PamSpeaks Too
Though I’m admittedly most comfortable sharing my stories, ideas and thoughts through writing, I have grown more comfortable in recent years with public speaking. People who knew me as a child are probably fascinated with the transformation in me over time. I was a painfully shy little girl. Even in college, I avoided majoring in French, which I loved, because the only job I could envision with it was teaching and back then, even the thought of regularly being in front of a classroom was perhaps-not terrifying, but downright disconcerting.
How did I change? Practice. Gaining confidence. Believing in my own voice and abilities.
It was a process. I said yes to requests even if they made me uncomfortable and began to realize, I could speak as well as write.
The last few days have seen an unusual confluence of PamWrites out there, and yes, PamSpeaks too. I was able to read another essay which aired on our local Wisconsin Public Radio affiliate. It’s a Mother’s Day post with an awful title which I regret. I wished I’d titled it, “The Greatest Gift My Mother (and Her Mother & Grandmother) Gave Me.” It’s about 4 and half minutes, so if you have time, I hope you enjoy it. (A few of you may remember this from a PamWrites post a few years ago — this version is slightly modified — and, you get to hear my voice, if interested. :-) ) Thanks to my Auntie Judy for the picture. And, much gratitude to Mitch Teich at Lake Effect!
Essay: Mothers & Marmees & Moms, Oh My!
In other speaking events this weekend, I also participated in the exciting launch of Family Stories from the Attic at Boswell Books in Milwaukee. More on that another day, except for this charming shot of me reading from my piece, “The Blue Cardboard Box.”
Also, I was the lay-preacher at my church yesterday — talking about Teaching & PUTTS. And, more on that another day. :-) And, another charming photo:
If you’re a shy, introvert, I hope you have found or will find times and places in your life where you can grow comfortable with sharing your voice. It’s a good place to be.
PamSpeaks Too was originally published in Pam Writes on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
