When was the last time, when you did something for the first time?
We often are afraid of new beginnings. We are afraid to begin a new road and start something new. We are often afraid of the unknown. Or maybe it's just me, not all of you.
For a long time, I wanted to be a good public speaker. To be able to rouse the crowd with my speaking abilities. I know how to write. I think I proved it in my tenure with Steemit. But I wasn't sure if I could be able to deliver what I'm writing as well. A good speech, or story, counts for little if the delivery is bad.
This is why I've joined Toastmasters this year. To learn how to do all of that.
Yesterday, I did something for the first time. I held my Ice Breaker. My first speech in Toastmasters. It was a mix of countless emotions: anxiety, fear, courage, happiness, relief and probably many others.
In the days before my speech, I was very confident. It's just a speech, you can do it a little voice in my head was chattering me up. However, as the day of the speech was approaching, another voice started to rise. Be careful not to mess up, "Don't choke up on stage" and many of the same.
In the hours before the speech, I was really anxious. I really was. I was afraid that I will forget the speech, that I will make a fool out of myself. The usual feelings you would have when you're getting out of your comfort zone.
The speech was short. My heart was beating fast, my mind was very focused on DO NOT MESS UP and I had a dry mouth.
But you know what? When everything was over, I felt amazing. The feedback I received is a huge boost of confidence. Not only the feedback, but the whole experience. The days before the speech thought me a lot. The 4 minutes I stand there and delivered. I feel like I'm a new man and I can't wait for the next projects that I'll have to do in Toastmasters.
What was the last time, when you did something for the first time? How did you feel?
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