Public Speaking

The art of public speaking has always been a personal challenge.  I will never forget my grade seven French speech.  I chose to talk about what my dog does when no one is home.  I did not chose a mature subject matter and I was embarrassed from the start.  I think we all know what our dogs do when we are not home, but I thought I would make up a story.  It was super silly.

Speeches are a big part of grade school.  I never liked them but tried my hardest to be creative and embrace maturity.   Kaitlin, my good friend, was fortunate to witness my memorable tween event, the French speech in Madame Gadbois' class.  Picture this, I am standing in front of my class, ready to finish my speech, and I burst into tears.  My teacher did not know what to do when I broke into tears.  I had so many tears in my eyes that I could not see my audience.  She had me immediately sit down, and on the third day of presenting, I was able to finish the speech.  During my final presentation, I presented my last paragraph with a gentle rainstorm down my face.

My nervous public speaking energy rooted from my lack of confidence and understanding of the situation.  I was happy in my own world of Dizzy Design jumpers (over-sized, one-piece, cotton outfit, decorated with puffy painted pictures of me dancing), a Mayan Craft headband, and the lack of upper undergarments.  I did not feel like an outcast; I knew that I was a little different and super quiet. 

Today, I practice public speaking on a daily basis and I love it.  Instructing Yoga has improved my self confidence and allowed for me to overcome my fears of public speaking.  I have not reach Obama's ultimate stage, but I enjoy sharing my insights during practice.  Every new space that I teach in provides a challenge but I have yet to shed tears.

Every once in a while I find myself stumbling over my words.  Some how, I seem to find a way to overcome my nervous energy.  Last week I could not remember how to say anything.  I kept mixing up the difference between your hands and feet.  I could barely separate words so that my instructions were easily understood.  After a week of stuttering, today I spoke clearly.  My words were heard and my public speaking was renewed. No tears, no fears!

namaste yogis!

WG xx