The fear of public speaking is otherwise known as glossophobia, which affects 75% of the population. As a teenager, you can either take the opportunities to step out of your comfort zone or you can continue to fear what lies outside that comfort zone. Competitive speech helps draw kids out of their comfort zone, and the benefits can be life-changing.
Speech, an activity under the North Dakota High School Activities Association, allows high school students to compete in a series of different public speaking events. The different types of events allow every student to find something that draws their interest. There are four categories of events: memorized, written by the student, duo and impromptu. The memorized speeches are basically stories written by other authors, whereas the students write their speeches for the persuasive and informative events. Duos allow students to compete in groups of two, either in a comedy or a serious drama. My favorite events are the impromptu or extemporaneous events, in which you don’t know the topic until it is your turn to speak or write your speech. These events allow students to research and present on different topics at every meet.
Speech has helped me immensely with my confidence in all areas of life, and I know many kids feel the same way. It is an event that creates a safe space to allow students to face their fear of public speaking in a supportive, yet competitive atmosphere. No matter how good or how bad your performance, the whole room will applaud when you are finished. This encouraging atmosphere from my competitors is an amazing experience. Speech allows me to be a part of a team, while still competing on my own. It encourages creativity and allows me to flourish.
Public speaking is a lifelong skill, whether you use that skill during a job interview, a presentation for work, a scholarship interview or a speech at a wedding. Statistics show most of the world struggles with public speaking. But by competing in speech, students can step out of their comfort zone and face that fear.
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Edyth Hatlestad, 18, is a senior at Shiloh Christian High School, Bismarck, where she is involved in basketball, volleyball, speech, the musical, Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, National Honor Society, band and choir. Edyth is the daughter of Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative members D.J. and Missy Hatlestad.
