[Syzygies]

Yes. In the years since I've learned that it is better to go off script. Preparation is so one can react, like a tennis match.

After that trial by fire, I've been comfortable before audiences of a thousand multiple times. Once, asked how I became the math consultant for "A Beautiful Mind", I looked out and managed to sell "Every audience is an audience of one".

For anxiety, it helps to remember that public speaking is a cultural ritual. It's not about you, you're playing a role.

When one gives academic job talks, most professors in the room don't understand your subject. What they can tell is whether you listen to questions. How well you answer questions is everyone's best gauge as to how smart you are. If the people who know you are already on your side, the talk itself is a Macguffin. Be truly present at each question, consider it honestly.

[sheikheddy]

> Once, asked how I became the math consultant for "A Beautiful Mind", I looked out and managed to sell "Every audience is an audience of one".

Wait, are you Dave Bayer?

[tshanmu]

HN ftw