The Day I Learned Public Speaking the Hard Way
My First Public Speaking Disaster
In 2020, I was invited to give a “short talk” at a local youth event—just a few words of encouragement.
Easy, right? Five minutes. In and out.
I showed up in my best “serious” outfit—buttoned-up shirt, ironed trousers, and a confidence level that was one cracked voice away from disaster. But as I walked up to the stage, I realized… they expected a full motivational speech.
This wasn’t a “few words of encouragement.” This was a TED Talk, graduation speech, and church sermon combined.
The Art of Improvisation
Panic set in. I had no quotes, no deep wisdom, and no life-changing story. So, I did what any unprepared speaker would do—I stalled.
“Ladies and gentlemen… good afternoon! How are you feeling today? Are you blessed?”
They responded. Great. That bought me five seconds.
I threw in a random line: “Success is not about where you come from, but where you’re going.” They clapped.
I tossed in a half-remembered Steve Jobs quote. More claps.
Then I wrapped up with a classic: “Keep pushing, keep working, and remember—your dreams are valid.”
Standing ovation.
What I Learned About Public Speaking
That day, I walked away with three key lessons:
- Confidence sells – Even if you have no idea what you’re saying, say it like you mean it.
- A long greeting buys you time – If you’re stuck, start with a warm, drawn-out introduction.
- Preparation is everything – If you forget to prepare, just say something about hard work, resilience, and believing in yourself. People love that stuff.
Turning Fear Into a Strength
That experience taught me that public speaking isn’t just about knowing what to say—it’s a skill that can be learned and improved. And like any skill, you either train for it or improvise like your life depends on it.
I chose to train.
Now? Speaking in front of people is no longer a near-death experience. If you struggle with public speaking, remember this: Your words matter more than your nerves.
(And if all else fails… throw in a Steve Jobs quote.)
