Speaking in public to a group or a few, compared to putting it in writing.

Having the chance to speak in public the other day made me realize something. I am not good at it when it is off the cuff. Growing up I was very introverted and very seldom spoke up when talked to unless it was with someone I really knew or was starting to get to know. This makes it hard to speak in pubic situations. I got up at the reunion the other day and attempted to tell about myself but as I spoke I would not finish thoughts. It is not like they did not get what I was trying to get across to them. Most understood but my nervousness showed and afterwards I felt awkward. Not at others reactions, because I received good responses, but at my realizing how I said things. If I have a script I am much better but still I do not like to speak in front of others.

When it comes to talking to a small group, and by small I mean less than five including myself, or a group of elementary school aged children, I believe I do very well. Small groups are a bit more intimate and often talk with you when you are speaking with them. I like this kind of discussion though I do feel somewhat hesitant still talking in even this public domain. I used to speak to my kids class at school or church and this was a very enjoyable time. Of course I was in my Highway Patrol uniform and knew what I was going to say, so it was much easier. Plus I like kids and interacting with them.

Now being able to put my thoughts in writing. Wow! Do I ever like this! I am sure those that have seen me or heard me in public would never guess that I would be able to write about the things I do. Thoughts come to me so easily and I enjoy sharing most of them on my posts. I am not and was never really good in English or Composition and maybe some of you can tell that in my writings, but I have learned on the go and feel that I do not make too many grammatical errors. If you can read it and understand it, then I succeeded.

I have learned from how I am in each of these situations though. It is that I will somehow always try to say something in a group setting, if at all possible. It may take me a bit to get up but I will attempt. Participation is a great way to learn about others and also others are able to learn about you. Put me in a small group and if I like the subject I will join in also. Now place me in front of a computer and have my mind catch hold of something and you never know what to expect. Just hope that most of the time others enjoy what I have to say, or at least that it makes them think.