In Get Known Before the Book Deal, Christina Katz suggests that writers get comfortable with public speaking. She provides a few ideas, such as getting up at an open mic. I have another for you: karaoke.
I have toyed with the idea of doing karaoke for a while, as a personal growth exercise. So, when I was on my cruise in December, I put my name on the list. I picked a song in an appropriate register that I know quite well. The only thought I had when I first got up on the stage was “Oh my God. What have I done?” But I ignored my strong desire to drop the mic and bolt, leaving a Jen-shaped hole in the door to the lounge. I held the mic and sang the words. My voice wasn’t embarrassing, but I didn’t give an exciting performance, especially compared to a lot of the characters on stage before and after me.
But I felt awesome after I was done. I wanted to sing song after song after song–if only they had a larger selection of songs I like and feel I could sing reasonably well. I could barely get to sleep that night because I was so excited and proud of myself for getting up in front of an audience, even a mostly drunk one that I would likely never see again. It gave me the feeling that I can do anything I put my mind to, and when I doubt myself, I dredge up those feelings again.
What could you do to get yourself out of your comfort zone? What have you tried already?
This is awesome, Jen! I never would have thought of suggesting karaoke. Sounds like fun!