Public Speaking
The
first Friday of Senior Year was nerve-racking because not only was Senior
Sunrise taking place at Etiwanda High School, but I also had to stand up in
front of all the Seniors that did attend the event and give a short brief
speech about how I would like our last and final year to be the year where we
all unite as one and graduate Etiwanda knowing that class of 2015 left their
mark, a new legacy. As I was told that I was going to give a speech, my heart
started racing because this obstacle was thrown at me last minute and as being
Senior Class President, I know what I signed myself up for, I know what the
expectations are to hold such a prestigious title, however, public speaking has
been something I’ve always feared. It’s something I don’t feel confident in
because I’m a timid person when it comes to speaking among a tremendous group
of people. As I walked to the center of the baseball field, I felt as if I was
going to burst because I knew I wasn’t ready to give my speech. In the
beginning of my speech, I was doing alright for the most part, until I lost my
train of thought and choked, choked as in I ran out of things to say and at
that moment, I felt beyond humiliated because all the Seniors were looking at
me and I couldn’t manage to get my act together. I was so infuriated and
mournful standing there trying to think of something to say, but somehow, I let
the fear of public speaking get the best of me. After this embarrassing
incident happened to me, I gave the microphone to one of my close friends,
Caroline Albanez, and as I walked away, I started balling my eyes out because I
felt dreadful and I couldn’t stop thinking of what just happened. I felt like
less of a person, I felt idiotic, I felt like my heart was completely
shattered, I felt not worthy of a person to be Senior Class President. I
couldn’t stop crying because this was the first time I ever gave a speech to
class of 2015 and I screwed up. I cried at least four times because I know I
did such a horrible job giving my speech and the whole day, my mind was
revolving around what happened to me at Senior Sunrise and I couldn’t get over
it. After the event was over, I set a goal for myself, and that goal was to get
over the fear of public speaking because I sure do not want a repeat of what
happened on the first Friday of school. I told myself that I need to work on
public speaking this year because this is not the last time I will give a
speech. I still need to give speeches in future senior activities and of
course, at graduation, so before my senior year comes to an end, I hope to
blossom into a new person who is not petrified when it comes to public
speaking, so as of right now, I am working on getting over this fear and
hopefully one day I can actually say that I have come a long way to conquer
this fear.
When i read this i thought Wow! because not only is it true but its what most people are afraid to admit. The thought of stage fright can really get to some people but you took a chance and so what it didn't work one time, Ive seen your speak and I know your great. That is the great thing about living you get to try again! I appreciate this and I just have one question....now that you look back at it, would you do it again?
ReplyDeleteTino this was so lovely to read, seeing that you are truly making an effort to overcome your fear of public speaking. I haven't known you for too long but I know that you are passionate about anything you put your mind to. I have no doubt that come graduation, everyone will be talking about the amazing job you did. I liked this piece a lot and I hope you become more confident because you are truly a remarkable person and remember that you are where you are because of all that YOU have accomplished. You had to work to be senior class president and you will have to work hard to be a great public speaker, but in the end, you WILL be successful :) Great job writing!
ReplyDeletethat was a great story tino, and i'm sure you'll get over your fear of speaking. You were nominated as the senior class president for a reason, cause you can handle it and make this year great for Seniors (which it has been so far!). I really felt your emotions in this narrative, it was amazing!
ReplyDeleteWe all have fears, and we all have failures. But it's how we respond and learn from them that counts. I have full faith that you will get over this fear. As long as you keep practicing, you will learn to have much more confidence. This is a great story to tell and I know that readers will be able to relate to and benefit from this greatly. Nice job and keep building up that Tino confidence!
ReplyDeleteI hear you man. I have a huge fear of doing anything in front of a audience. You have a lot of courage, I'll give you that. You just keep fighting your fear and stay confident! You're a great inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI understand how you just suddenly can't come up with anymore words to say when your making a speech, you just go blank. Then after it's over you get frustrated with yourself and make a promise that something like that ail never happen again.
ReplyDeleteTalking to large audinces is never easy. I've had stage fright myself and I know how hard it is to be able to do things in front of people. Its great that you're working on conquering your fears. I believe that you can overcome this. Great job and keep at it!
