Many individuals are held back from exploring new opportunities due to the fear of failure and self-doubt. This fear often manifests as questions like "What if I mess up?" or "What if I embarrass myself?" These doubts can be powerful deterrents, especially for someone like me - a reserved, introverted young woman who has always avoided speaking in public. Growing up, I convinced myself that public speaking wasn't my forte, believing it was better suited for others and that my strengths lay in staying out of the spotlight. Even during my senior year in secondary school, when I was assigned to give speeches during morning assemblies, my fear remained unshaken. My university days mirrored this pattern of shyness and reluctance until a fortuitous event changed everything. I was selected to represent my university in a debate competition at a conference organized by the Nigerian Association of Microbiology Students (NAMS) in the Northern Region in 2023. Despite my lingering anxiety, participating in the competition marked a turning point for me. Following the conference, where my team placed third, I was once again chosen to represent my institution, this time in a debate organized by the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) Futminna Chapter, where we emerged victorious. It was during this period that I began to question my fear of public speaking and sought ways to overcome it. Inspired by my newfound determination, I delved into resources like "The Confident Speaker" by Harrison Monarth and Larina Kase, prompting me to ask myself why I was so afraid. With a clearer understanding of my fears, I resolved to improve myself, and gradually, things began to change. I took on roles of increasing responsibility, serving as the Director of Research for my department, and later, contesting for and winning the position of department president. Each success bolstered my confidence and reinforced the idea that mindset and determination are crucial in overcoming obstacles. Today, as I reflect on my journey, I realize that the only thing that truly matters is the willingness to confront one's fears. While the road was challenging, the rewards of overcoming my fear of public speaking have been immense, and I now approach new challenges with renewed confidence and determination.
Huswat LAWAL
8mo
Keep it up dear
I'm glad you were able to unlock your public speaking potential,Hassanat Lawal We should at all times strive to do more and avoid being tied down by fear . This is a starting point and I wish you all the best .Go get it !!!
Amazing! This is just the beginning.
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8moFantastic and inspiring 💯 “Your deepest fear is not that you are inadequate. Your deepest fear is that you are powerful beyond measure. It is your light, not your darkness that most frightens u. You ask yourselves, 'Who are you to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. You are meant to shine, as children do. You are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within u. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, you unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As you are liberated from your own fear, your presence automatically liberates other" You are going places dear 💕💯