“Hello?” I timidly answered the
unregistered caller. It was Sunday and I was heading to church that time.
“Can you do me a favor?” the woman on the
other line asked. The warmth of her voice sounded familiar. It was Ma’am
Dorcas Mejia.
“Sure! What is it?” I recklessly answered.
I know I shouldn't have said that right away, but I knew (or I assumed) she wouldn't ask me
something I couldn't give.
“Can you prepare a presentation about the
Do’s and Don’ts in Public Speaking? This is for the 3-day seminar workshop on public
speaking. There will be around 600 participants, including principals,
potential emcees and English Teachers from the whole Division of Leyte.”
Seriously? Me? She wanted me to speak in
front of some experienced public speakers? Didn't she know that I am an Engineering
graduate and she wanted me to talk about public speaking in front of people who
are way more experienced and more knowledgeable about the topic than I am?
How will I handle such an ordeal, standing in
front of some piercing eyes ready to devour a feeble creature like me, who’s
a newbie in public speaking? Didn't she know that Filipinos,
especially English teachers are grammar Nazis?
In short, I panicked. I didn't even listen
to the rest of what she was saying.
Fast forward.
The judgment day came!
The judgment day came!
It turned out to be fine and fun. Actually, the experience was more than just fine. It was amazing. I really enjoyed it.
And I learned a lot from the experience!
I realized that even Nazis are a bit forgiving.
Let me take this opportunity to thank all
the participants for allowing me to share one of the things I am passionate
about, public speaking. What I shared to them was so little compared to what I
have learned from them.
I’m so thankful that God allowed my
Toastmasters journey to come across some wonderful and inspiring people. Thank
you to the brain and muscle of the event, Ma'am Dorcas Mejia. Thank you to Sir
Juan Mitra for the trust. I think he kinda’
trusts me somehow because he invited me again to speak during their leadership
training with students. Thank you to Gov Linda Lagera for the affirmation of my
growth as a speaker. Thank you to Gov Doc Efren Canillas for allowing me to be
part of your team. Thank you to Ma’am Ellaine Gavero for making me feel like
your favorite grandson. Thank you also to Ms. Glendale, Mr. Macky and Madame
Joyce for the warmth of your company. By the way, whoever prepared my
introduction, kudos! That was so lovely. It made me sound and look
worth-listening. My liver inflated! (Nibukad akong atay!)
For the transcripts of my presentation just click the below links:
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