April 12th, 2007 4:15 pm
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I stutter. Sometimes very little. Other times it’s more pronounced. Often times I am not even aware of my stuttering or lack of verbal fluidity. Maybe that’s why I enjoy writing….except for an occasional writers block…I never struggle to type out my words.
The reason why I wrote this passage in a two part series is because I wanted to go to SFGTV and view the broadcast of the Small Business Commission meeting.
This Commission is very near and dear to me. I served as President of the San Francisco Small Business Network for three years and chaired the SF Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advisory Council for two years while I served on the Chamber Board of Directors. I co-chaired the 2004 campaign to make the Small Business Commission the first chartered Small Business Commission in the country. Proudly, I spearheaded the advocacy efforts to get the Commission televised on SFGTV (and I’m working on getting the Commission on the Environment on air as well).
Back to the meeting, I went to the podium and the three minutes went by very quickly. I covered most of the topics I wanted to cover, however, in hindsight, I should have just read the letter I had submitted to the Commission. I had trouble getting someone my words out and I knew I wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked. My goal was to have my verbal testimony augment my written testimony. Instead, I felt my presentation wasn’t as good as it could have been…a missed opportunity…in front of the Mayor.
The next day I went on to SFGTV to watch my testimony. Most of us, including me, only see our faults in photos or film…I’m fat, I’m bald, I’m pale, I have bags under my eyes…of course, I’m not referring to myself…I’m only speaking in generalities…HA!
Watching myself stumble on my words and seeing my face contort while I struggle to get words out was somewhat of a frightening experience. Hey, everybody else who knows me, they’re used to it. I’m not.
The Mayor, as did others in the room, complimented me on my presentation. That was gratifying. I suppose we’re all our own worst critics.
Clifford Waldeck
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