Most of my students report the same as you – some butterflies right before at the get-go, but once they start rolling, those butterflies fly away and they’re fine.

Keri’s comment also reflects what I’ve seen over time – when we’re in school, our self-image & self-esteem is tied up in what our peers think; as we age, not so much.

Bottom line to me in all this is this: once the focus is off of ourselves, nervousness goes away. Seems like an oversimplification, but it’s true.

Best,
David Portney

Keri — It always seemed like such a big deal in school, didn’t it? And now, not so much at all.

’cause when you’re on the radio, no one can see you pick your nose. Or eat. (although they may hear that if you’re not good) Or play with things you’d rather not have seen.

I had to give a reading in grad school. It was my first non-radio appearance. Having actual people there watching me felt wrong — for ten seconds. Then I forgot about them.

Not sure if I wound up so comfortable that I picked my nose or not… I’m guessing not ’cause no one commented.