I got to the point where I could hardly stand up and give my name in public
I tried joining a local storytellers' group in Toronto, a place where each person who wants to tell a story is welcome to stand up and speak, guaranteed not to be interrupted. This worked for a while and I eventually got up the courage to 'tell', but afterwards I felt so embarrassed that the old shyness returned.
That shyness changed dramatically years later when I was invited to a
Storytellers' Gathering.
I had made up my mind that I should confront my fears, being able to tell stories was very important to me. We met at in a century old barn in rural Ontario. The gathering consisted of storytellers, musicians, and singers; our hostess a well known and well versed Storyteller with countrywide connections and a plethora of stories, old and new, folk and legend. You name a subject, any subject, and she's got a story to tell. I was nervous, so much talent around me. So much so that I feared that, after listening other participants, I could very well back out again and despise myself as a coward. So, as soon as the call went out, "Who's got a story to tell?"
I immediately jumped up, holding up my hand, "I should like to start, if that's OK!"
Phew! I actually told a story in front of all these people who were gracious enough to applaud my effort. Among the constructive comments I received that day was a piece of advice that acted like a spark on my consciousness. I had introduced myself as a 'Wannabee storyteller' (possibly to protect my sensitivity)and
the advice I received from a seasoned storyteller was,
"Don't call yourself a 'Wannabee! YOU ARE a Storyteller!"
Since that day I have grown, and continue to grow, in confidence. It is very gratifying, in my middle years, to actually to be able, and brave enough, to follow a path I always knew was mine.
I continue to tell stories at the least provocation and opportunity and I am now launching into Public Speaking and am an active member of my local branch of Toastmasters International, with a group of wonderfully supportive people.
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