Bamse, Beck and Bajen

Only a certain kind of public speaker can get the above into his introductory remarks at a prestigious conference and of course it was yours truly.

The presentation went well I think but I was miffed that the Swedish spoken for the rest of the day was just too fast for me.

In my opening remarks I said something on the lines of:

‘Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very embarrassed this morning. I have been here 18 months and I should be able to talk you through my presentation in Swedish.

I did start having lessons but I now teach myself.

To the amusement of my staff I read Bamse comics so I know the words ‘dönder honig’ (thunder honey), I also know ‘sov och mat klocka and I am sure mine will be going off at noon.

I also make myself watch the Swedish police show Beck so I know the word HELVETE! (hell!)

And I also, being a Brit, love football and I watch a Stockholm team, Hammarby (one cheer from the audience!) but I cant repeat the words I have learnt down there this season’.

Funny and most delegates chuckled. It was a nice bridge into what would be a serious topic. I was the opening presentation so wanted to keep it fairly easy going and not too taxing.

I have a lot of experience in public speaking but never before have I given a ‘how to’ presentation to a paying audience. My presentations are usually selling a service, product or concept.

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At one point during the talk I had a real fear that I had not done my trouser zip up before leaving home. I was convinced I hadnt, I couldnt look down or check but had to plough on with the talk.

Of course I had zipped up, why does the mind play such awful tricks on us? I wonder if Obama has such nasty thoughts when talking!

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