Thanks for your help, everybody.

**Iolaus** · 11th October 05, 07:23 PM

Some of you know I've been preparing for a speech in my public speaking class. The speech was on the modern day wearing of the kilt, and the main purpose was to convince a class of teen and twenty-somethings that a man wearing a kilt is not an aberration or a cross-dresser, but is actually a representitive of a current social movement in men's fashion.

I gave the speech today, and while it didn't go as smoothly as I would've liked, I did do well enough to get a low "A", once I get the "Works Cited" page to the teacher (whoops). BTW, I found out that the instrutor is one of us, maybe not here at XMarks, but he wears a UK regularly; how cool is that!!

This was a big deal for me, because it's a BIG part of my grade. It's also the first time I've spoken to a crowd for an extended period of time, and I don't do crowds very well; I had to be prepared, or my brain would've locked up. I want to thank everyone who helped:

The makers that sent me some stats and impressions of the business.

Ham for sending me the shots of the UK Original, the shot I chose was perfect for illustrating the early UK.

Matt, for having albanach.org, your "Generations of Highland dress" was helpful...

...and especially those that helped me in the Tom's Cafe thread, as I think that portion of the speech was key to my purpose. The "official" critic said I did a good job drawing the line between, as he put it, "the guys in drag" and the bravehearts.

I'm glad it's over; I think I need a dram or two now (for medicinal purposes ;)).

Thanks again.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 11th October 05, 07:40 PM

Iolaus,

As someone else is wont to say, Good on ya! While I do not suffer from trepidations about speaking in public, I understand that many people have that fear. Congratulations on getting up and not only speaking in public, but about a somewhat controversial subject!

I still would love to meet you in person because I love your sig line! It sums up my own view on life!

Again, congratulations!

**Dreadbelly** · 11th October 05, 07:46 PM

You are a braver man than I. I am loathe to speak in public unless I absolutely have to.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 11th October 05, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Dreadbelly

You are a braver man than I. I am loathe to speak in public unless I absolutely have to.

This from the man that takes on the SS administration with onion/garlic/feta breath, and possibly chronic flatulence based on eating all of the above!

Dread, you might be loathe to speak in public, but it does not appear to hinder your ability to do so when the occasion requires!

**GMan** · 11th October 05, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by KiltedCodeWarrior

This from the man that takes on the SS administration with onion/garlic/feta breath, and possibly chronic flatulence based on eating all of the above!

Dread, you might be loathe to speak in public, but it does not appear to hinder your ability to do so when the occasion requires!

Don't forget the Iron Skillet!

Glad that it went well Iolaus. Many of us are not public speakers, but when you speak on something you believe in, it sure is easier.

**Iolaus** · 11th October 05, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by GMan

...when you speak on something you believe in, it sure is easier.

Ain't that the truth! The speech was only supposed to be 10 minutes, but because I kept getting sidetracked from my outline with asides, it ended up at 18 minutes! The teacher said it was a clear case of knowing too much!

**Dreadbelly** · 12th October 05, 05:05 AM

I suffer from Enochlophobia.

I don't like crowds. I don't like speaking to crowds.

I have a fear of being noticed by a crowd, which is only slightly different than a fear of crowds. (Agoraphobia)

What's that you say? My kilt gets me noticed by a crowd... Oh dear.

I know. I can not explain my self at times.

**Graham** · 12th October 05, 05:23 AM

Iolaus, if I may ask, in what way did it NOT go as hoped? Was the topic of interest to it's hearers?

**Cawdorian** · 12th October 05, 05:29 AM

Iolaus,

An A, good job, keep up the good work. With practice, public speaking will get easier and easier for you. As you make additional presentations you will become more comfortable with the process. Being well prepared, organized and having a great knowledge of the subject makes the talk go well.

Jim

**Iolaus** · 12th October 05, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Graham

Iolaus, if I may ask, in what way did it NOT go as hoped? Was the topic of interest to it's hearers?

No, there wasn't any problem with the audience, and several people said "Good job" on the way out. I meant that, in general, the delivery wasn't as smooth as it could've been.

...and I'm really kicking myself for blowing the attention getter. I started with showing head shots of two celebreties, and me, saying that we had something in common - wearing kilts in the modern age - but I forgot to advance the frame to show the full pictures 'til I had already gone on to the next point. DOH!!!

We have our speeches video-taped, and in watching the tape I'm hoping I'm being my own worst critic.