Overcoming My Fear of Public Speaking

            Being either the president or an officer of almost every club in school, most people would think that I am the perfect speaker. But in reality I am just like anyone else. To be honest, big presentations and speeches are my weak points. They often get me worked up and nervous, and force me to prepare more than I have to. However, it is now safe to say that with each passing year in high school, my confidence in my speaking abilities has grown. I only wish that my confidence had come a bit sooner, because as junior year arrived more and more public speaking moments presented themselves. .
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             One moment in particular stood out the most. It was the night of the Spanish Honor Society induction ceremony. One day before, my adviser had told me that as President of the society it was my duty to recite a speech and a pledge welcoming the new inductees. Once I heard what I had to do, my heart practically stopped and I imagined what it would be like to speak in front of hundreds of parents the night of the induction ceremony. I saw myself slowly approaching the podium appearing nervous and unconfident, once I started to speak I saw myself stuttering to the point where I appeared foolish. My speech impairment for the moment prevented me from reciting my whole speech. My nightmare ended with me running off the stage filled with embarrassment. In an effort to overcome my nightmare, I rushed home and started working on my speech. Within one to two hours I had completed my speech and started working hard rehearsing the pledge. After reciting the speech and the pledge multiple times, I was confident that I was prepared enough to do well the following evening. .
             As night turned to day, and the hours leading up to the ceremony rapidly ticked down, my nerves started working up again. However, it was not until I was sitting on stage that I started to realize how nervous I actually was. As I was sitting on stage, waiting for my adviser to introduce me, all I thought about was how I was going to present my speech without making a fool of myself.