Does your mind ever go blank? Of course it does. This happens to all of us. We forget the name of the book we’re reading, or, more awkwardly, the name of the friend standing right in front of us.
You may laugh at yourself and say, “Oh, my poor over-burdened brain!”
But having a blank mind in front of an audience can be ominous. People may think you don’t know what you’re talking about, that you’re unprepared, that you are pitiful.
It is folly to pretend your mind isn’t blank when it is. Thus, because you can’t hide it, paint it red: “My mind just went blank. Where was I? “Somebody helped me out.” And someone will. Or not. If not, just move on.
If you can accept any situation with dignity, so can your audience. “I’ve lost my place.” “I’m running out of time.” “I didn’t expect that question.” Be real. Be genuine. We’ll be with you.
