My Journey to the Platform
I have always had the passion for public speaking. As a child, I loved to tell stories and engage in discussions with my family and friends. In middle school, public speaking in English became a requirement, and I found myself excited about the opportunity to showcase my skills. However, not everyone was enthusiastic about it. Many of my peers were intimidated by the idea of speaking publicly. Seeing the fear in their eyes made me realize how much I wanted to take public speaking to the next level.
When I entered high school, I joined the English club and started preparing for my first English language competition. The competition was divided into four categories: extemporaneous speaking, declamation, impromptu speaking, and a group presentation. I signed up for all four, eager to show what I could do.
My Flaws as a Public Speaker
The competition day arrived, and nerves grew inside of me. I started with extemporaneous speaking, my weakest category. The topic was Climate Change, something that I thought I had clear ideas on. But as soon as I stepped in front of the judges, my mind went blank, and I struggled to articulate my thoughts. I eventually ended up speaking aimlessly for two minutes without coherence. The other categories did not go as badly, but I could see that I needed to improve.
The next few weeks were dedicated to practice. I started watching videos of TED talks and learning from the best public speakers, like Brene Brown, Simon Sinek, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I noted their delivery, choice of words, intonation, and body language. I also asked my teacher to give me honest feedback on my strengths and areas of improvement.
Becoming a Confident Public Speaker
The following year, I participated in another English language competition. This time, I felt more prepared and confident. My practice paid off, and I won first place in declamation and impromptu speaking. I also placed third in extemporaneous speaking, which was a significant improvement from the previous year.
What I learned from these competitions is that public speaking is not just about being articulate but also about connecting with the audience. It is about having a purpose behind what you say and being passionate about it. It is about showing vulnerability and authenticity to make the audience feel seen and heard. Public speaking has transformed me into a more confident person, and I am grateful for the opportunities to express myself creatively.
Final Thoughts
To those who are afraid of public speaking, my advice would be to practice, practice, practice. Watch videos of public speakers that you admire, and learn from them. Join a public speaking club or find a mentor who can give you feedback on your skills. And most importantly, do not be afraid to make mistakes. Public speaking is a skill that can be developed over time, and every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow.
As for me, I will continue to hone my public speaking skills and inspire others to do the same. I hope that my experience in the English language competition will empower others to take the stage and speak their truth confidently.