Friday Q&A: Public speaking, preparation, and chronic illness
Meredith tackles more of your questions! Ask yours today, and check back next Friday for the answer. Maybe she'll choose yours!
JANUARY 25, 2008
I've got a question for you this week... I'm a senior in high school and I participate in Extemporaneous Speaking and Student Congress. Did you do any sort of public speaking growing up and have you always been comfortable with public speaking or did it take awhile? (I know I still sometimes get nervous...)
Thanks!
Renee
Posted by Renee Byq on January 18 at 11:30pm
According to surveys I’ve read, public speaking is feared more than death. It’s scary to get up in a roomful of strangers and speak off the top of your head, no matter how well you know the subject matter. They say you are supposed to pretend that everyone in the audience is in their underwear. I’ve tried that but it’s still a bunch of strangers in their underwear (and that’s even more frightening). But I will say I still get butterflies, which I actually believe is a good thing because it gets your juices going. Complacency can result in a sort of monotone speech. I’ve found that some of the best speeches I’ve ever given are when I have no written speech in front of me and whatever notes I have are minimal. That way you tend to speak more from the heart and there’s a realness that comes through, Good luck. And don’t forget to wear clean underwear.
What is all included in the Research Packets the 4 of you get each night?
Posted by Matt from DeWitt, MI on January 18 at 10:40pm
Everybody’s daily packet is different. We all get the rundown that lists what is in the show, but my packet only contains detailed notes on the segments I’m doing. Each producer gives me a note with an overview of the topic and or guest, background material, and a list of suggested questions or topics to discuss. In order to get a better sense of what Matt may have on his plate, I have to go into my computer where everybody’s information is listed.
Will your husband ever write a book on that topic for kids/teens who struggle with chronic illness? I would love to read it.
Posted by Chris O. on January 17 at 01:47pm
I’m not sure at this point if Richard will write another book because it is physically taxing on him, and he’s the kind of guy who needs to do it all himself; it’s part of the entire experience for him. But he certainly addressed chronic illness in younger people to some extent in Strong at The Broken Places because two of the people he profiled—Sarah, who has Crohn’s disease, and Ben, who has muscular dystrophy, have been living with chronic illness their entire lives. I think it’s a great idea for a book and I will mention it to him. Thanks.
Feel free to post a question of your own for next time!
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Which show do you have more fun doing, Millionaire or Today?
I would think that Millionaire would be more fun because you are the star of the show and your giving away money. What could be more fun than that :)
Hi Meredith, Thanks for answering my question about a book for teens with chronic illness. And you're right, Richard's book does address lifelong struggles--so that includes teens too. I am sure it was grueling for Richard to write Strong at Broken Places--both because of the time/effort and the very personal topic. Wishing the best to both of you. I'll keep my fingers crossed that Richard keeps on writing. On the same topic, I really enjoyed the TODAY segments on alternative medicine. Thanks for keeping viewers educated. Have a fantastic weekend.
Hi, Meredith--
Here's a "road not taken" question for you. You are an exceedingly special woman with many fine qualities and talents in abundance: intelligence, warmth, humor, spirit, insight, great inward and outward beauty. If not for electronic journalism, in what other profession or life's work might you have traveled--i.e., what would "alternative Meredith" have done with her many gifts? Cheers to you and yours from icy, sub-zero WI.
Thanks so much for answering my question! I agree that imagining people in their underwear doesn't work, because starting to laugh while telling a judge why the U.S. is headed towards an economic recession is even worse than just stumbling on your words... I'll just have to start taking the attitude that a few seconds of internal panic actually helpful to my speaking. Thanks again.
Renee
Meredith I love all the green stuff, but my experience with the new light bulb has not been good. I retired 3 yrs ago and when I moved into my new place I put the new bulbs in. In the last 3 yrs the bright light became dim & now they are all burned out. I have gone back to the old type of bulb. Have you guys done any of your own research? Or is it just me?
Please let Richard know that after seeing him on Today and The View, I bought his book to give to my friend just diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am hoping that she will find comfort and inspiration.
I am 60 years old and have lived with chronic illness since diagnosed in 1993. It is rough to live day to day. Your (Meredith's) husband's book has been a big help and assists with in realizing that I am not as bad off as I think. Thank you.
Who from the Today Show will be going to China for the Olympics?
All of you seem to have such great chemistry. Do you and your family's socialize at all?
Thanks for a wonderful start to each day.
What is involved in broadcasting "Today" on the West Coast? Do you guys go live again at 10 am for a 7 am hour for the Pacific Time Zone?
Hi Meredith,
I am watching you right now broadcasting live from London, how lucky can a person get? I would give anything to go to London. Did Richard go with you, probably not. I suppose he is home with the kids.
Anyway you look beautiful from London but you look like that everyday.
Love ya,
Joan K.
Wisconsin
Meredith
Why was it necessary to send a private plane yet again across the ocean to cover stories that could have been done by Dawna Friesen? After all, she works for NBC and is based in London.
NBC preaches for us to change our light bulbs and car pool to work while they send private planes long distances to cover you rolling down a hill etc.
If NBC employees were truly concerned about carbon footprints, they'd step up and practice what they preach. It's the height of hypocrisy.
Hi Meredith,
I love the embarassing moment in London involving the duke that you shared with viewers this morning. (1/28). I know you've had a couple moments on the air that you might wish you could erase, but what other "behind the scenes" gaffes have occurred at the Today Show?
To "Caroline" (or "Chris" or whatever the heck your alias is today):
By your logic, then Dawna Friesen should have bungee jumped off that bridge instead of Ann Curry. After all, why waste fuel on a flight to London for an attention-grabbing publicity stunt (although it was for charity)? Also, by your logic Matt should have let Dawna Friesen interview Princes Harry & William last year. You did not complain about Ann or Matt, so why are you complaining now? Could it be that you are just angry that Meredith is now getting a chance at the spotlight for a change? Bottom line, you seriously need to get a life.
By the way, if you even bothered to read Brian Williams' blog, you would know that NBC anchors & correspondents generally fly commercial.
Caroline-So what? Get off your high horse. At least Meredith is over there to conduct an actual interview. Ann went to England just jump off a bridge last month. Was that "going green"? But I did enjoy the jump anyway. Stop being petty and just watch TV.
To Caroline, Chris, or whoever you are,
People like you drive me nuts, just so you can get your complaining in for the day, go somewhere else and complain. I hope you are doing whatever you can to go green, that is all that counts.
Love ya Meredith
Joan K.
Wisconsin
Meredith: Before you started blogging did you ever keep a journal or something to get all these good thoughts out? I wondered since it seems so cathartic to write like this. Youâre so good at it too!! Love ya from TN, JT
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Youâve accomplished so much alreadyâwhatâs next for you?!
I really like the hat you wore this morning, Monday February 11, 2008. Please share where you got it from or the name of the designer?
Hi Meredith,
I happened to catch you and your husband on the Larry King show a couple of weeks ago and went right out to get the book..It is extremely moving..In fact my father-in-law passed away 8 years ago after living for 30 years with MS and since then I have wanted to do something to help find a cure. I have decided to do the MS150 bike ride! I am not sure how I am going to do it..I am 45 years old and just started riding again. My goal is to get 25 teammates who also haven' done the ride and raise 10,000 for the cause. I know you are a native Rhode Islander so if you would like to join my team as a volunteer or a rider that would be terrific. Keep up your great work. The ride website is www.ms150ri.org our team name is Wheels on my Heels.
Thanks I hope to hear from you!
Liz Coccio