Contest // Topic of the week №20 // Are you afraid of public speaking?//

I've always been uncomfortable in front of a crowd. Public speaking has always been a source of anxiety for me. I'd keep at least 100 feet away from any incident about which I'd have to speak publicly.

I recall being quite nervous and stressed when I performed my first public presentation. My school hosted a public presentation. I had to give a speech on a particular topic. Just two days before the presentation, the teacher instructed me to prepare a presentation on that topic. I was concerned, and I didn't know how to portray it. Finally, I put it together. Then there was the issue of how to deliver it in front of a large group of people. I started to sweat a little and couldn't make eye contact with anyone. That day, all I could think about was how quickly I could finish it and get rid of it. That was a major headache for me.

I was terrified of public speaking at the time, but it became easier with time, but the worry remained.