Public Speaking by Alexandra

Public Speaking by Alexandra - January 2022 Scholarship Essay

In 2020, I took a Speech course because one of my biggest anxieties has always been public speaking and social engagements. While I only got a C in the course, I am so glad I took it, because, in 2021, I practiced and honed the skills I had only read about in that speech course.

While serving as President of my previous school's Student Government Association, the week before classes were to start, I was required to give a speech in front of our freshmen and their parents on each campus. The first time around, I was scared out of my mind. By the sixth time, I was almost comfortable with the whole idea. The next week, I had to give the welcome speech to the entire school and broadcast on the local news, and promptly decided that I was not, in fact, comfortable with the whole idea, but at least I was able to do what I needed to do without crying.

Over the semester, I spoke at school events, at Board of Governors meetings, and in student organization leadership meetings. In November, I had the opportunity to travel to San Diego, California for five days for a community college trustees conference, where I was able to speak and socialize in meetings with my peers from around the country as well as educators and industry leaders with decades of experience and knowledge. Each time I successfully pulled off a speech or interaction, I felt less like I was fooling the other participants, and more like it was possible that I actually was a decent communicator and speaker.

Finally, in December, my time was up as President, and I was preparing for graduation. To graduate, I was required to perform two interviews, a live presentation, and a recorded speech. As anxiety set in the week before these engagements, I resigned myself to the idea that I may not graduate because of my fear, and that was ok as long as I tried my best. After the final interview, I asked my panel for constructive criticism, so that I could work on acing the next go around. I was shocked when I was told that there were no pointers, and nothing needed to be improved. I earned one hundred percent on each item and graduated with my associate degree.

Now, I am working toward my bachelor's degree, and I am confident to participate in discussions, challenge my instructors, ask questions, and give my opinion; all of which were completely beyond my capabilities a year ago. The ability to communicate and socialize confidently and competently has become absolutely vital tools to help me achieve and excel in my education.