It’s the End of the Talk (and I Feel Fine)
How I staved off the post-presentation vulnerability hangover
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Last week I recorded a podcast with a live audience. It was not the first time I’d done this, but something happened with this recording I never experienced before. Which is that when it was over, I felt fine. I went about my day as usual.
If this sounds unremarkable, I assure you it isn’t. I have an endlessly looping memory reel of public events that necessitate post-presentation self-care. Hours of intervention to stave off the rumination, the incessant replaying of moments in my head, the involuntary vocalizations as I recall the parts that make me cringe.
And that’s when it goes well.
When there’s a gap between inward and outward experience
To be honest, it’s always gone well. People have told me I’m a great speaker. But there’s an ocean between the outward presentation and how I feel inside.
That’s the thing with masks. As any clown will tell you, they’re dying inside.
