The Painful Journey

Reflecting on my high school years, I remember the moment I recognized my public speaking anxiety. During an English class, our teacher, Mrs. Black, announced who would present on the following day. This revelation filled me with dread, prompting me to do everything in my power to avoid speaking at all costs.

Being late to school became my solution; I would skip the first period to escape the inevitable moment of having to talk. Though my grades were satisfactory, this pattern became a crutch I leaned on during class discussions.

Turning Point

Everything changed when I entered college. Surrounded by new peers and opportunities, I found myself wanting to reinvent my social life. I chose Vermont College, away from home, to pursue architecture—a five-year journey.

In my second year, I took on the role of student orientation leader, motivated partly by the desire to meet new people. Surprisingly, I felt compelled to run for freshman class president, despite my introverted nature. I thought my interactions with newcomers could help me win votes.

After a close election, I unexpectedly became the class president, but in class, I still remained quiet, only speaking when called upon by the professor.

The Climb to Success

As the years progressed, I embraced more leadership roles. I joined the Black Student Union and even served as the secretary for student government. I familiarized myself with Robert’s Rules of Order, which guided our organizational procedures.

In my final year, I decided to run for president of the Black Student Union. My involvement deepened when a freshman cadet faced harassment and was too scared to speak up. I took the initiative to address the issue with the school president, Richard Schneider, leading the conversation and advocating for change.

Gradually, I grew more comfortable voicing my opinions in public.

Small Victories

After graduation, I enlisted in the Army, where my journey toward confidence continued. Initially, I was part of a small unit, which facilitated communication and collaboration. As a specialist, my college degree granted me some authority, allowing me to take on leadership responsibilities.

I found myself engaging with my colleagues as part of my role in customer service, assisting fellow soldiers with their records. Speaking in smaller groups felt more natural, and I began to assert myself within my team.

When my supervisor went on leave just before Christmas, I stepped up as the acting platoon sergeant for a group of 25 to 30 soldiers. The first week was overwhelming, filled with more speaking than I had ever done, yet I survived and even thrived.

Multiple Speeches

As my military career advanced, I had the chance to address commanders, generals, and other high-ranking officials. While stationed in Afghanistan, I was tasked with delivering briefings to groups of soldiers before their leave. I learned to streamline my presentations, reducing lengthy discussions to concise, impactful messages.

After one particularly successful briefing, the audience applauded my ability to convey essential information efficiently. I transformed into a confident speaker, no longer shackled by my initial fears.

Lessons Learned

Though public speaking was once my greatest fear, my experiences taught me to communicate effectively using minimal words. I still encounter moments of anxiety, but they pale in comparison to my high school days.

I discovered that I could remain quiet yet assert my presence in discussions. By asking thoughtful questions, I gained confidence and surprised many who recognized me as the typically reserved individual in the room.

Years in the Army honed my ability to share my thoughts at appropriate moments without needing to dominate conversations. While I may not love public speaking, I learned to recognize when it was necessary to contribute.

If you identify as an introverted or shy individual, remember that you don’t need to force yourself to speak. Gradual practice will help you find your voice over time.

Conclusion

Public speaking remains a common fear for many. Through persistent effort and practice, I conquered my anxiety. There were countless moments of embarrassment along the way, and not every speaking engagement went smoothly.

The journey to overcoming fear is personal and requires commitment. Support can come from organizations like Toastmasters International, where you can practice speaking in a supportive environment.

Billionaire Warren Buffett once remarked that his investment in a Dale Carnegie course on speaking had a profound effect on his success. He noted that even a slight enhancement in communication skills can significantly influence one’s career and life.

Is public speaking a challenge for you?