The Art of Public Speaking

Enrolling into a college at the age of fifteen was certainly a big step for me into the word of adulthood. There are many differences that make a college difficult to manage, especially to the mind of a young adolescent as myself. As all of you know, growing up means being given more freedom and with that freedom is the choice to fool around or to choose to get the work needed to be done in order to achieve the things we need. And I wasn't the type to go out of my way to study hard and go looking for help. I was exclusive and quiet silently soaking in information as I subconsciously isolated myself over the years of elementary and junior high. This meant the absolute worst once I had enrolled into my Public Speaking class. I had no experience putting myself in front of so many people and for such a long period of time. The instant I stood before the class I felt myself lit up like a stick of TNT and would hold my breath for the longest moment not to explode, but needing to get the words out at the same time.

The first few times were painstakingly humiliating and my suffocation made it all the more obvious to the class how awkward I was adding more to my embarrassment. It was a vicious cycle of wanting to be natural yet worrying that the class would see me as an awkward speaker, which I was. I honestly felt I would go nowhere in the class, but my teacher was kind enough to preach us regularly about the reality of speaking to groups of people. It’s all a matter of perspective, he would say, it’s not the end of the world even if you think it’s so. It’s only a speech.

These words of wisdom were a blessing. Sometimes the key to succeeding isn't really about caring less, but more like worrying less. Take things into perspective. If I stuttered in my speech, mispronounced a word, or even tripped on my way back to the seat, the worst that could ever befall me would be that I’d get laughed at. Not shunned. Take things into perspective. My classmates are just as nervous I was. They would not shun me for my actions but maybe only pity me, which I could take. Also they probably didn't listen to the speeches anyway. Take things into perspective. The advantages of completing my speeches outweigh the temporary embarrassment. If I refused to speak I would be scorned for being irresponsible and cowardly. The point was that if you want to hit the ball, you need to swing the bat. I shouldn't ponder over the crazy consequences my mind imagines, because the truth is that it’s all a waste of time.

My experience in Public Speaking certainly has helped me pop my bubble. I do heat up a bit before performing, but like any skill it takes practice to be perfect, as with the art of speaking.