Two years ago, I was afraid of public speaking. However; with my involvement with the Speech club in my school, I was able to step out of my comfort zone.
How many of you believe your voice is powerful? Well it is. Currently, there is an organization called Alberta Debate and Speech Association (ADSA). It’s a great organization that promotes people like YOU to speak about topics YOU are passionate about. In speech, you can write, perform a poem, perform a short story, act about anything you would like! There are six categories: Original Oratory (write a speech), Duet Acting (perform a scene from a play with two people), Solo Acting (perform a monologue), Prose (perform a short story), Impromptu (speaking on the spot) and Poetry (perform a poem). I started off with Poetry and it allowed me to realize how important it is to use expressions and gestures when performing poetry. In my second year of ADSA, I decided I wanted to add my own touch to all my speeches and therefore I joined Original Oratory. This allowed me to write a whole speech about something I was passionate, eg. volunteering. It allowed me to express my opinion, inform others and persuade them to get involved!
What’s the benefit? Well you can win prizes such as cash or medals. Trust me, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to have your say and make an impact. If you are passionate about a topic, GO PERFORM IT. This is your chance to impress the judges with what you have to say! Put expression, enthusiasm and energy into what you’re speaking about and I guarantee, you will impress your audience.
If you’re scared about public speaking? You can join the Toast Masters program which has clubs all around the city. This is an opportunity to help youth branch out of their comfort zone and learn to speak in front of large audiences. You can also join Dale Carnegie, which is a 12 week program that helps youth like you to learn leadership, human resources, teamwork and public speaking skills. You are given a voice, use it, express it, enjoy it and love it. Believe in what you’re saying and show the people around you what YOU are capable of. Sure, at first it’s nerve racking. However, with practice, you will become a star speaker in no time. The key to public speaking is confidence and this is built over time.
Honestly, the first step is by joining your Speech club in your school. This way you can meet people who are experienced. After, you can join Toastmasters or Dale Carnegie. Then, the decision is in your hands whether you wish to join Speech and learn to become a strong public speaker. This is truly a great life skill to have. Remember, you are given a voice for a reason – now it’s your chance to discover what that reason is.
