Should I proceed with this public speaking competition?
April 3, 2010 by
Filed under asean business
I am 24 years old, a college student from 8:30-12.00 and the rest of the day I operate a business I’m totally passionate in.
Last week my dean manipulated me into my campus’s public speaking club (at least it felt that way). I went to one training just to pay respect and check it out. Mr Dean signed me up for a competition I was reluctant on joining. It sounds pretty high profile: a five minute impromptu speech on ASEAN policies, against some of the country’s best universities. I happen to be a fluent speaker, and according to my dean, one of the best my campus has. However, I am not very familiar with the general topic to be spoken of. In addition, several others just as good as me are already training intensively for the team.
Unfortunately I became ill this week and have not been able to keep up with preparations. The competition is next week (24 june). On top of that, I still have work, campus assignments, and exam preps… and I’d like to do all of them REALLY WELL. I don’t really like surprises when it comes to excelling, because in the past I’ve failed some important life goals because some smart person who “cares” about me wants my time in exchange for their goals, which they think are better than my own goals.
However, I am still open to squeezing this competition in my schedule if someone could convince me that it really is worth it. I’m just a little bit concerned in case it might have strings attached, e.g. I might be expected to devote a lot more time to other public speaking competitions.
OK… so what do I do now? I’m torn between not wanting to miss an opportunity of a lifetime and not wanting to sabotage my current plans again! A lot is at stake!
Nobody can really answer this but you. In fact it sounds like you’ve thought the matter out and understand both sides of the equation very well. Part of you wants to do it, you see it as a challenge, you even think you could do well. The other part of you says you already have enough on your plate and you don’t want to spread yourself too thin. Public speaking is a very useful skill to cultivate and could come in handy later, and I think you understand that as well. In fact the competition will be a ‘growth experience’ for you even if you don’t do well.
You obviously have thought the matter out very well on your own. Perhaps you have already decided and are just looking for confirmation of your own decision? 8^)
Whatever decision you make will be the right one. I support you in your decision. You sound like you have it all together better than most 24 year olds.
Public speaking: should you proceed… hm.
Your sickness won’t last forever, afterall, june 24 is some ways from now. I say you should, why? because this compition will get you out there. A very important goal to reach to help you reach the goals you want to reach (if that makes sense). Sorry if I’m not in depth with this – i’m in a class at work and people are all around.
but yea, do this for yourself, you deserve it… right?