Feeling anxious before speaking in public? At one point, we all do!

   Hey people! Everyone still excited bout the world cup? Well, tonight is Final, and if you are into it, you should head down to Bangsar. They have massive event and celebration there hosting by my friend, Burn. It's a free entry event but don't forget to get the tickets if you want free flow! You heard me right. Hahahaha.

   Now communication seems easy to all of us until we come across something that we shouldn't say in public or we just feeling anxious standing before them. I experience obstacles in communication since I was a child. It's easy when it is a normal communication but when you are in competition such as story telling, debating or even presenting it can sometimes shower you with sweats and tears.
   Speaking by experience, my first public speech happened when I was 5. I was selected to represent my kindergarten in story telling competition. Everyday I had to stay back after school to memorize the story. My mother did help in preparing me to overcome the faulty in reciting. One day, I came to the school thinking that it is the same day as others for me to practice which I was wrong. I wasn't prepared as I thought I had another week to go. My teacher told me that the competition is today and I was chickening for a moment! Seriously, I don't even have my material fully covered. But I went anyway.

   Standing before others, I felt terrified, and everything suddenly vanish into the air. I can't remember anything. But I starts off by introducing myself, and told them that I wasn't prepared for today's competition. I was being honest and I ask them whether they are interested in listening to my story.I took a deep breath, and slowly open my eyes putting my self in a calm and relax position. The story line seems to crawl back into my mind and I manage to narrate the story from introduction till almost three quarter of the story. However, I let the audience to decide the ending as I don't have the time to memorize that part. The judges were impressed with my courage and positive attitude. So does the audience as I woo the crowd with my honesty. In the end, I won the competition with grand prize.

   Speaking in public is not about impressing the audience or showing off your skills. It's about putting yourself in a position where you have something to share and allowing the others to listen to you in the most empathetic way. I learnt to be the speaker I am today because of the incident that happened to me 14 years ago. It actually builds up my confident as I imagine myself towards the success.
   If you are experiencing anxious and nervous, it is something common even if the speaker is professional. It's just the adrenaline rush, but picture yourself in the positive manner and all will be well. Of course, practice makes perfect. So don't forget to practice, it's a key to success in communication! Think BIG!! ;>

Live your life to the fullest,
Azzy