I have to say that I am a fortunate person, and am usually happy doing whatever I’m doing in the moment. But if I had to choose something “I’d rather be” doing, certainly performing in front of an audience is high on the list. In this case, performing in front of a GIANT picture of myself!
Join the #sundaystills challenge here
A dream came true for me yesterday! I was interviewed by Victoria Onofrei for the radio show “Victoria in Verse”.
If you know me, you know the opportunity to talk about MYSELF FOR AN HOUR was exciting. I read four poems, told a story, and talked at length about family, teaching, writing, and playing Ultimate Frisbee. Basically, I got to talk about every part of my life that I care about and invest time into.
Victoria was a wonderful interviewer! The Zoom format was so familiar and comfortable, it was honestly like talking to a good friend. She kept the interview moving by asking a variety of questions. I feel like it is going to make great listening.
The planned broadcast date is this coming Sunday, March 12th. Of course, I will share the link for those of you that are interested in listening.
I chose this photo for the Red Color Challenge. This is the lineup of performers from last weeks Tell Me Another. The theme was “love”, appropriate for Valentine’s week and this challenge. It was a great night of stories exploring this theme.
Time is almost up on this challenge but it can be found here: second wind leisure
Another great night at a sold out storytelling show! Hosted by the amazing Terry Wolfisch Cole of Tell Me Another.
Hartford Flavor Company is a great venue for this event.
I wrote yesterday about enjoying each small success with Tao of Thoreau: each book I sell, the pocket change I earn per edition.
I am developing a philosophy that goes with this: the path of small achievements.
About 5 years ago I decided to start going to poetry open mics. It was so much fun! I got to read my work and get applause, sometimes even hooting (my wife always counts the hoots).
Continue readingThe PechaKucha format is so different and challenging. In standard storytelling, the teller has no additional pressure except for telling the story well and not going past the time limit. In the Pecha format, you have to speak as pictures are projected behind you. The teller has twenty seconds per slide to tell the story of that image. The additional pressure of not coming up short and standing there awkwardly waiting for the next slide, or going long into the next one really impacted me.
I was prepared, but I was stressed. More than I have been in a long time. It was kind of a long drive to the theatre, and I barely had a word to say to my wife. I felt bound up.
Yet, when I walked to the microphone, all my nerves fell away. When my first image was projected, I got right into my story. And frankly, I kind of killed it.
My takeaway from this is that I’ve earned confidence. I belong talking into a mic. As long as I continue to be respectful of the process, I can approach performing with a feeling of belief.
A new kind of storytelling for me. Telling a story with images projected in the background. Twenty seconds per image.
I’m a little nervous about it, which I love. I’ve learned that nerves are often an indication of my limits being pushed. Pushing my limits is what I want to continue to do in my life.
I wrote the other day about the Thoreau quote that talks about putting the foundation under your dreams. Live Storytelling has been part of my foundation. I love it. One reason is I love performing and being the center of attention. But that’s not the real lesson.
What telling true stories in front of an audience has taught me is:
Writing doesn’t give much feedback. So knowing people like my stories gave me a lot more confidence. I’ve always thought of my audience so that just supported what I already knew.
But writing with brevity is not something I did in the past. It has really helped me be a better storyteller, and, I hope, blog writer. I’m trying to keep my entries short so that people can relax, enjoy them, and hopefully get something out of them.
I thank you again for being my audience. I’d love to hear from you in the comments. I do not collect emails in the comment form, in case that matters.
Boz Bozeman 