A week from today, I will be in Las Vegas making a presentation to almost 400 professional stagers from across the United States and Canada. I’m nervous but excited to be one of the main speakers at the Real Estate Staging Association’s (RESA) 2014 Annual Convention. Did you know that fear of public speaking is right up there with fear of death and heights? Well, I guess dwelling on that too much certainly won’t help my jitters!
Last year I won the award for Best Occupied Staging in North America, but I wasn’t there to accept it. I found out I had won via tweets one night while in bed!
This year I’m honored to be awarded for one of the Top 10 Redesigns in the nation, and I’m glad I’ll get to be there to accept it. I’m going to be speaking about my system for arranging furniture – something I am very passionate about!
Now I’m trying to figure out just the right thing to wear. Comfortable but stylish, but what color/colors??
Good Luck, Kristie! I am sure that once you start talking your passion will take over and you’ll be a sensation!
Thank you for your encouragement, Angela 🙂
Kristie, I’m looking forward to hearing you speak at the convention in Vegas! Don’t be nervous–you’ll be great! Just remember that everyone in that room is a friend, and is on your side…(that always calms my nerves when I need to give a presentation!)
Thank you, Paula! Hopefully we will meet the night before 🙂
You can come raid my closet if you want – just don’t look at it. 🙂 (I need your professional organizer!)
That is very tempting, Karen! I love your clothes!
Oh yeah, and CONGRATULATIONS, you’ll do great!
Will be in prayer for your speech!!!! Perfect Love casts out all fear. There is no doubt about your gifts and sharing in the public forum is a great honor! We are so blessed to follow your blog as you share your special talents with us,. You will just be sharing with the rest of the world! Have fun, enjoy the time with friends and colleagues and we will be by your side in prayer,! As always Best Wishes Kristie!
Thank you so much for that, Syl!!!! I really would appreciate your prayers 🙂
You’ll do great. We’re a friendly group!
Thank you, Beth – I know we all have a lot we can learn from each other!
Relax Kristie! They asked you because they recognize you to be the expert professional that you are. I agree with Angela, your passion will overwhelm any signs of nervousness. Maybe someday you’ll be able to provide some of your classes here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I know you have a lot of fans here.
Woo Hoo, you go girl !! Remember, that you obviously know much more than most others about this topic, and that is why you won last years award. Also, others want to hear what you have to say, because you can teach them what you know. They will be intent listeners, just like those of us who follow your blog. That is the secret “knowing more than they know” a famous lady told me this years ago when I had to speak in front of an audience. This will erase any jitters you may have once you get started ! Good Luck 🙂
I wanted to go to the conference this year just to meet you Kristie! I am so happy you are getting the recognition you deserve. You go girl!
Thank you, Kelly – I really wish you could be there!!! Send good thoughts my way, sweet friend!
That first picture with the mike and all-those-people is awesome! Ha! I know you’ll do great though. 🙂
Good luck Kristie! Public speaking makes me a little anxious too…just use an ice breaker…something like ” how many stagers does it take to change a light bulb?..” I can’t attend the conference but look for Tricia and Sharon from Staging & Design Network. They will have a booth at the conference. I belong to this wonderful cutting-edge organization in Seattle. Good Luck!
Thanks, Judy – wish you were going to be there! Ok, now you have to tell me the answer to that riddle . . . 😉
GABA sub-lingual lozenges from Source Naturals in peppermint or orange make a great body-calming/mind-focusing supplement to have in your purse to keep your nerves down before you have to speak!
Wow, thanks Lee – I’ve never heard of such a thing. Where can you find them, online?
I am 1 of the 400 excited to see you speak! Just know we are not judging, we are taking notes 🙂 you will do great!
Thank you so much, Karen! I look forward to meeting you there 🙂
Kristie, I could see why you’re nervous but really you’ll see its such a good environment and you’ll feel nothing but acceptance and support. Been a big fan of your bog for years and hope we get to meet Tuesday night at the Meet N Greet.. I’ll look for you:)
I’ll look for you there, Luci!
Kristie you will do great!!! I will miss convention this year due to the arrival of new grandbaby.
Good Luck and have FUN!!
I have just join RESA and registered for the convention – my first ever professional affiliation and educational event ever – just because of this post of yours (despite having been in the Home Styling business for many years). I am excited to hear your words of wisdom and to learn from those around me. Thank you for the inspiration!
Alison
That’s so great, Allison! I can’t wait to meet you – look for me Tuesday night at the social thingee 🙂
I am just thrilled for you Kristie. There is no one more deserving of this award than you. I know you’ll rock your speech and I wish you the best of luck!
You are so precious, Linda! Thank you, as always, for your support. Still hoping we can meet up sometime soon at some fabulous event 🙂
You will be amazing Kristie, you have so much to share to help others. Worst moment just before you go out, then it will flow and you will have fun!