Seize Every Moment

By Nila Fernando, Grade 11, Fiitjee Global School 

 

Picture this: You’re in front of an audience and it’s your turn to take the stage and present. This scenario, while quite commonplace in both academic and professional fields, is an anxiety inducing one for more than a few people. 

According to Forbes magazine, the average person’s number one fear is, none other than, public speaking. It managed to trump even the fear of death and the likeness of uncertainty. While it may seem preposterous for a few, the fact of the matter is that effective oratory skills and the confidence required aren’t a given for many. 

Communication is far from simple, but it is very much necessary in this dog-eat-dog world. 

What good are our qualifications and outstanding abilities if we’re unable to express our thoughts and ideas eloquently? 

It isn’t your content alone which matters; your manner of speaking, that is, tone, body language, vocabulary and mannerisms are all key components of a person’s first impression about you. Afterall, it’s true what they say: the first impression is the last impression, to an extent. Efforts can be made to turn the tides in one’s favor even beyond what’s perceived initially, however, such opportunities are rare and infrequent. They shouldn’t be taken for granted, let alone awaited. 

There are a plethora of reasons for an aversion to public speaking. Fear of embarrassment, underpreparedness, unrealistic expectations for oneself, past mistakes etc are the norm. Even biologically, the prospect of addressing an audience triggers the amygdala in our brains. The amygdala is responsible for inducing a fight or flight response within us. The dilemma of fleeing or freezing is ever present, neither of which are good strategies. 

Most, if not all, noteworthy people are effective communicators with a wonderful grasp on the language. For example, Nelson Mandela was a person who realized and utilized not only the power of words and articulation but also that of nonverbal forms of communication such as expressions and tone. His speeches inspired and invigorated the nation. 

“It is never my custom to use words lightly. If twenty-seven years in prison have done anything to us, it was to use the silence of solitude to make us understand how precious words are and how real speech is in its impact on the way people live and die.” -Nelson Mandela 

Connecting with others is crucial in this world of ours. Thus, through developing our communication skills we too can achieve our respective potentials. 

Take it from someone who is, quite ironically I might add, plagued by the very same fears discussed above: seize every opportunity that comes your way. Confidence is everything in this modern day and age. Don’t let fear and what if’s stifle you and your pursuits of success.

Consider every day as another opportunity to improve yourself. At the end of the day, your communication skills are but a testament to your own proficiency and caliber.