The local cub scout unit asked me to come and give the lads a blerp about the military tonight. i retired a couple of years ago so i have the stuff to drag along to show them stuff. my son is also a member of this unit. this is also my big brother night, so i'll get my little brother to take picts. i went to staples this morning to get a world map to show them places i've been.( i was navy on both coast plus 7 years w/ the airforce). i spent the morning dragging old military crap out to bring with me. they are also doing their weekend camping this weekend, so i'll bring my old winter gear, parka, sleeping bag, balaclava and so on. got the stuff just hate doing the public speaking. gotta go vacuum out the pontiac.
You'll do fine. I'm always nervous before speaking in front of people but it goes away once I start-especially if it's something I'm knowledgable about.. Todd
"Scouts, I don't mind telling you I'm nervous about public speaking, but not nearly as nervous as I was when I entered the military".....which leads you into a story about basic training, or whatever you want.
As long as you have your props and you pass them around, and you know your stuff/what you're talking about, you'll have no problem ... time will fly by. Don't over-rehearse in your head ... go with the flow.
I had to be a Santa (I'm 6'2" 210 lbs., not fat, so hardly a Santa type) for a girl's 4-H group this past Christmas, and had to think of witty one-liners to say to each kid when I handed over their present. I was so nervious beforehand, but then I settled down, and my Santa gig seemed like it was over in no time.
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
I do a talk for Big Brothers every year, also used to do Improv. This is what I do.
Show up early and get comfortable with the surroundings. Place the things you are talking about close.
While you are talking pick a spot in the back of the room to look at. Time will go smoothly as you know the stuff you are talking about. Remember to breath and take breaks while it's going on. Sometimes I'll stop when I get flustered and ask if anyone has questions.
Your "physical presence" will keep them attentive.. I met you a couple of week ago, and you are very easy, to get to know.. You are a little nervous, cause you care... YOu will do fine, and your son will love you for it... Go get them.....
I did 3 months of Navy in Esquimalt BC back in 1984 it wasn't for me, now I am in the airforce too ! Going on 23 years of service...I should retire within 3 years...can't wait. Good Luck, you'll do fine.
Good advice here. I have talked to kids at our local kids Bible club group.
Like Todd says, nervous to start and then it's fun!
The advice about props is great. If you can pass stuff around to them, all the better.
And asking questions is excellent. It takes the attention away from you and because they can participate they feel more worthwhile and will pay attention FAR better.
Have fun, and be real loose with it. They are kids, they are not looking for perfection.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
Just pick 3 or 4 places you have visited and your experiences there and talk about them generally, relating the stories to your props. Spread the props around and they will serve as a good reminder for each topic you plan to speak about. Once you start you will be fine and time will just fly by, 20 minutes will go by like a blink of an eyelid!
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Hillar
1970 LS4 (eventually an LS5) Laurentian 2dr hdtp -and a bunch of other muscle cars...
I used to hate speaking in public - look at me now - every week - a new topic!! still get nervous tho,..if i didn't i'd probably get worried! I think a bit of nervousness keeps you honest to being yourself. have fun!! you'll be fine - just talk from the heart.
Great job Steve! You sparked enough interest that there were a bunch of hands in the air. Now,you weren't talking about that 70 2+2 you just bought, were you?: "It has bucket seats and was only sold in Canada and..."
As ex-Airforce Flight Sergeant (permanent Force 1967 to 1974), Remember to tell the children of Canada's greatest contiribution; the Harvard (Spam Can) and the Sabre jet. Whoops!! a whole day late!!!
