Introduction
Mrs. Meeti Kotia reflects on her inaugural day as an Assistant Professor of Communication and Humanities at VJTI, Mumbai, sharing insights from her initial interactions with her first batch of students.
Challenges
We may know about our hurdles, but when it comes to speaking skills, we truly realize our speech difficulties only when we face a situation where we meet an audience. Indeed, stage performance is an art, and speaking is one of its facets, which is developed by consistent practice. Furthermore, speakers are not always born but made by steady efforts.
Many of us are confident speakers and need less effort to address a crowd, whereas there are many who cannot face even a handful across the stage. Undoubtedly, being shy and introverted adds to this challenge. Speaking requires different approaches and skills depending on the type of audience, and youngsters are one such group.
Our youth is full of energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to move forward. Specifically, Gen Z is evolving in the digital age, growing amidst the use of high-end technology. Consequently, they are fast to adapt themselves to ever-changing technical skills.
Someone who is reluctant to face the public will keep on doing so always and throughout their life until life throws a challenge in front that must be accepted. The fear of speaking in public can have many causes, low self-confidence and low self-esteem being one of them. Indeed, many more reasons can stop a person from standing on the stage; however, one must face their fears.
Experience
Showing up for a young batch of students was the most challenging thing I ever faced in my life. Naturally, being shy and an introvert made the challenge even bigger. On my first day, all the involuntary muscle actions began as a fight or flight mechanism of my body. Indeed, I had never been a part of any stage performance as my fear always pulled me into the last seat. However, I knew I would have to face it one day in my life, but I never knew that day would come so soon.
Thus, when life gave me this fabulous chance of meeting young minds and teaching them the art of public speaking, I was taken aback. The fear of standing at the dice and addressing a decent number was cracking my nerves. The students are like always ready to receive useful insights and they love to participate in cognitive activities. For me, my first batch of students was very energetic and keen.
However, they were eager to learn something new and exciting, although they had little idea about how I was simply standing in front of them. My stutter, my trembles, my low-sounding pitch, and all the unwanted moves my body was making might have been noticed by them. Nonetheless, these anxious moments gave me the confidence for my next class. Consequently, by facing and moving ahead of these blockages, I gathered courage for the future sessions.
The GenZ
Little did my students know that teaching them the art of public speaking was an opportunity to face my long-sought battles which needed just one such chance, one project to release my bubble of fear. What I found was that the best thing of spending time with the GenZ is that you always get that need, motivation to be prepared for your upcoming tasks. Their sincere or attendance driven interest in the class is your driving force.
No doubt, the whispers, giggles, and laughter gave me a mixed bag of emotions, which could be annoying and equally enjoyable. Overall, my batch was a little matured, sometimes overly confident, and full of energy to enjoy the moment. Ultimately, I learned to learn new things for them, and thanks to all of them for giving me this chance to speak.
Overcoming your fear
When we are struggling with some problem, we try to avoid confronting it, and consequently, this can happen for our whole lives. Specifically, we run away from facing or meeting people, primarily from the fear of judgment.
We just cannot overcome our fears without fighting them off. Confronting our deepest frets is the first step towards overcoming it. Either willingly or unwillingly, if we push out of our limits it opens new doors and new beginnings in life. The shell in which we falsely protect ourselves requires a blow to break open paving a new path of success. This unexplored, unknown chapter is the beginning of our transformation.
I honestly want to reach out to all those who have been struggling with their inner hesitation to address an audience, I want to assure them that their constant and sincere efforts will make noticeable difference in some time. The language grasps its pace and the barrier in fluency is removed. Be your own mentor, try speaking in front of a mirror and few close friends. It is important to safeguard your self-confidence by not allowing anyone to judge your skills. Only your teachers and closed ones should listen to your speaking skills.
Having a fluent speaking skill is essential in professional and personal life. To all those who are afraid of standing on the stage just start now and believe in yourself. A willing heart and committed approach will remove all the obstacles and take you to your dream destination.
Conclusion
In last, find my article on the stress of the students and its impact in this link: Article
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Blog writer: Dr. Meeti Kotia (PhD)
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