We're critical creatures. Oh boy, are we ever critical! And when it comes to our expectations of ourselves, we're truly merciless.

But wait a minute. Is that necessary? Is it productive? Is it even kind to ourselves and others? Accepting praise is a real art; accepting praise for what we consider a less-than-sterling performance requires an Oscar-winning performance!

Here are things to consider as you prepare yourself for that performance:

1. Remember that you are your own worst critic. Unless your admirers are, themselves, experts in your field they aren't likely to pick up on, or care about, any small glitches in your presentation. What they will recall is their overall impression, or the part of your talk that is of particular interest to them.

2. You are the Speaker because you're considered to be an expert in your subject or to have special or important information. Your listeners, in most cases, are there to learn from you. You know things that your audience wants to know.

3. Lay your ego aside. Forget how you are feeling about your performance. Don't let it get in the way of accepting your admirers' praises.

4. If you feel overcome with shyness at being complimented, think of your interaction as being the same as you would have with a close friend. Then relax and be yourself.

5. When a person is saying complimentary things about you or your presentation, she or he may well be wanting to be recognized by you as being a worthwhile or educated person.

George Bernard Shaw, in The Devil's Disciple, wrote: "The worst sin to our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity.”

6. Your admirer may feel intimidated by your expertise and real or assumed "position” and may stutter and stammer while trying to find the words to express their admiration. Be patient. Do not fill in their sentences for them. Simply look encouraging and give them time to get their words in order. Priceless or original comments often emerge if you allow the time and attention.

7. Please do not look over their head to see if there's someone more important waiting to talk to you.

8. And do not, please, turn away from an admirer who has waited to thank you, and engage in lengthy "buddy” conversations with family, friends or peers while your admirer cools her/his heels, feeling increasingly insignificant!

9. If you must interrupt your attention to an admirer, excuse yourself, do what you need to do, and return your attention to your admirer promptly, with a brief word of apology.

10. Remember always that you are at the service of your audience. Serve them by treasuring their comments and their thank you's.

11. You may be special in your field. But, as a human being, each member of your audience is every bit as special and valuable as you are. Treat them that way!