Face Your Fear

I am one of those guys who become ‘a bundle of nerves’ when put on stage. Public speaking is makes me fidgety. It’s not that I am the worst speaker around, but my nervousness really makes me a bad one at times. Ironically, I also happen to be a guy who loves to express. Trust me, this is a tricky combination. Though, you always do not need a podium to express you idea. But to be able to put your perspective of things confidently in public has its own benefits.

I remember my first day in college when I was pushed on the stage in front hundreds of students and teaching staffs. I was supposed to just introduce myself and let in public three interesting fact about myself. And guess what? I did exactly the same but the way I did it was a little interesting. I had my eyes fixed on a corner of the wall and my speech so evidently mugged up that a slightest of interruption would make me recite it from the beginning.

Well, since then I was hardly forced and I never chose to test my public speaking skills. Though I was saved of the embarrassments, it was a 'curse in a disguise'. As I grew in my professional life, I realized more and more the need to be able to express confidently my views and takes on things in meetings, in front of the management and also in front of the client. I would, at times sit tight or go dumb as if it had become a part of my nature. I was often bogged down in a discussion or an argument. Not good!Not good at all.

A sensible friend and colleague came up with an idea of starting a "Communication club" in our office. Here people like me who need to work on their communication skill would get an opportunity to improve. I latched on it.

A few days back I gave a public speech. Good or bad, I don’t know and I don’t care. I was there for a different reason. I was there to look straight into the eyes of one of my biggest fears. I am happy to think that I was able to do exactly that. I am glad that the whole "Communication Club" thing happened and I am making the most out it.

I know a couple of colleague who like me suffer from the same ‘phobia’. But sadly they didn’t show enough courage the take the first step. I wish, like me, they too realize sooner than later that the only way to overcome a fear is to ...face it.