[gmku]

Good points. It's something I've been working on my whole life, it seems--becoming more poised and confident when speaking, even conversationally. I've made progress, but it's still tough, partly, I think, because I am extremely introverted and so engaging in conversation takes a lot of energy for me.

I know I'm not alone, among writers and editors this way. Many are very well-spoken, of course. But I've met many that come across as not so well-spoken and even downright inarticulate in conversation.

I really do this: I try to "channel" people I admire for their poise and eloquence. I try to imagine myself in the skin of someone like this, try to physically adjust myself even, take on their characteristics, speech patterns, etc., much as an actor might. Sometimes it works.