Without You

Speeches (Short Story)

"Why is it that speaking in front of audiences is so hard? Why does people watching us make us nervous? It shouldn't make a difference. They don't know what our plan is or what our notes say.

"It's our own minds that trick us. They confuse us and convince us that just one mistake will be noticed by everyone watching. That every tiny thing we do will be criticized and that we're being judged. It makes us feel we have to be absolutely perfect. But since we're not, and we know it, it makes us wonder, not if, but when we will make a mistake. And doubting ourselves only makes it worse. It's a vicious cycle.

"Then come the knots in our stomach, the butterflies, the dryness in our mouths. We might shake, stutter, or forget what to say. Our knees might knock and our hands might sweat. We may even start to feel lightheaded and dizzy, and we might even faint. But unless we make it obvious, no one will notice, even if we do make a mistake.

"If we show confidence in what we say, and the audience sees that confidence, then everything will look perfect.

"Even if it isn't.

"And that. Is why I believe stage fright is something that every single one of us can overcome."

I step down with a smile as I wait for the clapping to die down, taking my seat.

Once I'm sure no one is watching me, I take a deep, relaxing breath to steady my racing heart.