Speech is something that is powerful, we use it to persuade, to convert, and to compel. Growing up I had speech problems, I had a stutter, and I had problems with pronouncing words. Sometimes, I would talk and no one would understand me. I still remember spending long afternoons, after school in the compact room. My short legs and feet dangling back and forth like a swing set from the chair while my speech pathologist held up cards trying to get me to speak.
At this time, I had no idea that I would be a part of my high school speech team spending every Saturday performing in front of judges, and an audience. From being silent to talking publicly and enjoying it. Joining the speech team has changed me for the better and taught me the power of speaking. My freshman year, I never talked, I barely knew what to say to people. It wasn’t until I decided to join the speech team that I saw my confidence change with celerity. Going to the first speech meeting of the year was a big step for me, I didn’t know anyone in it.
Within just a few minutes, I was meeting, speaking to new people, and telling turbulent stories. I was in a room filled with peculiar people who wanted to talk and listen to me and finally, for once, I wanted to use my voice and be myself. Each year passing by, I was getting more and more out of my comfort zone. I knew how to use my voice and could talk to new people. In school, I was never nervous to present projects, never afraid to ask questions, and I was always open to talk to anyone. From the speech team, I learned that we need public speaking skills.
We can’t go through life without being able to speak in public. After school, I would force myself to read aloud my english book to anyone that would listen and I would work on my competitions pieces for the next tournament. Since we had competitions every weekend, I would always look at my critiques from judges and I would go over my scores and comments with the coaches. Forcing myself to speak out loud, helped me with my speaking skills and made me want to speak out more. It was last year when I found out that I was selected to be the captain of the speech team. I had countless opportunities to prove myself, and it forced me to take on responsibilities.
The next year consisted of planning fundraisers, going to meetings, and helping others. During my time on the speech team, I never thought about the speech therapy I had to have as a child, it was a thing of the past. I can tell that I have grown from my freshman year. The Lockport speech team was one of my favorite memories, and I will never forget everything I learned about the power of speaking.
