I have been planning the details for our first cruise, next week, going from Miami to Jamaica and the Grand Cayman Islands. I am one of the speakers for a Social Media & Blogging Conference (Social Media By the Sea) that is taking place right on the cruise ship. It should be interesting.
This is my first speaking engagement. I am not a speaker by any means, but I am sure I will do fine. I have spoken several times in church. And I also run a Mommy & Me group where I often have to speak to the ladies. I guess a part of me is still nervous though. Any advice on how to keep my nerves calm? And don’t say Valium. LOL
But I’ll tell ya, the planning has just about been driving me to the edge. I have been putting together folders with a 15 page presentation of what I will be speaking on, a powerpoint presentation, and even prize coupons. Here are are few pictures of what I am doing.
I am the type of person that goes all out when it comes to my work, but I don’t think I realized what I was getting into when I started. The presentations alone were a $150 project with the cost of the folders, ink, paper, and sticky tabs. They have also taken me DAYS to put together (I am still not done). 
In the folders are tabbed sections – 3 are on my speaking topics and 1 is a section that tells all about me, my company, my services, and rates. I also had beautiful pens made with my company name & website. They are individually boxed and I am adding bows that match the blue color in the folder. I guess I just need some assurance. If you were going to a conference and one of the speakers presented you with this, would it make you want to work with the company?
Another part of the planning process has been packing in preparation for traveling 2 hours to my mom’s house, staying there for a night and leaving the kids with her, then flying to Miami and staying overnight in a hotel, then going on the cruise, flying back to my moms after the cruise, staying for a few days and then driving home. WOWZERS! I am a planner and being pregnant actually makes it worse and causes me to be even more neurotic.
I have typed out a daily schedule for my mom with specific instructions for each child. She will know what to do from the time they wake up till the go to bed. I have also created a list of meal plan suggestions. I just want to make it easier for her because I know that it will be difficult with 3 small children. I know that I will also feel better, being so far away and out of control, knowing that my mom can know exactly what to do by referring to my list.
Going somewhere alone without our children is not a usual thing for us. My husband and I have never gone on a real vacation without them. I am really looking forward to the down time, but a bit nervous as well. This is my first cruise and I am really hoping that I will not get sea sick.
As you can see, there is a lot on my plate and I am just glad that I still have time to work through it all. We are leaving Wednesday of this coming week.
Well, wish me luck or blessings or whatever you want to do. I am definitely going to need it. Oh, and I would love to hear your advice as well! Comments are always welcome. The things I need advice for are in bold within this post. Thanks so much guys! You are the best.
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Congrats!! Best of luck to ya, and you’ll do fine! I’m shy of speaking in public, I try my best to avoid it, so no advice for you there. Have a great time and enjoy yourself!
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I am too shy to speak in public but I think you’ll do great!
As far as what you have put together, I think that I would be impressed and would love to work with your company! Looks like you have really done a great job!
Have fun on the cruise =)
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admin Reply:
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:50 am
Thank you so much. We are very excited. I really appreciate your encouragement!
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Twitter: Mommy2Marlie
It sounds like you are prepared and then some! Bravo! My traveling advice is to stay hydrated while traveling especially since you are pregnant. It’s so easy to forget to take in fluids (especially enough H2O) when you are rushing through an airport and making connections (they don’t make it easy by banning water bottles at security then charging you $3 for an 8oz bottle on the concourse, ugh!)
My public speaking advice is to talk to some of the attendees sitting in the audience before you get behind the podium. This always helps me because I then feel like I am talking to friends rather than a group of strangers who are judging me.
Good luck! You will be awesome!
p.s. did i mention I am jealous?! Miami and Jamaica are my two most favorite places on the planet
.-= Teresha@ Marlie and Me´s last blog ..Baby Log: Week One =-.
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The hardest thing will be to let it all go & leave everything behind knowing u planned well. After all why put so much into planning if u don’t rest assured u r well prepared. Ur presentation is going to be awesome & u will blow them away with ur professional handouts.Now rest & relax! & enjoy this trip. U & Cliff deserve it LUVYA Be anxious for nothing.God is in control
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I don’t speak in public very often, but I have done it a couple of times for various ministries. You are well prepared so you will do just fine. I find that’s the biggest thing is knowing exactly what you’re going to say and having notes to refer to. Just say a prayer before you go up for God to calm your nerves and for the attendees to take home what they’re supposed to from it.
Your folder looks awesome!!! I would definitely work with you
You seem to be very organized and “together” and it shows in your preparation.
Enjoy your trip!!! Your mom and your kids will be fine…believe it or not…they will. Relax and have some fun and like one of the commenters above said, drink lots of water!!! If you start feeling sea sick, try to go outside and look at the water or find a window to look out of.
.-= Mary Lutz´s last blog ..Meal Planning-Plan for Leftovers =-.
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You’re kidding right? You are more prepared that I am & I only have one! I think you’re the best VA! I’ve learned alot from you. You are organized, dedicated, committed to both your clients and family. I’m excited that you agreed to speak. It’s your time to get in front of the room and soar. Looking forward to meeting both you and Cliff. Mom took care of you, she’ll do the same or better with her grands. I’m with Mom…be anxious for nothing God is in control. See you in Jamaica at the worlds first Social Media Cruise!
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You are going to be GREAT! I wish I were going to be there to cheer you on. Know I will be praying for you all week. Stay hydrated, rest when you need it. I sleep best on a cruise ship-hopefully you will too. Relax, the kids will be fine, your mom knows what she is doing. Enjoy time alone with your hubby before #4 makes his entrance into this world.
I’ve cruised this itinerary before, you will have a great time. Take time to enjoy the ship’s amenities and all of the great food, the flourless chocolate cake is my fave dessert.
When it comes to speaking in public, you will be fine. You are very well prepared. Ask for God’s help and He will be there with you. When is your talk? DM me the day and time so I can pray specifically before and during your presentation. Have fun and…relax.
.-= Cindy Schultz´s last blog ..Take Back Control =-.
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Congrats! I am so excited for you. You must tell me how it goes. I would love to be a speaker. I guess I gotta make some opportunities happen for me. Oh and of course your folder and coupons look great.
.-= Felicia – I Complete Me´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
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Wow! Dawn…You go girl! I know you’ll do an awesome job and give a fantastic presentation. Sounds like you have everything in place. I wish I was as organized as you. Maybe, one of these days! Hope you have a blast. Take it easy while your cruising too- find some time for R&R don’t overdo it mama! You’ve got a baby in there….lol!
.-= Leslie – La Mama Naturale’´s last blog ..Be A Green Bookworm: Read Used! =-.
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Seems like you’ll have a great time there – cause that ship is really great!
Hop you’ll like your traveling!
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