So much junk, so much to say, SO LITTLE TIME!

August 23rd, 2009 in member junk

junkermidge, member

1 user recommends

Time is definitely finite. So how does one decide whats most important in a world filled with junk possibilities?

So much junk. So many projects on the to-do list. Where does one begin? Do I start at my pile of 80+ suitcases, or maybe at my mound of 200 popcrates, or should I dig into my uncountable mountain of ugly lamps and shades?

I did get some good reaction from my Which tool do I fear the most? quiz. Was it the surprise answer, or was it the sanding my face demonstration that got their attention?

If I had been conducting a day-long seminar for hardcore junkers, I would have been right on the money! But lets face it, all they really wanted was a little entertainment while they enjoyed some peach desserts.

Time is definitely finite. So how does one decide what's most important in a world filled with junk possibilities?

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Okay. I love me my junk! I don't think that's a secret to anyone. Including my town's planning committee of the local fair. I was very privileged and excited to be asked to be the special guest speaker for the Ladies Day Main Event. (Don't you just love small town living!) Of course, I said "Yes" and have been planning ever since.

Luckily I was able to make a practice run last week when I spoke at an area church's ladies group's monthly meeting. So off I went to Battle Creek, hauling lots of junk examples with me. They knew it was my "first time" and were kind, gentle, and understanding. But to be honest, I think it could have gone a bit better. They said they enjoyed my presentation, but the truth is that I just had WAYYYYYYYYY too much to talk about. It's junk, afterall! There's just so much to say!

So now I'm days away from "The Big One". I have to edit down to about 1/3 of everything that I'd planned on saying. EEKK. How does one choose? It all seems so valuable, but I'm a junker, most of them are probably not. If any of you have ideas on saying more with less when it comes to junk talk, fire away. Meanwhile, I'll do my best to keep spreading that junk love.

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Comments (9)

shabbychick writes: Midge! So glad things went well for you -lots of great advice here for sure - and when you love what you're talking about...that makes it all so natural!

Keep up the good work!! You're a great voice for us junkers!

:)

Kathy Posted: 11:26 am on August 27th

junkermidge writes: Hey all! Just wanted to report that this presentation went much better. I think I'm getting a handle on timing, but it means I have to exclude many things I would like to talk about -- oh well. (Candy, I have heard from others that it would be neat to see a project made right in front of them and I always envisioned doing your 4x4/test tube/centerpiece but fought the urge -- again not enough time.) I was able to relax more and use more humor (my opinion). Kenda and Sue, I so respect your insights as you've both "been there". And Sue I'm especially taking to heart your advice on simplicity. Not my forte, but I'm inspired and working on it and will be posting more "simple" projects. Thanks all.
Midge Posted: 8:44 pm on August 26th

junkermidge writes: Thanks so much you guys! I will take of your words of wisdom
and encouragement with me. I'm still kind of remixing it, but I'll let you know what happens. Thank you once again.
Midge Posted: 8:18 pm on August 25th

suewhitney writes: You go girl! Congrats on your upcoming speaking engagement! Here are my tips: 1.) Funny in the beginning, funny in the middle, and close with a funny followed by a warm fuzzy. 2.) Be natural, be yourself, and share a personal story or two. 3.)Engage you audience, look 'em in the eye and ask questions that elicit a response other than yes or no. 4.)Speak up, up, and up. There's nothing worse than straining to hear a speaker. 5.)Motivate, encourage, and make your audience feel like they can do it themselves. Throwing in a little self-deprecation never hurts. 6.) Have some eye candy on the stage to grab their attention or create the "you had me at hello" factor. 7.) Short sweet, and simple how-to. Attention spans are amazingly short. 7.) Have fun and smile. If you are enjoying yourself your audience will have fun too! Sorry for the long winded response. Good luck...I'm sure you will be fantabulous!

Take care,
Sue Posted: 1:43 pm on August 24th

Junk_Sophisticate writes: Congrats to you Midge! You've got this junk thing down and it sounds like you just need some tweaking on the time you tell your tale. If I were to go to a speaking engagement regarding junk, I'd like to know how the speaker got started, how junk saves money, and to see an easy project completed by the junk expert right in front of me...while being able to view other finished projects after the program.

Way to go and I wish you all the best!
Candy Posted: 11:59 am on August 24th

RustyDiva writes: How exciting for you Midge! I'm a trainer and have to speak a lot in front of crowds. Take a deep breath, figure out the main objective you want to convey and just "tell your story". Your humor is great! Your projects are great! and You are great! Your excitement and energy will wow the crowd. Let us know how it all goes!

Kenda Posted: 10:46 am on August 24th

MimiToria writes: Congratulations on your recent speaking engagements Midge. It will be just fine, just take a deep breath and use your sense of humor. Before long, you'll forget you're even speaking in front of people and will be sharing the junker mantra with them all. Save one piece of junk at a time.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Gretchen
Posted: 8:14 am on August 24th

CottageElements writes: Midge, how exciting for you! And great post . . . I think humor will definitely add to your presentation! I'm not one to like to speak in front of others (I usually freeze up), so I don't think I'm one to give any advise. I'm sure you'll do amazing! Just have fun!

Lani Posted: 12:06 am on August 24th