The nice thing about doing pieces for public radio is that I can casually stroll into the studio with a warm cup of coffee and, if I were so inclined, nothing else. While the sound engineer would probably appreciate it if I at least wore pants, technically there’s nothing about them in my contract.
It’s a fantastic gig.
Reading in front of an audience is another story altogether — especially when you’re reading a piece about crippling shyness. But I had the fantastic opportunity to give one of the readings during the community keynote speech at the recent BlogHer conference in Chicago. And I wasn’t going to pass it up. And it felt wonderful. If I ever find myself gainfully employed again, this is exactly what I’d like to do: Write things and read them to people.
Exciting, I know.
Just please don’t give me grief about what Dana has come to refer to as my “trucker outfit” — when you’re reading in front of that many people, you have to wear what makes you A. comfortable, and B. less shiny on a 50-foot screen. Did I mention the 50-foot screen? There were actually two of them — and they. were. enormous.
I read a piece that was originally a blog post and then shortened for KQED Radio — and then slightly expanded again for this event.
The first video was done by a very kind person with a handheld and misses about two words in the very beginning, while the one below was done by the official BlogHer crew. My bit comes in at the 31:20 mark, but if you have time, I’d definitely watch the whole thing. It is filled with so many incredibly amazing writers that it still makes me cringe to think I shared a stage with them. Or you can just skip to the very end and watch as I launch free children’s T-shirts into the crowd.
Your call.
Enjoy.
I so wish I could have been there!
It really was a terrific piece to read aloud. I’m glad you had the chance to do it.
Those were for kids? That actually explains a lot. Diet off!
your reading was fantastic! I was so glad that I got to be there and hear it in person.
Whit, you need to send photos. I would LOVE to see you in a 4T owl-print shirt.
I just recently found your site so I had never read the post you read at the conference.
I can sympathize completely with your struggle with shyness. I am a fellow introvert and fear I have too passed this crippling trait on to my kids. I cringe when I see them struggle in social situations just like I do. My son has been going to story time at the library for 2 yrs. now and still just sits and listens. And you know what? I’m tired of the pressure to “join in” So what if he wants to just sit there? I would too. I mean the singing, while fun for outgoing kids, is pretty silly for others. I’m convinced the world needs people like us or there would be too many type A personalities running around trying to control every one else. I don’t pressure my kids anymore to play with others. If they do, great. If not, no big deal. We are of limited income so we don’t sign up for much. Thus, the nearby playground has become our frequent hangout. At first, my kids were very shy. But now, because we go so much, (and I never make a big deal about it) they are willing to play with anyone who shows up.
So now that I’ve written what could be my own blog entry on yours, I’ll shut up.
Thanks for the stories. You’re a great writer!
I should give you a cut of the profits for writing so much — kidding! I appreciate your perspective, especially the library story time. You absolutely nailed our experiences with those, and I, too, learned to just sit and listen instead of trying to get her to join in. And like your kids, she is also developing at the playground. Thanks for taking the time for a great comment.
LOL, it’s not “trucker” my husband has come to call it “The Urban Lumberjack” ;0) He’s adopted the look, too.
awesome. i remember reading that post and really relating through my experience with my own daughter. and the 50 foot screen made you look great, though i honestly never pictured you as a trucker.
Me neither. But I liked the shirt so much. It has shiny buttons. And it actually came with these weird designy patches on the front and back. I used a seam ripper to take them off.
Well done mike, I would rather claw out my eyeballs than speak in front of people. You didn’t even pee your pants or sweat through your trucker shirt!
I’m a painfully akward introvert too. My kid however, is the locust. I don’t think she understands the concept of shyness at all. Sometimes I’m jealous of her, sometimes I’m proud, but often I feel bad for her. I feel like I’ve failed to pass on the ability to play alone and entertain oneself. It’s as though my childhood took place entirely within my immagination while hers is totally dependent on the people around her. Is it bad to wish my kid were just a little akward?
oooooh! shiny buttons. NOW i get it.
Thank you so much for posting this video! Living with and loving a shy 3yr.old boy and even shyer 35 yr. old husband, I can certainly relate; it’s so good to know there are others out there going through it too. I’m a new reader and admire your style so much. Your writing (and the clothes you make for your daughter) – genius!
I thought the outfit made you look quite butch, which was appreciated after you made me cry like a little girl.
I was trying to compensate for my whiny, nasally voice.
I think you look less trucker and more valencia street, circa 2006. It works.
Plus, seam ripper? You are SO the king.