Public speaking is the bane of most people's existence, but to be honest, I don't actually mind it. I am not an aficionado, but it is not my Achilles heel either. My strengths are confidence and remaining calm, while my weakness is public speaking without cue cards. Numerous public speaking experiences have given me the basis to learn and improve my skills. Public speaking is all about practice!
My experience in public speaking started in 8th grade when I presented at a National Envirothon conference. We wrote and presented an environmental plan to the world's top scientists and answered 10 minutes of follow up questions. It is this experience in which I was quivering in my boots as the youngest member on my team, that has taught me everything that I need to know. It is all about perspective. A class talk is nothing compared to standing on that stage that day. Giving a speech is minuscule compared to answering questions from top scientists. Public speaking is about appearing confident, and by comparing each public experience to my most nerve wracking one, it allows my confidence to grow. Therefore confidence gained from previous experience is my main strength.
When speaking in public, it is key to remain calm in perilous situations. Recently I saw a newscaster from Iraq dive to the ground as a enemy plane went by while she continued the broadcast. Honestly, I am definitely not at that level of calmness, but it is still one of my strengths. During one of my presentations, another year for the same science competition, I had a major coughing attack. In that moment I thought I was going into anaphylactic shock, but I still continued through my part. It is in this moment that I leaned to just be calm, we are only human. Everyone has a coughing attack every once in a while, and the audience won't judge you for it. (Unless you are Hilary Clinton of course!)
Although I have only discussed by strengths so far, I am far from perfect when it comes to public speaking. One of my key areas of weakness is when I have to think on my feet. A rehearsed, well written out speech is effortless
, but having to think on my feet without cue cards is where I falter. I lose my eye contact, my confidence, and start to include verbal fillers. The way in which I could improve on this area is solely practice. For speeches that are without cue cards, I need to reverse them many more times before the event. Question and answer sessions could be improved by thinking of possible questions before and outlining answers. Above all, more experience with public speaking without cue cards is key to turning this weakness into a strength.
I enjoy public speaking because it gives me an opportunity to present my views. Although it is stressful for everyone, capitalizing on my strengths of confidence and calmness help me to get through the situation. My numerous public speaking experiences have allowed my to develop these strengths, but I am still working on being better in situations where I have think on my feet. As said by Rob Brown, "If you can speak, you can influence. If you can influence, you can change lives."
