Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Just had a call from a lecturer at a college I did a course at a couple of years ago. She wants me to come in and talk to 20 or so students about working with autistic children . I'm very flattered that she thinks I'm capable of that (I have my doubts ) but scared at the very thought . She doesn't want a lecture on autism just an insight on day to day practicalities of working with autistic children - still a bit nervewracking as it's not something I've ever done before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 that's brilliant! Well done I perform my poetry sometimes in front of people and I developed a little trick to make it less nerve wracking, don't know if it will work for you but you never know I adopt a different persona, so to speak, I sort of pretend I'm not me (the real me is incredibly shy of speaking in public!). I bought some plain lens glasses from e-bay, quite modern ones and I do my hair differently (with straighteners) and wear a little more make-up than normal (so I look a bit different) and it really helps overcome my fear as I can pretend to be someone else for the night, someone more confident That probably makes me sound bonkers But it works and there's no feeling like a round of applause from an appreciative audience You'll never regret the things you do but if you don't do it you'll be missing out on a life experience, go for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Just had a call from a lecturer at a college I did a course at a couple of years ago. She wants me to come in and talk to 20 or so students about working with autistic children . I'm very flattered that she thinks I'm capable of that (I have my doubts ) but scared at the very thought . She doesn't want a lecture on autism just an insight on day to day practicalities of working with autistic children - still a bit nervewracking as it's not something I've ever done before. If you are as witty in your talk as you are on the forum you will have them in the palm of your hand. You will be terrific. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Good luck Vicki. You'll be great. Your old lecturer obviously believes you can do it. I'd love to go to a lecture like that! Any hints?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 Well done ANH, you go for it, you will be fine! Good idea of Poets too, if the 'normal' you is a bit shy (somehow I have my doubts! ) Why not keep a diary of funny/unusual happenings at work, or make notes of any useful insights, between now and the day - these can then form your reference notes in case you are worried about drying up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beauty-Box Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I'm sure you will be fine as long as you prepare yourself. It's bound to make you feel a bit nervous! Good luck, even though you won't need it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted February 21, 2008 Share Posted February 21, 2008 I'm always nervous, speaking to groups of people but as soon as I start the nerves go and it's over in a flash - you'll be great, just use some of that witty humour you use on here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 21, 2008 Author Share Posted February 21, 2008 Thanks, everyone . Your (misplaced ) faith in me is very touching. I'll try not to let you down . One piece of luck, though, a lot of the students are apparently Spanish - if I put on a really broad Scots accent and talk really fast, they'll not understand a word I say anyway, ken wit ah mean, pal . At least it'll take my mind off the also terrifying prospect of my Hen Party - although at the rate my bookings are going I'll be lecturing the chickens and the dog . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted February 22, 2008 Share Posted February 22, 2008 I get really nervous in those kind of situations. Yesterday I spent all day at a local primary school with about 10 people from our church. We were with a guy called Jem Hudson who is touring the country with his Bible Exhibition, and he talks to each junior year group about the Bible- giving them a whistlestop tour of it from beginning to end. The children also get chance at the end to dress up, & taste Biblical style foods- such as pinapple, pitta bread, dates. To help Jem bring this to life he brings costumes with him which adults don to act out characters & to talk to the children from the character's point of view. I played the Egyptian princess who draws Moses from the bullrushes. I had a great costume, & even an Elizabeth Taylor wig!!!! I was only starring for a couple of minutes, & had to perform 4 times during the day, & I did get a bit nervous when my time came- but to calm ny nerves I just reminded myself that I was a princess & I was talking to children who were sitting cross-legged on the floor We had a brill time, but I was shattered at the end of the day. Nervous energy. ANH I am sure you will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickled egg Posted February 22, 2008 Share Posted February 22, 2008 I'm sure you will be absolutely great. I started lecturing a couple of years ago and was absolutely terrified at first . BUT, the thing is if you are talking about something you love and/or know a lot about, you soon get into your stride and the time just flies. . It'll be over in a flash and you'll feel great - like after going for a long run (apparently ). I'm sure the students will love you - and you can always show 'em your haggis! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 22, 2008 Share Posted February 22, 2008 You'll be just brilliant Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...