Public Speaking Forum- First Meeting

“How many of you feel we need the lectern?” said Mr. Pant, our anchorperson for the evening. Nervous hands shot up (mine included). “May I ask why?” he asked. “It does its bit to put the speaker in ease” came the prompt reply. “Ah!” said Mr. Pant, almost anticipating the reply, “more of a reason to do away with it!”

I was attending the introductory session of the Public Speaking Forum. It was my way of testing uncharted waters, combat my fear of public speaking and to participate in a few interesting discussions (the poster said they would discuss books!!)

“A lectern in one of the many crutches a speaker uses. We must learn to do without it for the moment. We can always bring it back once public speaking ceases to bother us.”

The first session was reserved for introductions. We had to present an interesting talk about ourselves. I volunteered as the grammarian and grunt master. There were time keepers and general evaluators among the speakers. People came up with interesting anecdotes, jokes and even poems that went on to describe them. I had to pick out grammatical errors and adopted a very draconian approach for the same. So by the time I went up to the mike I had a pair of 25 analytical eyes waiting for me to make a slip. I did, many times over.

“When you think you are speaking fast you are speaking very fast. When you think you are speaking slow you are at a good pace.” Hence spoke the master and we nodded in approval.

Things eased out as the meeting progressed. We had a very rich crowd- from budding politicians to aspiring novelists. Jokes became more frequent and people articulated their thoughts more. Public speaking is the one of the most dreaded thing by many people, some placing it even above death. It is a battle against your own adrenalin surge. Clarity of thought, knowledge of the subject under discussion and practice is the best medicine.

For the next meeting we have three topics under discussion-
Birth and rise of Naxalism
Climate Change
Education reforms in India

Thoughts and suggestions for the same are welcome!!!