By Jasana Maharjan
I believe this is a process—one that must be learned and only reaches completion at the very end. So let me take you back to the beginning. I used to be the kind of person whose legs would tremble when speaking in front of others. My heart would race, not in the romantic way people describe when seeing someone they love but in a way that froze me, dragged me down, and held me back.
I used to think, “I just can’t do this. This isn’t for me.” On days when I had to speak in front of my class, I would pretend to be sick and stay home. Even if I had to do it, I would repeat my lines a hundred times before stepping up. I remember one specific day when I was selected to represent my school at a children’s event with the mayor. I had prepared my question in advance, but the moment I raised my hand and took the microphone in front of the media and crowd, my mind went completely blank. I didn’t even remember what I’d rehearsed. Somehow, trembling and panicking, I managed to ask something but the response I received haunts me to this day. I meant to ask a serious question, but it came out wrong, and the answer I received was sarcastic. That moment deeply embarrassed me, but that was also the moment I realized: no matter what field we choose, public speaking and presentation skills are essential.
If today you’re someone who can speak confidently in front of a crowd, your journey will probably start just like mine. And if you still haven’t overcome that fear, maybe you’re making the same kinds of excuses I used to. I’ve worked hard to conquer my fear. Every time my mind said, “Don’t do it, back out,” I had to strengthen my heart and fight against my thoughts. I kept moving forward, thinking, “Even if people misunderstand me, judge me, or think negatively, at least my speaking skills will improve.” I started to embrace criticism as a tool for growth.
Whenever someone gave me the opportunity to speak, I stopped questioning it. I stopped asking, “Can I do this? Should I try to get out of it?” Instead, I gave myself time, practiced relentlessly, and slowly got more comfortable through repetition. And yes, practice doesn’t make you perfect, but it does make you better. No one becomes skilled without effort. Those you see today speaking confidently on stage, too, have been through the same struggle and put in countless hours of practice.
So, let’s keep going. Let’s not turn away from opportunities. Let’s be brave enough to express our feelings, ideas, and perspectives publicly because your voice could inspire someone else. Your words could change.