I rushed out of the bathroom, trying to prepare for a class I was already twenty minutes late for. The sound of an incoming call at that moment felt like a serious disturbance but when I saw who it was, I immediately answered the call.
“Good morning sir”, I said in a surprisingly composed tone.
“Good morning. How are you doing” the man at the other end asked. I was almost going crazy because I seemed to have begun my day on the wrong foot but of course I couldn't say that, hence, the conventional answer..
“I'm doing okay. How are you doing?”
“I'm doing good too. I called to ask if you'd be free to give a talk this Sunday at location XYZ?”
My intuition was right because I had a feeling as to what the exact purpose of this phone call was.
“Yeah. Yes. Certainly.” I managed to say as I slipped on my Jean trouser. Bear it in mind that I didn't even know how to get to the said location yet I accepted.
Following this confirmation, I was given the topic I was to talk on and the call ended briefly after. I checked my wrist watch and I was twenty five minutes late. At that moment I thought to myself “why take on another responsibility when you can't even make it in time for a lecture?”
My solace came when a friend called to tell me that this particular lecturer was going to be arriving late. Immediately, I boarded a tricycle to campus and all the while, I was contemplating on the topic I received that morning.
For the next four days, I searched for different components I could add to my speech to make it more entertaining and engaging. I asked a few friends for their insights, ideas and most especially, the direction to the place.
On Saturday, I did a full compilation of my speech and went ahead for practice for hours while timing myself. My speech was to last for only six minutes and as an ardent timekeeper myself, I had to be very time conscious.
When I felt I had practiced enough, I went to bed and woke up very early this morning. The journey down to my destination was a very eventful one. The two rides I took had very aggressive drivers who for some reason were aggravated this morning. Through all of this, I managed to keep my cool because any slight disruption could totally change my line of thoughts.
Eventually, I arrived at my destination just thirty minutes to the time I was to speak and I was extremely nervous. First, I was supposed to arrive way earlier so I could settle down, calm my nerves and go through the speech once again. Second, arriving earlier would have helped me get accustomed to the audience, but there I was, a nervous time bomb ready to explode.
Thirty minutes later, I was called on stage and with a smile, I walked up. The time keeper indicated that I had less than six minutes to spare as I sat down.
“Good morning everyone.” I said with a smile as I waited for their response. Their response was encouraging and so I proceeded. Once I was done, I rounded off, thanked everyone for their undivided attention and walked off the stage amidst the applause.
As I entered the backstage, it felt like a heavy load had been lifted off my shoulder but deep down, I felt like I had not performed exceptionally. This wasn't my first time giving a talk on stage and the previous times in different locations had felt a bit better.
Afterwards, I stepped back into the hall and everyone I walked by either gave me an assuring smile or a handshake. Some people, including the man who called to set up the talk, went as far as telling me that my speech was extremely riveting. My subconscious kept saying these people were just trying to patronize me but I was going to accept it either way:)
YouTube
As I write this post, I still have a residual feeling that I didn't give it my all judging from past performances. But the lyrics from "Brave" by Sara Bareilles there says there's always room for adjustment and when I'm eventually called upon to give another speech, I hope it is way better than the one I gave today.
Images are mine
Liebe🤍
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Always believe in what you know and do. I know, it is easier said than done. Espacially when doing some performance on stage where you are in the spotlights for many people. I know the feeling very well, nervousness before, perhaps even during such speech. But realise, most to all people in the room will feel the same if they had to perform like you did. Most in the room will never say 'yes', when they are requested to do such speech. Those who do, are already brave.
From my experience I know it'll become easier after doing this many many times. The thing is, whatever one talks about, if one knows the topic, one can handle any situation on stage. I mean, even when forgetting the speech itself, one can talk about the topic without preparation I mean. Maybe the speech will not be as structured and organised, but who cares. And I know, you care, as I care when I perform, but that is good, since not being satisfied with your own performance makes you better. But keep in mind, for most your performance is great even if you believe it is not. Since as I mentioned before, most people don't even dare to stand up in the room to ask a question. Let alone they would take the stage.
Thank you so much for this @edje, I really appreciate☺.
My little hitch from yesterday made me realise a few things. First, no one is above mistakes. Second, the most important part of a speech is the message the audience is supposed to receive and once that message has been passed on, the greater part of the job is done. Third, there is always room for adjustments.
!BBH !LUV
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Absolutely 🙏
@edje! @wongi likes your content! so I just sent 1 BBH to your account on behalf of @wongi. (1/5)
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Thanks much
Public speaking is a sign of a future of leadership. Stay encouraged, im looking forward to seeing more of your speeches on other platforms.
Well, thank you very much for this
I understand that feeling, when you feel you didn't do well but other people can't stop talking about your performance.
The same thing happened to me last month; I had a 50-minute speaking engagement in my church. After the program, I was scared I didn't do well, but people kept meeting me to tell me how blessed they were, and one even went ahead to tell my husband that he was so blessed, and in my head, I'm like, these people are just whining me.
The feeling is just one of a kind but I'm comforted by the fact that I was able to pass along the important message and I hope you did same with your talk☺?
Yea I did
This is one thing that comes with public speaking... Once the response from the audience is encouraging it feels like heaven prompting new flow of energy for you to go on but wow! That's some pro stuff you did! Accepting an offer even without knowing the topic
We get better dear! We keep improving too! Wasn't there but I have a feeling you did great.
Brave by Sara! Here's my first visit to it but it's good song
I guess that's what happens when one loves to serve😄
I recently discovered the piece and it sounded quite interesting.
Thank you so much Spero, it is really an honor having you stop by☺
You're always welcomed
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