I FELT A NEW LIFE AND A NEW IN EVERY LIMB
Each time I resolved to come to the
stage, my courage failed me. I had a lurking fear in my mind that I
might not fare well and cut a sorry figure. But some urge continued
impelling me to come to the stage and deliver a stirring speech that
might elicit praise from one and all.
"son...you must perform well...n remember, you must not be afraid when you see a large crowd infront of u"
these were the words of wisdom from my father when i left to my school, Little Flower Public School n Junior College,Kollamula, for the Childrens Day celebrations,that morning,November 14,1999....In our school, there is a Young Speakers'
Union. I had long desired to become a member of it. But only good
speakers could be eligible for its membership. One had to make a
successful speech before the whole school before one could become a
member of it.
I prepared a neat little speech. I mugged
it up like a parrot. I daily went out into the open fields and
practiced speaking to imaginary audiences. When I was sure and certain
of giving a nice performance I gave my name to my class teacher... My
offer was accepted. I looked forward to the day of the meeting. The
fateful day came at last. I came to the school earlier than usual. I was
decently dressed. My shoes were well polished.
The meeting began with a prayer and a
song. I was the first to be called to the stage to make a speech. I came
to the stage with hope and confidence. But I had hardly uttered a few
words when I stopped short. Stage-fright took hold of me completely.
ayyooohh... a 350 infront of me..remember, i am seeing such a huge crowd for the first time in my life...
I could not face the audience. My mind
was paralyzed. My senses were benumbed and my faculties were stunned. I
hardly knew where I stood. My heart got panicky and beat its drum loudly
in order to appeal to the other senses for help. It beat faster and
faster until its palpitation gathered the speed of a race-horse.
I stood dazed and confused. My legs began
to totter. My feet experienced some surreptitious movement.
My vocal
organs were paralyzed and no voice was produced. A film covered my eyes.
Everything seemed to swim before my eyes.
My lips became parched and dry. My throat
was choked. My tongue began to falter. My forehead was covered with
beads of perspiration. I had completely lost my wits.
..I heard a sound from one corner.. at first i thought it was something like a bee colony..but it was the audience..The audience began
to hoot and hiss.
I was on the horns of a dilemma. But I
did not leave the stage. I continued my efforts to compose myself and
regain confidence.
The Class teacher also encouraged me to be brave. She silenced the boys.
Lo! the crisis was over. My nervousness began to
disappear. Courage and confidence gradually returned.
I took a glass of
water.
I became steadier. Memory seemed to
return. My vocal organs started working proficiently. I resumed my
speech. Words and thoughts began to flow automatically in quick
succession. I grew eloquent.
"good morning everyone"..i began....The audience began to cheer and encourage
me.
haha...happiness everywhere
.I spoke at a higher pitch.
I felt inspired and animated. I felt a new life and a new courage
in every limb. All fright was gone. I was the master of the situation.
The audience listened to me with rapt attention. I felt a strange
aesthetic pleasure.. They gave
loud and thundering cheers.
Joy swelled in my heart. I was many times
braver than before. The whole audience was with me. Their collective
strength and courage were as if injected into me.
I was quite a changed man. I became
conscious of the hidden fund of energy in me. I began to feel traits of
leadership in me. I was no longer a coward, but a hero. My eyes gleamed
with some inner light and delight.
The speech proved to be a turning point
in my life. It was, in fact, my first step towards greatness. If a
person can successfully combat nervousness, he is securely set on the
high road to successful public speaking.
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