First Speech: Scary Times But Worth It

This past Tuesday I had to give my first speech in my presentational speaking class. The worst part wasn't even the fact that I had to give a speech it was the fact that we weren't allowed to have any notecards to assist us. Our entire speech had to be a natural conversation that we could do off the top of our heads. I knew that this class was going to push me outside of my comfort zone but I am happy I am taking it because I know it will be worth it for my future. 

I don't have a terrible fear of public speaking but it is not something I particularly enjoy either. I know some people absolutely hate it and some people actually enjoy it but I am more in the middle. If I have to public speak I will be nervous but at the end of the day I know i just have to get it over with and try to make it the best I can. I am a person who usually can get straight to the point when I am talking so trying to naturally keep talking was a challenge. But, my professor had us start our speech preparation with an outline. This helped me because it forced me to elaborate on what I wanted to speak about and I was able to write down various thoughts that I could keep talking about in a natural way. When I was practicing my speech I made sure that I was working on fully describing what I was trying to get across rather than getting straight to the point. This helped me not only reach the time limit of the speech but also created a more in depth and quality speech. Surprisingly, heading into the week I wasn't that nervous about the speech. I knew that my entire class was in the same position and we all were experiencing the same feelings. But, then when I got to class Tuesday I was anxious and just ready to get it over with. Luckily I signed up to go fifth so I was able to hear a few speeches before mine but was able to get it done so the adrenaline and anxious feelings were able to wear off. Overall, I felt that my speech went well. I was in the time limit and hit most of the points I wanted to make. I have a lot of things I still need to work on but I think this first speech is a good starting point. 

I knew that this class was going to get uncomfortable at times and that it wasn't a class where you just sit and take notes. But, I am grateful we have to take it as a business student at Ohio Northern because it will help with my public speaking skills and also overall communication skills. Plus, it will teach me how to stay calm and comfortable in possible uncomfortable scenarios and situations!