Fear that’s not a Failure

2004, the year I aspired to Learn Public Speaking and attended a Program called Speechcraft. The first step on the ladder to be a Speaker or Trainer was taken. I was thrilled to learn the Skill from the experts and with 29 other participants. The Trainers undoubtedly were masters of the trade and the co participants were equally passionate and competitive.

The game had begun and all we had in our minds was clearing the first step and to be in the Top 5. It was a Two day Program. With preparations in full swing the night seemed longer than ever before. On day One, We learnt all the essential tips and techniques to stand and speak before the microphone, how to stand, how should be our posture, our gestures, how to present ourselves and how to deliver a well crafted speech and now the test on the day two. We were given a topic to prepare. I wrote, cancelled, re wrote, added some interesting lines and quotes and rehearsed the night long. Finally the day dawned and we had to give our final presentation.

I quiet remember the timid me, dressed in black trousers and a white top, scared, worried, with heart pounding and trembling feet under the pressure of performance. All my focus was channeled on the best possible delivery, the competition and to outdo others to grab the top spot. I didn’t want to falter and fail. To stand out and grab eye balls, I banked on a beautiful quote by Robert Frost

These woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep. But, I was worried that I may miss out a line. So noted it down on my left palm and now I was
confident that I am Set!!!

Finally, I hear my name being called out. I went up and started off. It was a kickass start. As perfect as I hoped it to be. My heart echoed YES Poonam, you are killing it! Just as I was about to close I just pulled my left hand across the microphone stand and tried to see the quote I had penned on my
palm unaware that I was just about to get a shock of my life. My palm had frosted and my eyes too. The sweat on my palm had washed out the quote and also my dream of topping the competition

The faculty and the co participants looked at me with hopeful eyes and some feeling sorry for such failed attempt. Somehow I gathered myself and ended the most horrifying Speech I ever delivered.

Ofcourse I did clear the Level 1 but had sleepless nights wondering what happened and all this is not for me. Well, rest all is history but forget not as said “The Phoenix rises from the ashes”. If I had to give up on that day, I wouldn’t be here writing this.

Those troubling nights I decided I wouldn’t give up, I will try. Learnt more, participated more, Failed more, Passed more and Gained a lot more!!! And here I am! The Co Founder of Amon Ra and Founder of The Skill Company, having trained Thousands of students and professionals to Speak Effectively!!!In this Journey I have learnt:

1. Public Speaking is a Skill and Skill can be learnt
2. Skills need practise to be perfect
3. Try and Try and never give up
4. Public Speaking is essential in all that you do in life both in Personal or Professional sphere