The First Time on Stage: Navigating the Nervousness and Learning the Art of Speaking

Public speaking can be a daunting experience, especially for the first time. Today, we will explore three personal stories of individuals who gave their first speech on stage and the valuable lessons they learned from the experience. Each story is unique, yet they all share common themes of nervousness, preparation, and growth.

Swati's Journey: Speaking on Teacher's Day

Swati, now 24, recounts her experience giving her first speech when she was around 8-9 years old. As a young child, Swati had a natural inclination towards performing, but mostly through dancing and singing. However, in her fifth standard, her class teacher recommended she participate in a speech about Teacher's Day, which falls on September 5th. Despite her nervousness, Swati prepared well and planned to deliver the speech without looking at her notes.

Luckily, Swati managed to speak with enthusiasm and even garnered applause from the audience as she began. But within 2-3 minutes, she became nervous and forgot everything. She was left saying anything, feeling embarrassed for her class teacher. However, her teacher intervened and handed over her notes, guiding her through the rest of the speech. Though it was difficult, Swati acknowledged that this experience taught her a valuable lesson about humility and the importance of never being overly confident.

Respect for Teachers: A 7th Grade Experience

Seven years later, during her seventh grade, Swati gave another speech on the topic of respecting teachers. This time, she faced the challenge of being nervous and unsure about how to speak or move while on stage. However, the experience was not entirely negative. She mentioned that she obtained second place in her school's debate competition, once again showcasing her growing confidence and skills in public speaking.

While Swati's friend won first place, she still felt a sense of accomplishment and was inspired by the supportive environment around her. This experience taught her that even when things don't go as planned, the encouragement from loved ones can make all the difference.

The First Formal Debate in 8th Grade

For Kritika, her first formal speech on stage was also during her eighth grade. The topic is not remembered, but the experience remains vivid in her mind. Despite feeling scared, sweaty, nervous, and shivering, Kritika still managed to participate in the debate competition. This experience highlighted her courage and resilience in the face of fear and uncertainty. Similar to Swati, Kritika's journey teaches us the importance of facing our fears and pushing through nervousness to achieve our goals.

These stories illustrate that public speaking, though scary at first, is a skill that can be honed through practice, support, and perseverance. Each of these individuals overcame their initial nerves and transformed the experience into a learning opportunity for growth and confidence.

Conclusion

Public speaking is an art that requires effort, practice, and a bit of courage. Whether it's delivering a speech on Teacher's Day, participating in a debate, or giving a formal speech for the first time, each experience is an opportunity for personal development. Embrace the nervousness, seek support, and turn your first-time speeches into memorable, empowering moments that help shape you as a public speaker.

Remember, even if the first time isn't perfect, the journey of public speaking is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.