I'm a freak of nature and really enjoy public speaking, and it could be on almost any topic. Maybe because I started pretty young with incredible opportunities in high school student activities in front of audiences of 1000 people or more. Possibly it's because I did some really crazy / embarrassing things early on in college like stand on a stage in front of 2000 people at a drag show I put together talking about the importance of safe sex and condoms. The advantage of being young and not knowing any better has led to me being in my 30s and just craving any opportunity to feed off an audience, and that feeling is only getting worse. Now I just want to get better.
Recently I signed up for a storytelling class at the Magnet Theater in New York City which I wholeheartedly recommend. The class performance was held on Saturday in front of a standing room only crowd (about 50 people or so). I had a friend record it not just so I could have it and share, but to watch myself and make notes for what I can do better in future performances. Not a fan of public speaking? Well, watching yourself is uncomfortable, but honestly one of the best ways to acknowledge all that's being done wrong in order to fix the things that need fixing for next time. Each time in theory, you'll continue to hone your skills and get better and better. As much as I wish I could take credit for this piece of advice, it was something I learned in classes in college that forcefully made me do it. It's also pretty well known in any article you'll read about being a better public speaker. Such as this one in Forbes, "Want to be a Better Public Speaker? Do What the Pros Do."
The story that I worked on was about my first few weeks in New York in 2004, and the surprise visit the NYPD paid me one day. Hope you enjoy it, and that nothing like it ever happens to you.
And as always, I welcome feedback! Or if you have any questions about the class I'd be happy to answer them.