Having done it, I understand better the organization of it and would do a better job next time, as I'm sure I lacked rhythm. There's nothing like practical experience. I thought I'd feel great relief when I got home that it was over and I could now put my mental energy to other things. Strangely, there's no such relief, just a slight regret that I didn't do it better, and that I didn't have enough time to tell some anecdotes that I had planned to paint the the picture I wished to about the various eras. A council person was on before me giving a run down on the new Eastland shopping centre soon to be constructed. She was very professional but went on and on using crap words and phrases like "stakeholders" and "iconic" and "state of the art" and "consultancy process" and much of what she said meant nothing to me. But I am a cynic. She went overtime. She invited questions at the end but they cut her off and went straight to me, saying questions to her could come later if she stayed.
So I started late and was conscious of it, the room was warm and stuffy and the audience of about 40 was of senior age, I thought short and sweet was better than to go overtime to get all my talk in. They seemed to enjoy it and applauded warmly at the end. There were some questions. Several people came up to me afterwards telling me they enjoyed my talk and asked more Q's over the supper. It was a happy event for me and I'm glad I accepted the challenge and had a crack.
The good thing is that in my preparation I learned so much, not just about Powerpoint but about the history of the district. I'm sure that's where my relative calmness came from. Knowledge of a broader picture and time frame lets you look beyond daily frustration and strife. As I drove off to pick up Chris, a voice in my head said,
"Go placidly."
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| About 1900 |
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| Hydraulic Sluicing machine Menzies Creek |
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