11: Public speaking

Public speaking/ performance - they are the same

It’s been a while since I was last seen here on the blog as I have been miserably sick and cannot do much. I tried my best to not drag my group members down with my performance. I may not be someone who is smart or anything but I still have some guts to prepare to face what is given me – like public speaking.

I have read through my team-mates’ blogs and I do agree with them, many a times we have what you call speech anxiety. Not many people can do public speaking without going through some anxious moments in the beginning.

When in high school, I have to go through similar ordeals like speaking in public. What made me who I am today was because I embraced the anxiety and deal with it. I was quiet and shy but because I do not like to loose as well, I began to change. I was a commander and a band major in my unit uniform and I have to lead people and make speeches and perform in front of crowds. However, if I do not overcome this anxiety, the rest of the girls who are following me and under my command will get even more anxious and nervous especially before a performance.

Although I did not have too many speeches to make, but I know what I am doing and I prepared well, that made me who I was and able to march forward and lead the group. I dare not say that I am a good leader but I know that if I put my heart to it, I can do it.

Compared to many good public speakers, I am still a novice and have much to learn. One of my favorite speakers is Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson, whom my husband has introduced me to. I am in awe how he can interpret his knowledge of Astrophysics about the cosmos into simple words to encourage people in their daily lives. That is one of the things that I would love to do – to turn my knowledge into something that can help others, to encourage others and support them. Words are powerful tools, if we know how to use it properly, we can turn that into opportunity and encouragement but if used in a wrongful way, it will harm and tear others down.

Besides Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson, there are a string of stand up comedians that I am aware of that gave me the same the feeling – confidence and know what you are doing. I truly respect them because it is not easy to be a public speaker and on top of that, you are speaking comedies. There are no specific facts or topics of what you need to talk about and you have to gain audiences attention so you can continue to be stand up comedian. It is not easy but they still went through it. I am not sure what else brings them to choose to be a standup comedian, but for all I know is that, you need to always be prepared and know your materials!!