Aquired Confidence Through Public Speaking by Kathryn

Aquired Confidence Through Public Speaking by Kathryn - January 2023 Scholarship Essay

One elective that I think should be a required class is public speaking.
About two years ago, I stumbled into the office of my church small group leader, family friend, as well as the coordinator of youth lecturing. Extremely hesitant and unsure, I asked myself why am I here? Ever since elementary, I had always been the type of kid who sits quietly and listens, never the type to raise their hand and confidently articulate the answer to the teacher. If I was put in situations where I had to talk, I would always anxiously rehearse the exact words I wanted to say. Public speaking seemed to go directly against the grain of my extremely shy nature, but John’s warmth and kind words slowly began to dissipate my worries. He told me how glad he was that I was doing this and assured me that lecturing, despite being scary at first, got easier the more you practice.
However, I didn’t quite fully realize how challenging it would be until I got to my first lecturing session. Even then, as I looked out into the empty church, I could feel my heart beating out of my chest. If I felt this way now, how could I ever expect to read in front of a crowd of hundreds of people? Despite this continued self-doubt, I kept with it.
Over the span of a couple of weeks, I attended a few more sessions with John. He helped me hone in on my speaking skills as well as gave me meaningful tips and tricks to read confidently. For example, he showed how it was more effective to read slowly rather than quickly, that way your words can sink in and make an impact on the audience. Bit by bit, I became more confident in my abilities.
I remember reflecting with John on the importance of learning how to publicly speak. I mean, why even bother if it’s so nerve-racking at first? At this point, I had lectured a lot more and benefited from the realization that every time I step up to the podium, it gets easier and easier. Public speaking is just like exercising, the more you practice the stronger your muscles grow and the easier it gets. He helped me to understand that that is exactly why it's important, because one day along the line in my career when I have to speak in front of large crowds, I will be completely comfortable and confident in my abilities since I’ve done it many times.
Although not everyone will have to speak in front of large crowds in their future careers, there is great value in the self-confidence it teaches individuals at a young age. Confidently and unapologetically being able to articulate your thoughts and feelings is a skill that everyone would benefit from. Public speaking at its basic form is just skill building. It would teach individuals how to take something that is scary or uncomfortable at first and then fine-tune their skills through practice and discipline.
While it is true that public speaking may already come naturally to some people, I believe there is still something for every person to gain if this were to be instated as a required course. It can help them build their leadership skills, influence decisions, as well as form connections with other people. With these basic feats under their belts, they can set out to achieve anything they desire.