By this point, we've all had to take a public speaking class or at the very least, give a class presentation. For some people, there is absolutely nothing worse than getting in front of a crowd of people and trying to get your point across in an intelligent, articulate manner. It's hard enough to even introduce yourself. Even if it's just a small group of people you know, you feel sick. Your heart starts to race, your palms immediately start to sweat, your whole body shakes, and if you're really unlucky when the time comes to open your mouth you'll just start to giggle uncontrollably, if you even manage to open your mouth at all. Why would anyone put you through this? What good can possibly come out of this sort of torture?
Believe it or not, a whole lot.
I love public speaking. There is nothing else like it. I spent four years researching, practicing and talking (Thanks, debate team!) and I still get butterflies every time I go to speak in a public setting. I know first hand that the characteristics that can be gained from practicing public speaking are invaluable and innumerable. Here's just a few skills public speaking can give to you, to help encourage you the next time you're thrown into the spotlight:
Challenge
Public speaking is almost like performing. No matter how many times you stand up in front of an audience, there will be a flutter of nerves. I've done it hundreds of times on topics I know everything there is to know about it and I still blush when it's my turn to speak. It's hard and it can be terrifying, but there is nothing to compare the high that comes from conquering a speech, whether it be to my classmates or to a room filled with strangers. The adrenaline fills me and each time I give a speech I am motivated to make it my best one yet.
Charisma
Being charismatic not only helps you make friends, but helps you secure your dream job later on in life. Public speaking teaches you how to be more charismatic by starting with basic details of body language and speaking tones that make you come off as more pleasing to others. Real charisma is getting people to laugh and stay interested in another speech about the Israeli-Pakistani Peace Process.
Confidence
Once you attain a level of confidence that lets you get up and speak to a group of people, a lot more changes than just your ability to give a speech. Public speaking has made me a more confident person in all realms of my life.
Consideration
When you're sharing thoughts with others in a public setting, you are forced to take into consideration your audience. Other people's thoughts and feelings play a large role. You don't want to say something that offends other because the whole point of your speech will then be lost on them. In this way, public speaking can make you more sensitive to those around you by having you consider something from a point of view other than your own. This is a skill many people never come to learn that is a crucial part of public speaking and life in general.
Succeeding in college
This one is a huge one. Public speaking is the key to success in college. Learning and continuously practicing the art of public speaking will make you a better writer, a better researcher, a better presentation partner and open doors for opportunities on campus such as clubs and internships. If you speak well, people will listen.
Some of the most difficult, seemingly scary things have the best payoffs. Public speaking is one of them.
