Dim Wit

For no reason at all, halfway into a story, I get the feeling I'm about to let myself down. Like what I have to say is so pedestrian, it could have its own road safety advert. Possibly starring an otter. This has been happening a lot recently; annecdotes, quips, bits and skits, I lose my confidence halfway through and peter out. As the punchline looms, I get frightened, overwhelmed by a dawning realisation that this tale I'm relating is crippled by disinterest, time slows down, my words tumble out in super-slow motion, all of a sudden I become aware of a whole room full of eyes point-blanking me. A whole range of brains each thinking their own secret bad opinions of me. More and more I think I don't like being the centre of attention. Boy, did I ever choose the wrong job.