Invited guest, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you all for being here this afternoon. Special thanks go to my professors and fellow students, who have relentlessly been patient with me throughout the learning process. We have worked together as a team, and I believe without your help, I would not have come this far. Today I stand before you with confidence thanks to the great effort you, my professor, have implemented to improve my public speaking skills. You taught me to believe in the words of John Ford when he said, “You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.” A few months ago, standing before a crowd like the one gathered here today was a puzzle that I could never crack. It literally seemed impossible, and I envied my brother, who has never struggled with the issue.
This moment takes me back to a particular moment when I was to offer votes of thanks during my parents’ wedding anniversary celebration. Everyone in my family thought that I was the best candidate for the job, but I knew I would never do it deep inside. I tried to explain to my uncle, but he insisted that it was just a short speech; hence I did not have to worry about it. The day came, and everything was terrific. I enjoyed every moment of the occasion, but I dreaded the final session because I felt I was not ready despite numerous encouragement from my friend and family. After cutting the cake, I called my brother and told him I was not ready to embarrass my parents in the presence of so many guests and requested him to play the role on my behalf, which he declined. At this moment, I knew I had to come up with a strategy; otherwise, I would become the laughing stock of the evening. To cut a long story short, I have no record of the later proceedings in the party because I went to hide in the garage.
Today, my parents would be quite proud of me if they were here.
One of the key concepts that I have learned in this class about public speaking is that practice is a fundamental aspect. I wish to acknowledge my class discussion group who has been able to bear with me. This group has, on numerous occasions, become my audience as I practice the skills taught in class. I apologize for taking so much of your valuable time. I also learned that it is crucial to pay attention to my body language while communicating with the audience. Before taking the stage this afternoon, I had to take deep breaths and tell myself that I can make it because, as Somers White said, “90% of how well the talk will go is determined before the speaker steps on the platform.” Maintaining eye contact is also an essential element in public speaking, and I must confess I have become quite good at this. Also, one should ensure that they keep their audience engaged and involve them in your message.
In essence, public speaking is not as hard as I perceived it. I am enjoying every moment of this journey, and I will keep on practicing to become more confident and eloquent. The former United States President Barack Obama is one of my role models and the most eloquent public speaker I know. I hope to achieve the best as I proclaim Obama’s famous quote; I choose hope and not fear. I see the future not as something out of control but as something I can shape for the better through concerted and collective efforts. Thank you.
