Public speaking was a massive hurdle for me growing up. Interestingly, it wasn’t the delivery or the microphone that terrified me; it was the heavy weight of perceived judgment from the audience. I haven’t entirely eliminated the nerves, but I’ve built a bridge over them. Now, I pause, take a deep breath, and look at the faces in front of me with a different perspective. I tell myself that out of everyone in the room, I was granted the opportunity to hold the floor. Believing that there is something distinct within me meant to share this message has been my biggest breakthrough.
