Last night I gave an hour-long presentation on a trip I took to Egypt and Jordan back in 2009, to a Travel Meetup club I belong to! Although I was a member of Toastmasters for a while and gave a few five-minute speeches, this was a great accomplishment for me. I wasn’t that nervous and everyone seemed to enjoy it. It probably helped that there were only 9 people there…but for me it was a great feeling! My Powerpoint presentation had 120 photographs that were shot with a point and shoot, but I recently bought Lightroom 5, so I doctored them up some. Now I can’t wait to give presentations on my other epic trips…Peru…SE Asia…and Africa!
To avoid the worst of traffic, I left my house early to drive to Covington, Kentucky, where the event was held, so I had some extra time and decided to practice my photography. These two photographs are of the Cincinnati skyline at sunset.
Here I am in the venue before the presentation. I love the architectural elements of the building…the high ceilings, beautiful woodwork, and large windows.
When you face your fears, anything is possible!
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This is an awesome presentation and I am amazed at your confidence! I would have loved to heard you speak and am sure the photographs and scenes were well worth the members’ time! You are a great photographer, always love to visit here!
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Thank you Robin. It did take some courage for me to do!
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I know what it feels like… I can’t speak in a large group… Love the vibrant colors of the pictures…
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But the point is…you can speak in front of them…like I did! Thanks!
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Good for you! Once you’ve done it , it only gets easier!
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Definitely! Thanks!
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Congratulations on your presentation. You will probably be in demand as a travel speaker now. Great job!
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Maybe eventually! Thanks!
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Your Toastmasters experience probably helped more than you know. It sort of just is always there to lean on. I can’t really imagine you having a hard time presenting anything to people. You are always showing us pictures of people you just met or don’t know. That takes courage and confidence. Of course your travel pictures pretty much speak for themselves. They have certainly spoken to me on many occasions. Congratulations!
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You’re right Michelle! Baby steps first then work your way up! I am very outgoing in most situations. Only in situations where a larger group was involved and all eyes were on me was it a fear.
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Oh, I can completely identify with your fear of public speaking and the sheer relief when your nerves don`t get the better of you! Well done! Your photos are gorgeous and so are you so that really gave you a head start!
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Ahh…thank you! 🙂
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So well done, Sherry. I enjoyed your photos, and you look so relaxed and calm before the presentation. You must have been very well prepared. 🙂
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I did practice quite a few times. My mind set has adjusted also!
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The human heart is a glorious instrument. It starts beating at the moment life begins and stops the moment you open your mouth to speak in public. I was a member of a local Toastmasters club several years ago. That can be a great venue for sharing your passions. Thanks for sharing yours with us, Sherry!
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You know what it’s like then!
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Hey! Good for you! I know how hard it is to get started, but it’s such a satisfying feeling when you know you’re doing a good job, reaching people and getting positive feedback. Congrats!
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Thank you Anneli!
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Congratulations on the presentation. What an accomplishment.
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Thanks…for me it was!
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Well done!
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Thank you Ingrid!
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Congratulations Sherry! Love the photos too. That’s a short drive for you too. 🙂
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Thanks so much John!
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You are very brave. Well done!
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Thanks!!
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Congratulations on the presentation!
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Thanks Carine!
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Well done Sherry, I know the feeling of fear very well. It was only in the last year or so that I’ve been able to give a talk without collapsing like a pile of quivering jelly – you have faced up and triumphed, well done! 🙂
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Thanks so much Mike! I was just listening to your music yesterday…I love it. It’s so calming and special.
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Wow thank you!
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