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Glossophobia - the fear of public speaking is conquered. |
| Trina watch enraptured as each poet took the stage. Each stepped up to the mic looking poised and composed. When their words boomed out over the microphone, the audience seemed to swell and hang on their every word. Trina felt herself carried away on the wave of linguistic license. It was euphoric; even as an observer. "I could never do that," she whispered breathlessly to her friend Robin as the claps and snaps of the crowd faded out and the next poet was introduced. "Why not," Robin whispered back. "I think you would rock it.... besides your poems are every bit as awesome as these...." "No they're not, your just being...." "I'm not," Robin told her voice emphatic as her whisper fell away. Trina blushed as a few people turned to glance their way. Her heart beat picked up speed as she pulled in a calming breath. She closed her eyes willing Robin to be quiet and not draw attention. As is knowing what Trina wanted, Robin resumed her whispering as she added, "your poems are powerful and dynamic. They should be heard not hidden away. They need to be published.... and YOU need to speak your truth so others can hear you. I swear so many would relate. Your words resonate, Trina. You are every bit a poetess with passion. You just need to get out there and make it happen." Trina felt the burn of embarrassment flush her skin a vibrant shade of crimson. Thankfully, Robin let the matter drop as they sank into the words from the next few poets. A few days later Robin called her with news. "I got us a date," she said, her enthusiasm coming off her in waves. Trina felt her heart skip a beat then plow forward as she asked, "a date for what?" "For the next local spoken word poetry event.... a small one. Nothing as dramatic as last night. Just to get our feet wet, so to speak..." "Robin you know I'm...." Robin waved off her words. "You can do this, Trina. I'll coach you.... just try, please." Trina pressed her lips together as she drew in several deep calming breaths, "I don't know..." "Please, Trina. It is only a small group. A chance to try... and let them see and hear what you got." "Like an audition?" Robin shrugged and waggled her head, "of a sort, you could say. It would only be the Company. They are looking for a few new poets and I think you would fit wonderfully." "But the whole thing makes me feel sick..." "If we start small and I coach you... I honestly, think you could do this. You need to start somewhere. Please say yes.... let's see where it could lead." Robin looked at her imploringly. Trina felt her head bob and could not believe she had agreed. Was she nuts? Over the next week, Robin encouraged her and walked her through picking out her best poems. Trina practiced. She focused on the poem and tried to forget about anyone watching her. Robin got her to visualize a successful performance. Each bit helping her take another small step towards preforming her own words. Whenever she felt herself overwhelmed, she stopped and focused on her breathing. It helped to calm and re-center herself. It also seemed to help the pacing of the poems themselves. Robin even videoed her performing. At first, it was awkward to see herself performing, but as the week wore on, it became less so. By the time the night of the event came, Trina felt as ready as she'd ever be. The group sat in a circle. Each poet stood and performed their piece. The reward the gentle popping of snapping fingers. When it was her turn, she dragged in a deep breath as she felt the comforting squeeze of Robin's hand on her leg. This was it. On shaky legs, she stood. Dragging in another fortifying breath, she practiced the calming exercise she and Robin had devised, then she let her voice find the words. At first, she spoke with her eyes closed as if part of the performance. As she settled into the words and let them carry her forward, she felt her confidence bloom. She forgot the audience and spoke. Her voice strong and steady. Her words powerful and moving. She opened her eyes and took in the enchanted faces of the listeners. Her heart soared. When she finished, her heart stopped at the silence. A void began to open, then the snapping began and voices lifted in praise. Trina felt her heart melt and surge all at once. She was engulfed in the moment. A smile cracked as she looked around the circle of people gathered around her. Their words, a balm to her confidence. She did it. She could do it.... and she would do it again. Step by step. And so began her journey towards the big stage. The Company helped her find her way. Helped her grow in confidence as she spoke in front of bigger and bigger audiences. Each time Robin cheering her on. Stage fright still lingered, but she learned to tame the dragons that had once threatened to steal her voice. She was the poetess. She spoke her truth and others rose up to meet it with praise and gentle snaps. Gone was her glossophobia. Words = 896. Writer's Cramp entry for July 2, 2022 ▼ |
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