public speaking

As a member of the BAFTA Screening Committee, I intro films.  I am less nervous now than when I first started doing this a few years ago.  Tonight we are screening MY OLD LADY, with a Q&A after with the producers.

The intros are pretty straightforward.  Nothing very clever.  Just a thank-you to those deserving of it, a summary of the key cast and crew, and a reminder to turn off cells. I certainly don’t need to print out my words beforehand but I do.  I even practice. And while I definitely don’t need my notes, I carry them for comfort.

One of the first few times I did an intro I was with Alexander.  

After my few words before the audience, I sit down next to my son.  He leans over and whispers, “I overheard the couple in front of us.  They were really disappointed in your introduction.  Said it felt rushed and didn’t capture the essence of the film.” For a moment I believe him.  

But then I remember all the off-broadway plays I see and all the stage managers who tell the audience to turn off their phones and all the people (including myself) who do not pay attention and who are there solely to see a play.

It kinda takes the pressure off when you realize no one cares what you have to say when you are introducing a film.  Delivered well or delivered poorly, with notes or without — it doesn't matter all that much.  

I'll tell that to my fast-beating heart the next time I stand up to speak.