Joining Forensics: Speech & Debate, I had no idea what I was in for. The very idea of standing before an audience with judgmental eyes targeting me was simply a nightmare. But, even worse was forgetting my speech: during the beginning round of my first tournament, ten minutes of compelling arguments intricately woven into a persuasive and creative manner jumbled between my lips until nothing but silence came out. Immediately, thoughts of failure and disappointment clouded my mind.
However, from my brief episode of humiliation, I unexpectedly discovered something valuable: I had the ability to attain success by learning to adapt. With only several minutes until the start of the second round, I had a decision to make: I could either stay stuck in the limbo of the past by worrying about my faux pas, or instead, focus my efforts in the present by rehearsing my speech to pave a path to the future. Choosing the latter, I won "Top Novice." …show more content…
In every tournament I've competed in, I made a mistake in one form or another, but it was how I responded to these setbacks that allowed me to become triumphant. While learning to survive in difficult situations, rather than give up, I also honed my skills in effective public speaking and communication. Although I took a chance by joining Forensics, I'm ultimately glad I did, because the audience no longer poses a danger to me, but instead a place for
However, from my brief episode of humiliation, I unexpectedly discovered something valuable: I had the ability to attain success by learning to adapt. With only several minutes until the start of the second round, I had a decision to make: I could either stay stuck in the limbo of the past by worrying about my faux pas, or instead, focus my efforts in the present by rehearsing my speech to pave a path to the future. Choosing the latter, I won "Top Novice." …show more content…
In every tournament I've competed in, I made a mistake in one form or another, but it was how I responded to these setbacks that allowed me to become triumphant. While learning to survive in difficult situations, rather than give up, I also honed my skills in effective public speaking and communication. Although I took a chance by joining Forensics, I'm ultimately glad I did, because the audience no longer poses a danger to me, but instead a place for