Public speaking is the number one fear of Americans. I grew-up hearing people say “Picture them Naked.” Hey- it seemed to work for characters on television. It’s not so much working for me, it just seems too distracting. If you throw in the mix, reading a lesbian romance things get heated fast. Picturing them naked or in their underwear, would cause me to worry that an orgy would break-out.
So, if this de-clothing tactic does not work for you, what would? Marketing & publishing experts agree that author readings are an integral part of a book’s success. How do we help bashful, fearful authors succeed at author readings?
1. Getting Over the Fear of Speaking in Public: This is much easier said (pun intended) than done. Some writers by nature are introverts. He/she wants the story or novel to speak for itself. If your fear is more like a phobia, seek counseling. You might want to seek counseling or a coach even if you don’t think it’s a fear. Once that hard work is done, practice, practice, practice. Start off small: speak more in a staff meeting, give a toast at a dinner party with friends, start a podcast, find other speech engagements.
2. Prepare Your Own Work:
- Write Something Worthy to Read.
- Pick an exciting passage that doesn’t give the whole story away.
- Go through the passage and trim out the unnecessary information.
- Time yourself to stay within the time frame.
- Record yourself.
- Read to a pet.
- Read to a friend, family member or partner.
- Setting.
- Characters.
- What’s happening in this scene.
- A short, short bio of yourself and where they can buy the book. If you’re doing signings after, make sure to mention that.
- Research what people might ask you. Read Karin Kallmaker on “Surviving Your First Reading”
- Be prepared to fill the time if there are no questions asked.
- Who comes to the readings?
- Is there a moderator?
- Place you will be reading?
- Plan what to wear. Wear something comfortable.
- Practice some mindfulness, positive thinking and other grounding techniques.
- Mind what you drink or eat. Don’t want to be too full or too starving or having to go to the restroom in the middle of your reading.
- Stretch or move around before reading to get your blood flowing.
- Sing to your favorite song to get your vocal chords going.
- Go to a movie, dinner, plan small party with friends.
- Get a massage, buy yourself a new toy/equipment.
- Go on a small trip.
Source: Blog