I’d love to inspire you, but microphones scare the hell out of me

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about public speaking, and how I want to inspire and encourage audiences along with all the cool people up at the front at conferences.

The problem is, speaking in front of an audience scares the hell out of me. Seriously, I can’t even ask questions at the end of someone’s talk over a microphone without breaking into a sweat and having heart palpitations.

I know nerves are totally normal and most people go through a variety of emotions before getting on stage, but I’m thinking it’s going to take years of mini talks to get around these feelings of serious dread.

In university I was so scared of speaking in front of my class that I didn’t even turn up for my final year presentation; sacrificing something like 15% of my mark for the whole project (our equivalent to a dissertation) out of fear.

The weird thing is that I love performing. I’ve been on stage many times before in pantomimes, plays and even playing saxophone solo in front of large audiences. I have no problem with chatting to strangers one on one and I really like meeting new people.

I’d love to inspire people and although I’m terrified of people listening to the gibberish that comes out of my mouth, I still want to be involved in the types of events that help inspire me every year.

I want to be part of a community of creative people who celebrate being able to make things for the joy of it, sharing the experience with everyone who needs a bit of encouragement.

Do I need to stand up in front of an audience for that? How about I just help organise these types of events and the only time I’m seen is in between the talks?

Anyone want to let me help organise something inspiring with them?