ReplyDeleteThis was a very human story. I can truly empathize with you. I felt so sad to hear that you cried, but everyone chokes every once in a while. That's how we know we're human. It was well written and relatable. I appreciate the positive turn that the story took towards the end.
ReplyDeleteAlot of people get nervous too your not the only one. I even get it I hate speaking infront of alot of people, but I still have to do it
ReplyDeleteReading this made me feel like I was in your mind. As if you were telling a story and reminiscing this experience and thinking about what happened. I love how you emphasized the flaring desire you have to improve and overcome this obstacle, it surely motivates others to do the same.
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job of giving the reader background information. The set up for the story was very clear and well thought out.
ReplyDeleteReading this made me think on how any person can focus on success by learning by their fears. You just made me realize that I can do anything by focusing on positive stuff and not the negative.
ReplyDeleteI could relate to this a lot because i had to do class presentations last year in 8th grade and i get so nervous going up there and speaking. but its okay we all had to do it. Also I love how you said in the end that your working on getting over your fear. Good luck!!! :)
ReplyDeleteMany people could relate to this a lot of people get nervous and they wont admit it but you could overcome fear at anytime I hope you do good on your next speech . good luck :)!!!!
ReplyDeleteTino, I love how you openly express your struggles giving insight on how you truly feel. Being senior class president is tough but I know you can handle it! Over time you will conquer your fear of public speaking. It gets better over time. I believe in you Tino! :)
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, this really inspires me. We all have things that we are afraid of, and through yours eyes, I saw that no one is perfect. No one could ever attain perfection. I connected with this piece, because I also hold my mistakes against me. But that's what we do, right? We hold ourselves to such high standards, and act negatively when things don't go our way. I'm not advising you to accept your mistakes and move on, even though we all have to at a point in time. I'm saying it's okay. I'm the same way whenever I mess up when doing my job. We all have fears. And I know that we're better than we were yesterday, just not as good as we will be tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Tino!
Even though this piece was written informal, it only added to the authenticity of it and showed how you have your mind set on one thing and nothing can hold you back. You were very descriptive, which allowed for the reader to see things as you do and really get a better undertsanding of your struggles. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI could relate to this story so much,I'm sure over time we will both get over stage fright LOL Good luck
ReplyDeleteI have a "fear" of public speaking for as long as I can remember. The fact that everyone has their focus on you, and only you, frightens me on the thought of me disappointing them with a worthless presentation or speech. It's something we all have to do and get over with, and since I'm a freshman I know I'll have tons of presentations along the way. Just like you, I need to accept the fact I can't let this fear stop me from doing what I need to do. You were strong, don't stress yourself(: I congradulate you for being Senior Class President, and I know you'll get over this soon, just as I will! Best wishes.
ReplyDelete- Bernadine
Wow I can relate. but great job I know you will overcome this fear and become a great public speaker!
ReplyDeleteThis was so great! I loved how you talked about your fear and how you are working hard to overcome that fear. Personally, I thought you did a good job at Senior Sunrise. Everyone has their fear and everyone messes up. I'm glad that you realized that you, as Senior President, make mistakes as well. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best outcomes of writing about this is that many have this fear, and many can relate to this. Seeing that others have the same fear may greatly help those who are afraid of speaking in front of people.
ReplyDeleteTino, you may not believe it but I even too have had struggles speaking in front of people sometimes. I know I am social and we all know I'm LOUD! But one thing is for sure is that you will get out of this phase. One thing that I always remember is what Jason Hewlett the Entertainer said to us at the District ASB conference last year. He said "Get out of your HEAD and into your HEART." Because in all honesty you can't let fear control your life otherwise you will be miserable. I believe in you Tino and I know that you will reach your goal. You got this man!
ReplyDeleteThe subject matter was very unique and your reaction presented a compelling narrative.
ReplyDeleteTino, you are senior class president for a reason. People chose you because of how inspirational and focused you are in your work. One little speech doesn't define you! This piece of writing you chose to share with us not only proves how strong you are but also helps me see your determination to overcome your fear in public speaking. Keep it up! :)
ReplyDeleteP.s. loved the word choice, such as "infuriated and mournful", it gave tone and life.
