For most people, public speaking is ranked as their number one fear. Many people according to a recent study would choose financial ruin or death instead of public speaking. Unfortunately, if you want to have any shot in politics, you need to be able to speak in front of crowds. Needless to say, I had my first test of public speaking when I nominated my boss for the candidate in the next provincial election in October of 2011.
Like most people, I had presented speeches in elementary school so this wasn't my first time speaking in front of a crowd. The only difference with this speech was that I was speaking in front of some very powerful people, including my boss. I had worried about this speech for over a week largely because this would be the first time I had ever spoken at an event like this and I didn't want to mess it up.
I have to be honest, presenting the nomination speech was scary and the whole time I was up there my knees were shaking. But no one else knew that I was nervous and when it was all said and done I actually did a pretty good job!
For me this speech was more than just a nomination of my boss. This was my first opportunity to deliver a real political speech. Sure it wasn't the most relaxing thing I have ever done, but hey, life is about taking risks and I sure am glad I took this one!
