Public speaking story

Naturally reserved, I was always very nervous when I made a speech and never enjoyed the experience.   And so, it was after another oral assessment on an ordinary school day in Year 7 when I saw a poster calling for debaters.  This was to be the beginning of many debates with myself.  Maybe I should get more information, maybe another day, maybe another time as I continually made excuses for myself even though I knew opportunity does not knock twice (to use a famous proverb).

Ultimately, my English teacher made the decision when she asked me to be on the debating team having read my class essays.  I found persuasive writing challenging but also invigorating to constantly reiterate the issue and allot relevant evidence to my arguments.  Little did I know that this would assist in public speaking.

Impromptu debating was not without its moments of sheer terror and stress - when we worked out our case twenty minutes before speaking time.  Just nine words, "And now the third speaker of the affirmative team..." caused overwhelming sensations: heart fluttering, stomach churning, light headedness, dry mouth. 

It is easier to be motivated when you are not a lone ranger.  Some of the times I got my friend to sit in the audience.  Whenever I felt there was a lack of audience rapport, I would think of my speech as a just a normal conversation with her.  I realized that undoubtedly there would be people in the audience who are also afraid to speak and therefore would not be critical. Debating does have many benefits: it not only complements vital oral English skills but also trains you to think on your feet.

One of the reasons I was afraid of speaking was that I knew I wouldn't be able to make everyone laugh.  Truth is, everyone has their unique style of speaking - just as two directors can take the same script and produce two different blockbuster hits. 

Always remember: successful public speakers are made, not born.