My Cheyenne Frontier Days Experience: On-Stage Advice from K99’s Good Morning Guy Todd

On Sunday night, K99's Good Morning Guy Todd Harding welcomed the crowd at Cheyenne Frontier Days without his other half, Brian Gary — and he asked me to go on stage with him. 

Those are some big shoes to fill. (Like, really. My feet are a women's size six. I can still wear kids' shoes.) Sometimes, I believe in trying new things that scare me, and this was a great opportunity to do just that. Needless to say, I had some pre-show nerves to work out, but thankfully, I had my 'office bestie' Todd to talk me through it. (Todd and I share a work space, so I am blessed with 'Todd-isms' on a regular basis.)

Here is the advice he gave me on speaking in front of a large crowd:

I said, "Todd, I'm worried I'm going to get all nervous and weird up there." He said:

 You will be nervous. Channel that energy. There is nothing we can do about you being weird.

Thanks... I think?

He also reminded me: The crowd is on your side. They are supporting you; they didn't come out to watch you fail.

I would certainly hope not... but who knows!

Lastly, he said: Just be yourself, because you are delightful! 

Aw, thanks, Todd! I think YOU are delightful, and I really do love your man mittens. They're adorable. Sure enough, once Todd and I were up, my nerves had subsided, and neither of us tossed our cookies!

So whether you're giving a speech in front of your public speaking class, or you're up in front of the 'Party Zone' crowd, forget all that 'just imagine everyone in their underwear' stuff — because that never worked for me — and give these Good Morning Guy tips a try.