I started posting my novel, [Alarm Clock Dawn]( https://www.amazon.com/Alarm-Clock-Dawn-Vance-Walton/dp/150851335X/ref=la_B00B2OS082_1_1_twi_pap_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483036070&sr=1-1), in installments here on Steemit in August.  I think it was around early September when I got a message from SteemFest organizer, Roland. He asked me if I’d like to give a talk at this year’s SteemFest in Amsterdam. I’m an introvert so, of course, the first emotion I felt was fear. Shortly after the fear subsided excuses as to why I wouldn’t be able to do it began to swirl around inside my head like the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz. After about fifteen seconds of a maelstrom of mental chaos I typed the words, “Yes, count me in!” Those four words set into motion a wondrous series of life-changing events.  

<center> ![](http://i.giphy.com/3o7abrH8o4HMgEAV9e.gif) </center>

 
If there’s one thing I learned in my over two decades of writing it is this - giving in to fear and saying *NO* to opportunities will get you absolutely nowhere so I said *YES*. Was my talk perfect?  Far from it, I consider myself to be a work in progress, but by having the courage to say yes I was rewarded with one of the best experiences of my life. SteemFest was an intoxicating glimpse into the life of a successful writer and it was further confirmation that this is how I want to spend my remaining years on Earth. During those five days in Amsterdam I made many new interpersonal connections that have enriched my life in ways that I’m still deciphering almost two months later. 
 
When you’re trying to build your career it’s important to view every chance to speak to a group as a huge opportunity. The ability to speak effectively to a crowd is something that’s useful to anyone in any profession. If you want to maximize your chances of success in life you should make it a goal to face, and ultimately master, your fear of public speaking. 

### Listed below are some of the things I learned during my talk at in Amsterdam: ###
 
 
1. **Be willing say yes speaking gigs that you initially feel are beyond your skill set.** Stretching beyond your perceived limits is how you’ll grow and gain confidence. 
2. **Research.** Once I accepted the speaking gig for SteemFest I searched articles for how others prepared for Ted Talks.  I also researched Steve Jobs’ preparation methods for giving keynote speeches. What I learned is Steve meticulously over-prepared for his talks and actually got very nervous beforehand.  I never knew this and it, strangely, made me feel more at ease.
3. **Practice in front of a mirror and then in front of your friends.** I practiced my talk for three weeks before I gave it. Once the words become second nature then it gives your brain more room to deal with your nerves and the actual delivery. Generally, I would recommend a total of thirty hours or more of practice.  Put your whole body into your speech, be expressive...this is something I need to work on.
4. **Get a good night’s sleep before your big day.** If you’re well rested everything will be better, your recall, your mood, and your outlook.  I was adjusting to the time difference in Amsterdam but managed to get seven solid hours of sleep before my talk and it paid off.
5. **Stay hydrated.** I made sure to drink lots of water the morning before my talk. Also, I would recommend having a glass of water within reach during the talk as well. I failed to do this and every single drop of moisture evaporated from my mouth about seven minutes into the talk. Surprisingly it was hard to tell from the video.
6. **Open with a joke.** Laughing serves a two-fold purpose, it makes you relax and it also breaks the ice with the audience and forms the connection that it’s your goal to keep through the entire length of your talk. The truth is most people in the audience are rooting for you! 
7. **Accept beforehand that your speech is not going to be perfect.** Keep your sense of humor regarding the whole thing.  Learn to say “f*ck off” to feelings of inadequacy and mean spirited criticism from others. Don’t judge yourself due to your weaknesses. Accept and learn from constructive criticism. Each opportunity to speak is a chance to learn and to grow both personally and professionally. Vow to do better next time.
8. **Obtain video clip of your talk and study it for ways to improve your next speech.** There’s a goldmine of information there and when you watch the video you’ll realize your speech went very differently from how you perceived it. 
9. **Don’t be afraid to share this video clip with your friends.** My first inclination was, “I’m not sharing this with anyone because it wasn’t perfect” but then I remembered **#7** (above).
10. **Celebrate your efforts and your courage after each talk.** No matter how your talk goes, the truth is you had the courage to step on that stage and do what a majority of people fear more than death.  Reward yourself. 
 
## Here’s a link to my talk: ##
 
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aSBmP4cAZTQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
(Gif sourced from Giphy.com)

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*I am an American novelist, poet, traveler, and Steemit enthusiast.  To follow my unfolding story please visit click on the link to my website below to sign up for my author newsletter.*
 
 
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