Public Speaking and Murphy's Law

by Anonymous

I run a local non profit center. Every month I attend a luncheon, where local non-profit directors, business owners, and government officials, get together to network. Last year I was asked to give a brief 5 minute talk before the keynote speaker came up, in order to inform the attendees about an upcoming fundraiser.

Well, I was having a Murphy's Law type of day, and so of course arrived late and frazzled. I just sat down when my name was called to come up and speak. Looking back, I don't know what I was thinking! I never had a chance! I hadn't had time to calm down, I felt completely disorganized, and I was off balance due to a few sprained toes. So as I stood up from the table, I hit it and knocked over the water glass of the person to my right. After apologizing I proceeded to walk up to the front of the room. As I reached the microphone, I tripped over the cord and dropped my note card. As I bent over to pick it up I lost my balance and fell on my behind.. of course I had to be wearing a dress!

After wanting to die of humiliation, I finally got up and was "ready" to talk. Of course, by now I was so flustered, I couldn't even follow my outline my note card. I ended up repeating my self a few times before I was politely cut off. After finishing, I went to put the microphone back in the holder and it began making that screeching noise.. you know the one you hear if the mic is too close to the speaker? I finally just handed the mic to the host instead of fiddling with it, and walked to my seat wishing I was not there! True story.