Tino , I feel like I can really relate to you because I too have a fear of public speaking. This narrative has inspired me to overcome my fear of public speaking too. I also like your choice in vocabulary as well. Good Luck! :)
ReplyDeleteI too have a fear of public speaking i can barely speak in front of any of my past and present classes, i hope you over come this fear. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great story of how one can improve on themselves and overcome their fear. They need to take the right steps and know what they had done wrong. Your story shows triumph over fear. Good story
ReplyDeleteI love the detail you go into, and love how you just pour your heart out into your writing about that experience. Just know that a lot of people have a fear of speach so youre not the only one
ReplyDeletegod job on writing about a topic or a struggle that you went through personally! it adds a lot of emotion to the piece and it keeps the reader intruged and its always good to know the inner workings of the author of a work! good job
ReplyDeleteThis is so WOW! I can relate to this even though it's only class presentations in 8th grade at a new school. It took so much strength and courage to be able to speak in a large crowd of people. I'm pretty sure that most people have this fear because it's normal for us to be like that. Even though you messed up, they couldn't care about it because they know that they chose a great Senior President so don't worry about it. Nobody's perfect because it's totally normal for anybody to mess up! I'm so glad that you are getting over your fear! Thank you for sharing, Tino and good luck :) P.S I know that you will be able to get over your fear anytime soon
ReplyDeleteGreat job Tino I mean WOW!! that was great congrats on being able to get through it, you reacted to the situation great hope you senior year is great thanks for the good and inspirational story.
ReplyDeleteI am all but too familiar with my nerves getting to the best of me during a very crucial moment in time. So hearing this brings back many old emotions. One thing that helped me is to never take your failures to heart. But to yes, keep working on it and grow from this experience. This was very descriptive and inspirational!
ReplyDeleteTino,
ReplyDeleteI admire your courage and your motivation to better your public speaking skills. I can relate because there was a time in my life where I was terrified to speak in front of the crowd and I thought that I could never get out of that mentality. However, my fear went away my freshmen year because I wanted to communicate with my words and then I joined MUN and now public speaking is completely natural to me. You can do it, I believe in you just keep going and practicing and it will become second nature, trust me! :D
tino you are a brave soul to go and do something that you are afraid of and its okay their are ups and downs when you try to be brave and you wrote this piece amazingly the word choice was great and I could relate to everything you were saying
ReplyDeleteLots of people dislike speaking in front of crowd but we all have to get through are fears ! Great job :)
ReplyDeleteTino, for the six weeks I have been in asb with you, I already know why you were chosen to be Senior Class President. You deserve it. I can't imagine how nerve racking this must have been for you. But I have seen you stand in front of the whole asb class and give a class report during our business meetings. Your speaking is perfectly fine and don't let anybody tell you different. I love how in your writing you were very descriptive, and I can't imagine how scary this must have been for you. It's okay if you choke once in a while, don't get hooked up on it Tino, because it is perfectly fine, it happens to everybody. I love your speaking and your writing Tino, keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteYour piece came off as a venting session and it was great. Our class nominated you as president because we believe and care about you. You're passionate about everything your involved in and that's a terrific trait. I'm sure by graduation you're fear will be a thing of the past. Keep up the goods work
ReplyDeleteGreat word choice! The reader begins being curious the what the piece will lead to. Don't stress about feeling like you failed Tino! Public speaking is fearful to anyone and everyone must practice. You got this!
ReplyDeleteSo many other people can relate to this subject, but not many are able to own up to it. I can understand that doing public speaking or just speaking to people in general can be a very agonizing thing to do. I wish you luck on your climb to achieving your mental hurdle in life!(:
ReplyDeleteI love how you wrote about your personal fear. By the time you give our graduation speech, you'll be a pro!
ReplyDeleteThis story was incredible. I can compare my self to you because I'm also a shy person and doesn't like public speaking either. But you're right about one thing. We need to get over this fear .
