the clinic. __________________ "When we're free to love anyone we choose, When this worlds big enough for all different views, When we're all free to worship from our own kind of pew, Then we shall be free" ~ Garth Brooks

3rd Nov 2008, 03:34 PM	#2
Maddy Free Hugs EC Admin Gender: - Orientation: Into girls Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 21 Posts: 7,702 Join Date: Mar 2008	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Good luck, Becky! You'll be great. __________________ how strange it is to be anything at all [Victor] 2:09 pm: and then halloween happened and I was outside in a skirt.

3rd Nov 2008, 03:42 PM	#3
Ronnie92 Musical Comic Geek Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Bisexual with a preference for guys Out Status: So much better than before Location: Atlantic City,NJ Age: 19 Posts: 732 Join Date: Aug 2008	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Well, Becky you and me both. I have to present in my web design class tomorrow, so I'll be wishing you good luck and you could wish me some? cuteface __________________ "Why should I apologize for being who I am when I am just being true to my self."-Ororo Munroe Xx Marie,Oswaldo,Tim,Igor Kenny,Amy,Sarah My EC Besties Forever xX Member of the Sailor Moon Made Me Gay Club

3rd Nov 2008, 03:47 PM	#4
Nodnarb Notoriously Homosexual Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Most people Location: Ames, Iowa Age: 20 Posts: 3,875 Join Date: Oct 2007	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Good luck Becky! And have fun __________________ Better to be hated for who you are, than be loved for who you're not.

3rd Nov 2008, 04:42 PM	#5
xequar Diapered and collared! Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: I have "The Gay." :) Out Status: Loud and proud! Location: Detroit area, Michigan Age: 30 Posts: 1,746 Join Date: Mar 2007	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Don't imagine them naked. Otherwise, you'll get a mental image of that 350-pound sweaty guy in the middle seat, and you'll be too creeped out to speak. But seriously, you'll do fine __________________

3rd Nov 2008, 06:08 PM	#6
kh23172 Everything happens for a reason. Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Orlando, Florida Age: 21 Posts: 210 Join Date: Oct 2008	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Good luck Becky you'll be fine. Ronnie, good luck as well. __________________ If gay is also defined as happy, then I'm gay I'm gay. For all those non-gays out there, your life must suck. Me Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain. Me

3rd Nov 2008, 07:40 PM	#8
panda EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Bisexual Out Status: A few people Location: Toronto,Canada Age: 67 Posts: 4,653 Join Date: Aug 2007	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Yay Becky !!

3rd Nov 2008, 07:59 PM	#9
Bastan92 Seems like heaven aint far away. Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Everybody that asks (save for a few), not parents Location: Atlanta, Georgia Age: 19 Posts: 12 Join Date: Aug 2008	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Good Luck! I'm terrible at public speaking! I always seem to develop a stutter when I try, even when I'm reading infront of that class, lol __________________ When a man steals your wife, there is no better revenge than to let him keep her. ~Edgar Watson Howe What we focus on, we empower and enlarge. Good multiplies when focused upon. Negativity multiplies when focused upon. The choice is ours: Which do we want more of? ~Julia Cameron

3rd Nov 2008, 09:39 PM	#10
jbb1236 Well Known Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Everyone but Parents Location: Boodocks, Iowa Posts: 150 Join Date: Sep 2008	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Two keys to public speaking. 1) No one knows what you are supposed to say, so if you mess up, they don't know unless you say that you messed up, and 2) Anyone that ever gets up in front of people is just as nervous as you are.

3rd Nov 2008, 11:01 PM	#11
Gerry We're all a little mad! EC Moderator Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Some people Location: Las Vegas Age: 24 Posts: 5,542 Join Date: Jan 2008	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! I'm sure you'll do fine Becky. As great of a speaker -- well technically typist--- you should do fine. Good luck! __________________ "Everybody's journey is individual. If you fall in love with a boy, you fall in love with a boy. The fact that many Americans consider it a disease says more about them than it does about homosexuality".-James Baldwin

4th Nov 2008, 05:48 AM	#14
Peter Just a guy Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Anyone who is interested Location: Milton Keynes, England Age: 56 Posts: 474 Join Date: Oct 2008	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Remember to breathe! I know that sounds stupid, but if you know what you want to say, know what are the three points that you want people to remember (that's a maximum), if you are ready to put some humour in the talk, you still must remember to breathe. Deeply before you start, and between ideas. Also make sure that you have the right punch line at the end, the one that will get them in the gut just before you say "any questions" (Public speaking is my job) __________________ Peter "God leaves us free to become whatever we like. We can be ourselves or not, as we please. We are at liberty to be real, or to be unreal. We may be true or false, the choice is ours." (Thomas Merton)

4th Nov 2008, 09:47 AM	#15
Psychedelic Bookmarks Helena Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Bisexual Out Status: Close family and quite a few friends Location: UK Age: 18 Posts: 2,195 Join Date: Oct 2007	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! All it involves is talking. You know you can do that It will be fine! ;D __________________ "I refuse to recognize the terms hetero-, bi-, and homo-sexual. Everybody has exactly the same sexual needs. People are just sexual, the prefix is immaterial." (Morissey)

4th Nov 2008, 01:58 PM	#17
excuseyou77 EC Addict Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: my mom, few friends Location: Duluth, GA Age: 26 Posts: 834 Join Date: Oct 2007	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Good luck! __________________ "I am human and I need to be loved, just like everybody else does."

4th Nov 2008, 04:06 PM	#18
Mickey Older and bolder! Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Massachusetts Age: 50 Posts: 1,775 Join Date: Aug 2008	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! Good luck! And ,yes,I think it would be good to talk about your experiences. That seems to make you more "human",if you know what I mean. Listening to what others have been through,helps others deal better with their situations.. Just like this forum helps others by reading other peoples stories.You don't feel so alone,knowing others have been through what you're going through. I hope that came out alright! I think you know what I mean. At any rate,you'll do great. I mean you ARE the mom here! Mickey* __________________ We don't choose to be gay...we're CHOSEN!

5th Nov 2008, 09:30 AM	#20
JayC Guest Posts: n/a	Re: I'm public speaking.....again! good luck hun jst keep th faith

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Dealing with sexual orientation in public schools	Time	Chit Chat	8	26th Jan 2011 12:18 PM
Coming out as a public speaker.	hawkeye	Support and Advice	17	3rd Aug 2008 06:45 AM
PDA: Not being afriad to show your feelings in public	Hendrix	Chit Chat	15	16th May 2008 10:35 PM
Public Affection......	wtinal	Chit Chat	22	2nd Sep 2007 09:09 PM