On the day of the auditions to get selected for the upcoming public speaking competition, I was very nervous. I anxiously waited for my turn, then finally heard Miss Farzana call out my name. I nervously walked up to her table and presented my speech on the topic “Commercial advertisement has impacted the perception of a body image.” I ended my speech and went back to my table.
Later on, Miss Farzana announced the names of the people that were selected; my name was on the list as well, but I never wanted to get selected because I always got nervous speaking in front of large crowds and never liked doing it, but there was no backing out now. I had been selected for the English public speaking competition. Miss Farzana gave us a new topic, which was “A weak educational system has lasting effects on the students educational journeys, resulting in the brain drain of skilled manpower from the country.” She told us that we had to practice very hard because we were representing our houses, which meant I had to represent the blue house.
The day of the competition finally arrived, and I was sure I wasn’t going to win. When my name was called, I walked up to the stage and gave my best. After I ended my speech, I went back to my seat, disappointed because I thought I had messed up and that I surely wouldn’t win.
The next day, the judges announced the winners, and when it came time to announce the winner of the English public speaking competition, my name was announced. I was so happy and proud of myself. Then I remembered a quote by Fred Miller: “The worst speech you’ll ever give will be far better than the one you never give.” If I had never given that speech, I would have never won.
-Anushree Upadhyaya
Grade 8