ReplyDeleteThis was really good. it helped me realize that even as we get older, we still have the same fears we did as a young child! I couldn't take my eyes off the screen the whole time I was reading! Great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat job wanting to overcome you fear of public speaking. I know that you are such a dedicated person and you will be able to overcome this fear. Thank you for allowing us to read your person experience.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this piece. Your reflection served as a reminder that everyone has their weaknesses, and I admire how you have set goals for your self to improve your public-speaking skills. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece! I went to senior sunrise (Class of 2015 woot woot) and I remember these moments. Reading them in your perspective is very interesting. Also you are so open about your discomfort which really helps me connect to your story. Congratulations on being the class president, and I look forward to graduating with you and the rest of our class!
ReplyDeleteI think its great that you made your story so personal and really showed how even someone so outgoing has things to overcome as well. Great job, really liked this!
ReplyDeleteThis piece inspired me, this piece is great and I was inspired by how,from what happened you are persistent and want to improve your speaking skills! We'll done!
ReplyDeleteWhen an individual stands up to a leadership role, many odds are against the person. Leadership is an experience and an acceptance of mistakes and achievements. You my sir are on your way to leadership!
ReplyDeleteYour transition from being shy to very outgoing, is very amazing. Your story motivates the shy reserved students to become more a part of their community.
ReplyDeleteI know anyone can relate to this piece because everyone has gotten nervous at one point or messed up and felt bad about it and beat ourselves up about it later. But we either forget about those moments in the future or learn to laugh about them!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do overcome your fear! and you were so descriptive that I can feel how you were feeling
ReplyDeleteWriting about your self is awesome and i think we can all relate to your fears in some way making!
ReplyDeleteTino, I honestly can relate to your narrative. I am pretty sure everyone can but, we just need to be positive and do our best in what ever we do. Believe. Have faith. And try your best. No one is perfect so do not feel discouraged. Your piece was great! :)
ReplyDeleteThis piece was so motivating and I cannot wait to hear your great speech at graduation. Keep up the good work Tino and with hard work and dedication you can conquer your fears.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece! I think sharing your fears was a very brave thing to do, and I admire your dedication.
ReplyDeleteI can compare to you as well because when I'm playing softball I get nervous. When I mess up I also feel like crying because I think I let my team down, but all I can do is improve for the next game.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on this story! I understand what you were going through and I like at the end how you were trying to overcome your fear. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love personal narratives because it's like seeing everything through someone else's point of view. In this narrative you explained to us a general fear the majority of people have and I thought it was a very sincere piece . Thank you - Eileen
ReplyDeleteI feel for your fear of public speaking i get the same type of fear when I have to perform.I know I have to do it anyways but I always think to my self "there's nothing to be afraid of , you can do this." and I always pull through. Sometimes it helps to just walk around and start saying stuff as if you were up speaking in front of every body, it helps I promise.
ReplyDeletePublic speaking is a fear most students have. However, I do think you'll get to a point where you'll find your confidence and just talk comfortably like you are talking to friends. This piece is just another stepping stone, as he confidence to post something about a fear is scary. Great job at your progress thus far.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very well written piece that provided much emotion to its readers. I admire your determination to conquer your fear. Your not the only one. In fact, i don't believe that there is one person in this world without a fear. We stand side by side with you, and i know i will be wishing the best of luck for you.
ReplyDeletereading this made me feel that even though I have public speaking problems I shouldn't let myself down for a mistake, it made you stronger and a better class president!
ReplyDeleteI really liked how this was well organized, we all have fears and your piece shows us that not all of us are brave, but how fear wakes us up to be strong again and not knock us down. very well written
ReplyDelete-jaedon adan
This is such an understandable issue for most people and the way you're trying to over come it is really good
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing is everybody struggles with public speaking but coming out of your shell and stating your fear and overcoming it, is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThis is so relatable. Your willingness to overcome this fear is inspiring to me.
ReplyDeleteDon't be so hard on yourself. Public speaking shouldn't be something to be afraid of. You'll be fine, just keep working at it.
ReplyDeleteThis really intrigued me from start to finish. I was initially expecting a success story but was pleasantly surprised.to see that there was an actual struggle. The end of the story really inspired me to do something about my public speaking problems as well. This story was very motivating.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your fear of public speaking and have been through similar experiences, your writing and informal style is very easy to relate to and provides an inviting, understandable reading experience.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated how open you were in your work. It takes a lot of courage to not only identify and accept weaknesses, but also to share them with so many other people! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour piece is so relateable because several people have a fear of public speaking. The fact that your piece was so relateable made it that much more entertaining to read.
