The Indispensable Course: Interview and Public Speaking by chelsea

The Indispensable Course: Interview and Public Speaking by chelsea - June 2025 Scholarship Essay

My choice is an easy yet important one: a comprehensive course that blends the arts of interviewing and public speaking. This isn't simply a personal preference for the stage or microphone but a belief based on experience. Mastering finding your voice, articulating thoughts under pressure, and connecting with an audience. Whether it is one-on-one or in front of a small group of peers, I know these are fundamental skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Too often, we ignore these vital communication aspects, yet they are two of the most valuable skills for life. Public speaking equips individuals with the confidence to amplify their purpose, tell their stories, and advocate for their beliefs on a larger scale. Interviewing shines one's essence, qualification, and potential. It requires active listening, strategic articulation, and the ability to think swiftly on your feet. All of which take authenticity, vulnerability, and confidence.  

My personal journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of these skills. As the current Miss District of Columbia Teen USA 2024 and a Top 20 finalist at Miss Teen USA, I've had the immense privilege of winning the "Best Interview" award numerous times in pageants. These accolades, however, did not come easily or naturally. Eight years ago, I would have most likely chosen dance as my required course over anything that involved speaking in front of an audience. The thought of being judged on my own words, my immediate responses, or my poise was terrifying. The ease and confidence I now project in interview settings are the direct result of tenacious practice, countless mock interview sessions, and an interview coach who had a strong belief in me. However, not all students have the financial means or the opportunity to have an interview coach. Which is why school is the ideal place to learn.

This evolution from a shy, interview-avoidant individual to someone recognized for their interviewing skills highlights a critical gap in our education system. I can now ace a job interview without fear of what they may ask me. Why? Because my years of interview coaching showed me no matter the question, my confidence and authenticity would carry me through my interview. This course enables all students to network effectively, present a project, or articulate a complex idea to a peer, which can be nerve-wracking for students worldwide. Through a teacher with an encouraging mindset, practice, feedback, and structured guidance, our next generation can succeed far past the classroom. They can excel in both the professional world and effectively communicate in personal relationships.

Consider these scenarios where these skills are essential: a college admissions interview, a scholarship application, an internship pitch, leading a team meeting, negotiating a salary, or even mediating a disagreement with a loved one. In a world increasingly in need of clear communication, critical thinking, and compelling narratives, leaving the development of these abilities to chance is a disservice to our students. A specific class would provide a safe and structured environment for students to practice conveying their thoughts coherently, manage anxiety, and receive constructive criticism, all while developing their unique communication style. It would teach them to think on their feet, anticipate questions, and present themselves with poise and conviction.

In summary, making "Interview and Public Speaking 101" a required course does not mean creating the next Miss USA or political orators. It is about providing every student with the essential tools they need to navigate a world that requires confident and articulate individuals. We are ensuring that all people can effectively represent themselves, share their ideas, and contribute passionately to any conversation. This course will empower students to master their voices and share their purpose with confidence. This, in turn, will open doors for them and shape their futures far more than any math equation can.