Hi Deniece,
When I was in grade 7, about 12-years-old, I had one heck of a time in front of people. I wasn't shy, I was self-conscious. I took an acting class and it was my turn to go up front and role play. I bombed. I told my acting teacher, "I can't do it, they're all looking at me." My teacher replied, "Of course they are, you're performing."
So I became a performer. I danced in front of the mirror and family friends alike. I performed like a class clown everywhere; I just had fun and let loose. I came up with my imitations of a chicken and a penguin; I did them in malls to make people laugh.
That is my advice, Deniece, just become a performer when you talk with people. Relax, be animated, get excited, talk with your hands. With a big smile and a wink make an offer: "If you sign up, I'll show you how I do a chicken or a penguin. You pick."
When I became a performer at a young age, it set the stage for my future. My sense of humour has gotten me through some extremely tough times. Looking back, acting class was a plus, not the doom it seemed then, given what I became.
If you aren't ready to let loose and clown around in front of people yet, you might want to try what I did: Talking to myself then role playing in front of a mirror. (I felt stupid at first so I did a lot of laughing but I stuck with it.)
Now, you wonder? I'm 55 and I have spoken in front of large audiences. (I made jokes even then.) It can be done.
All the best. Good luck!
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Hi Deniece,
When I was in grade 7, about 12-years-old, I had one heck of a time in front of people. I wasn't shy, I was self-conscious. I took an acting class and it was my turn to go up front and role play. I bombed. I told my acting teacher, "I can't do it, they're all looking at me." My teacher replied, "Of course they are, you're performing."
So I became a performer. I danced in front of the mirror and family friends alike. I performed like a class clown
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