ReplyDeletePractice makes perfect! I hope by the end of the year you will be give speeches comfortably.
ReplyDeleteChoosing to write this piece in first person made me really connect to you work. Everyone has their own fears and insecurities and I'm glad you wrote about it. Good luck in facing your fears
ReplyDeleteReally relatable subject and courageous way of expressing your inner conflicts.
ReplyDeleteIt was good. I think its good to work on public speaking. it seams like something I could relate too. -Garrett Lachase
ReplyDeleteFor having a fear of public speaking, you're really brave not only for running for president and giving that speech, but for wanting to overcome that fear and actually going through with it! This inspires me to try harder to overcome my own fears, thanks for sharing. Very well written! :)
ReplyDeletePublic speaking is a difficult thing man, you're not the only person to struggle with it.Have you seen the movie After Earth with Will Smith in it? Will Smith makes the claim that “Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice.”, you have to remember that fear is just in your head. in all honesty I've overcome the fear of public speaking. I just stopped caring about what the people I was speaking to would think, if people dislike you, which I doubt they will, who cares? It's your moment to show everyone who you are so do it with confidence, because there is nothing to be afraid of.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this.What really made it great was how informal it was because it helped establish a deeper connection.
ReplyDeleteI like that you wrote it personal by the time your give your graduation speech you will pro.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you expressed your feelings during the preparation so well. I could feel all the nervousness that came up to you. I also admire how you just went ahead to own up to your fear, that's very courageous of you. Have fun and good luck in your future adventures, I wish you the absolute best!
ReplyDeleteInspiring work. Michael Jordan was rejected from his high school basketball team; anyone can become anything if they try hard enough and I know you have the drive to achieve what you wish for in life, Tino.
ReplyDeletethis story can relate to others about what their weakness is. good job
ReplyDeletePublic speaking/ presentations are very nerve-racking, but everyone has weaknesses! I hope you get over your fear before senior year is over, you can do it! :)
ReplyDeleteIntersting and cool story.
ReplyDeletemany people get nervous when they talk to an audience, you're not the only one. Great story :)
ReplyDeleteTino, this piece is wonderful. Public speaking is a fear of mine as well and I can totally relate. Your descriptions are so vivid that I am able to imagine how you felt. Thank you for letting us into your thoughts. It takes courage to do so.It's great that you are working on your skills and I know that you can do it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, I can imagine it took a lot of courage to write on the blog for the first month and to share such a personal story. It was written very well and I hope that reading these comments will help you gain more confidence and help you with public speaking!!
ReplyDeleteWriting about a tough experience could bring the experience back to you and make you feel the pain at the time. So it is brave of you to share the experience and make a goal for yourself. A tip for public speaking is to imagine the audiences as sausages.
ReplyDeleteAwesome on overcoming your public speaking, also I love that you set goals for yourself.
ReplyDelete-Anthony Absher
This was a really good reflection on how you overcame your fear. This was very easy to relate to because we all have fears that we will one day overcome. Great job!! :)
ReplyDeletei like how this is a true story and about a real life experience
ReplyDeleteHonestly Tino. I really do appreciate you sharing your thoughts for us all. I was given the chance to get to know you during our senior year in Mr. Halls class and you are such a wonderful person to talk to. I'm so glad that you decided to share this with the internet because with this piece that you have typed up, everyone has a much better clue on you truly are.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your story Tino. It was very relatable for me because I had a public speaking problem for a very long time, but as the years passed it lessened. Sometimes it's still there, but I know that it has to be done. I think it's good that you goals on improving your public-speaking abilities because it shows that you are willing to work to better yourself. Good job!
ReplyDeleteTino you did a great job that day and you know everyone messes up at some time, but knowing you I know that in no time you'll be so confident to public speak that you'll wanna do it again. Good Job on setting this goal Tino !
ReplyDeleteYou’re amazing! Don’t let one moment define you. You are greater than the sum of your parts.
ReplyDelete