HOW I CRAWLED OUT OF GLOSSOPHOBIA ( FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING)

 

''There is every tendency that you will make the best research and yet, give an ineffective presentation" - Seyi Odebode.

The maxim above will forever linger in my memory. And each time I remember, reasons to never allow the mistake I made on the 11th of February, 2020 reoccur strike me.

Long before I gained admission into higher institution, I've always written beautiful piece and thus gave me the confidence to grasp, with no iota of doubt in my ability, at the opportunity to represent my department in the debate competition organised for freshmen in the faculty. Yes, I prepared assiduously for the competition but ironically, my performance was far from being efficient and the reasons are not far-fetched.

First, the various facets of arts (writing and speaking being vital) but sadly, I hadn't understood this concept at the time of the debate.

Dating back to elementary school, I've always being eager to speak as much as I write then and recounting all the times I represented my class in debates, my performance was always below expectation. I miss my lines each time I make eye contact with any of the audience.

All those times, I felt I was just being naive and would get over it as I grow. After graduating from primary school, I never took the microphone to stand before the panel to argue.

Of course, I spoke in my class countless times and even before the assembly (majorly to disseminate information) but I never debated all through secondary school.

I've always been keen about writing and have, over the years, explore the writing world but paid little attention to speaking. I thought I could pick up the microphone anytime to deliver speeches and even debate successful. Well, I was wrong.

"Practice maketh perfection"

Repetition of an activity breeds improvement. Once you remain static in an action, its reaction subsequently remains stale. You can't reap a fruit from where you didn't sow. This is not some Nollywood.

Dear reader, in any area you want to improve your ability, be consistent. Make it a habit, then watch how yourself crawl from a region of retrogression rapidly to a region of progression. Learn to catalyse development process by inputting energy.

Dear reader, shall we proceed to how O realized the damage done by inconsistency?

As mentioned earlier, I didn't think twice before jumping at the chance of debating for the first time since primary school. I had sleepless nights preparing for the competition. The day came and as always, I was optimistic until we (my partner and I) were instructed to oppose the motion. I prepared for both sides, didn't I? but I inputted more energy in the supporting part than the opposition. Immediately I heard that, my heart flopped.

Enraged with fear, I sluggishly walked down the podium to speak.

I forgot to salute the protocols. I was destabilized. All attention was on me. Everyone expected Dynamic Hajia to wow them. I could recollect vividly that I requested to start over which the judges sustained. This made no difference anyways. I missed my lines right from the beginning. Sweat dashed out aggressively from the pores. I shivered down my spine. My body was trembling. I fidgeted. I was totally dismayed.

No hyperbole, I wished the solid floor of Ajose LT could open up like the biblical red Sea and swallow me. It never did actually. I stealthily walked away from the podium.

I cried my eyeballs out when I returned to my hostel. I felt greatly embarrassed.

The COVID-19 break was a blessing to me; it was an avenue to sit back and reflect on all that has happened, hope for renaissance and birth greatness. On a fateful day, I thought of working on my glossophobia (fear of public speaking) but how it could be achieved? I didn't know until I received a memo of a proposed public speaking tutorial. Without hesitation, I signed up for it.

Quick one; dear reader, irrespective of your area of specialization, public speaking is important. It is oxygen. Even as an entrepreneur, you need the ability to stand before people and voice out on why you should be patronised. You can sell yourself simply by being vocal, eloquent and confident.

The right tutoring would make you unapologetically competent. Public speaking class with Mr Seyi Odebode is an eye opener, I must commend.

Now, your baby girl is a speaking goddess.🙈

Below are some unpopular tips to overcome stage fright;

- make adequate preparations

- drink a little water if nervous

- take along a handkerchief with you

- get organised

- practice and practice extensively

- eliminate your fear of rejection

- use the mirror strategy

- record yourself and learn your voice.

The stage is yours, be dauntless!

THANK YOU FOR READING.

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