Develop confidence to Speak in Public

We all have to face this challenging feeling inside us, the lack of confidence to speak in public. I look back in my life to analyse when these feelings started. I remember sitting in the back row in school, invisible to other students. When I meet most of my classmates, they don't remember me. The reason could be I was quiet and remained anonymous. I kept to myself, as this seemed easier.

I left school at level grade 9, I didn't want to study anymore. I had failed thrice in three grades and this was enough. My family was large, so I used lots of time on my own, and as time passed, I grew deeper into myself. The only thing I loved was reading and losing myself in the stories. I remember reading Enid Blyton's Famous Five book and the Mills and Boons among other stories. I remember reading the magical stories and imaging myself immersed as one of the characters. 

I started working in the public sector during the daytime and in the evening I wanted to pursue another career, hence my teaching career was born. I started to teach English to primary grades. Years passed and still, I continued with my teaching job on and off. 

After years of working, I decided to start my own NGO, this is where my personal growth multiplied. I had by then started studying part-time, I continued to educate in the management field. This was the beginning of my academic field. I went to complete my Diploma in Management, Post-graduate at the University of Leeds, Masters Degree in the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK, and my second Masters Degree from Institute of Business, Australia and finally my Doctorate in Business Administration from Asia Metropolitan University, Malaysia. 

                                        

                                                After being awarded, my 2nd Masters' Degree

From the meek little student in grade 6, who trembled, when asked to speak in front of her class, I have come a long way. I remember how our local teacher put a small table in front of the classroom and asked each of us to speak. I felt my heart pounding, my hands shaking, my lips trembling as my whole body. I couldn't utter a single word, while the whole class laughed loudly.

After the formation of the NGO, I was asked to speak in front of public gatherings, interviewed on Radio, Television and even asked to travel overseas to share my experiences as a social activist. Still, each time I got up to speak, the butterflies in my stomach twisted and I wanted to learn to enjoy my public speaking. 

However, today I have fulfilled my goal to study to the highest level and this gives me the greatest satisfaction. I always encourage my students and those I mentor or coach to continue learning, education is something nobody can take away from you. 

On top of this, I have joined a Toastmasters club and this allowed me to be around speakers who gives productive feedback. I got my husband to join in the Toastmasters, he is a natural speaker. We love learning to improve our public speaking skills and day by day, we get asked to give speeches and help others to learn. We enjoy our work and public speaking! Public speaking can be learnt through commitment and hard work!

Fathimath Afiya

15 May 2020