When I was applying for college I was told I had to pick a major. My answer was "I have no idea what I want to do with my life". I thought about this question for months until I finally came to the conclusion that I wanted to be a teacher. This idea seemed fine until I realized I would have to talk in front of an entire class every single day.
When I was in high school I literally could not talk in front of my classmates at all. Public speaking was always my biggest fear. When my teacher asked a question to the class I never made eye contact because I was so scared to get the answer wrong or just draw a blank. When I attended school plays I could never imagine getting up on stage and performing in front of hundreds of people. I could give so many examples why public speaking was not for me.
Regardless of my hatred for talking in front of a group I still applied to colleges as an education major. I knew when I got to campus that I either needed to find a new major or somehow become better at public speaking. The first week of classes I went to a club fair that my school hosted. After going to the various tables I finally came to one called "ambassadors club". This club basically trained you to become a tour guide. They told me they would teach us what to say and how to talk in front of all the families. I was sold.
I remember on my first tour I barely looked anyone in the eye while I spit out facts about the school. I was terrified to say the least. However this club really did help me become comfortable talking in front of a group of people. It has only been a year and I still have a lot to learn, but other than that I am extremely grateful for this club.
There are so many things that colleges have to offer in order to get better at public speaking. Even within the education major there are many classes that require presentations in order to get practice talking in front of a larger group. No matter what it is that helps you I hope that everyone takes steps in the direction to conquer their fear as well.
