Another day, another line
As I’m approaching this second year of my MLS program, I’ve been getting more and more accustomed to new professional experiences. In May, I presented my first poster, and in about 12 hours, I’m going to be giving my first talk—on the same topic, incidentally.
I wouldn’t say that I’m nervous—it’s just a 5-minute lightning talk, after all—but I’m looking forward to finishing with a few seconds to spare and sitting down. Really, I haven’t put that much extra preparation in since the poster. I’m basically going to be saying the same things I said there, just in front of a lot more people. The tricky bit, I guess, is swooping in under 300 seconds, while not talking so fast as to be confusing.
No caffeine tomorrow morning, then.
What’s funny is that I’m not nervous because of the many and important people. I much more dislike talking in front of a small group of peers than on stage in front of 50 or so colleagues. Really, you could put me in front of a crowd of thousands, and it wouldn’t bother me that much. Stage fright is not one of my issues.
All said, I guess I’m a little twitchy because it’ll be a new experience, like riding a roller coaster for the first time or stepping into prom. I’m not nervous for the act itself, just for the novelty.
And I’m definitely adding a “Talks” section to my CV that afternoon. What’s a professional life without shiny new headings?
