Brody off Broadway
Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking. It is believed to be the single most common phobia, affecting as many as 75% of all people. When ranked among fears, it is generally the number one fear, surpassing even the fear of death. http://www.fearofstuff.com/humans/fear-of-public-speaking/
What inspires me?
The 25% who fear death.
And the even smaller percentage of individuals who not only don’t fear public speaking, but actually relish it, taking it one step further (okay, a few), purposely choosing to regularly participate in the activity commonly known as Improvisation (Improv), voluntarily performing on stage in public with no notes, no forethought, and no plan whatsoever.
Who are these people who so willingly succumb to the stuff that nightmares are made of?
They’re surprisingly easy to find.
You can find them in your office diligently working in their cubicles (quietly noting fodder for that night’s performance), working at your local Starbucks (imagine the potential storylines customers provide), negotiating a merger (Improv would sure come in handy here), anywhere, really.
Top 10 Reasons I’m Inspired by Those Who Aren’t Afraid to Make a Scene:
10. Improvers are the masters of collaboration.
9. They aren’t afraid to be uncomfortable. They use it. They work through it. And they’re better for it.
8. An Improver will never allow an awkward silence (unless it’s intentional).
7. They understand that creativity is often bred by the uncomfortable feeling that you’re unprepared. And they prepare for it.
6. They can sit in a coffee shop, observe a social situation from afar and tell you what just happened, having never heard a word.
5. They make decisions with the information they have at the time. And they don’t spend too much time deliberating. Or apologizing.
4. They are willing to take one for the team. And the team is willing to take one for them.
3. They have lightening quick reflexes.
2. They are never boring (unless it’s intentional).
1. They feel the fear and do it anyway.
