Hey guys, welcome back!
When most people hear the words public speaking, they immediately think of nerves – the shaky hands, the dry mouth, the sudden fear that you’ll forget everything. I’ve felt all of that too. But what I learned during my time at the Harvard Pre-College Program, studying under Kate Clark, is that public speaking is not something to fear. It’s something to embrace. And more than that, it’s something everyone should learn.
The first thing that surprised me was how much public speaking is like theater. You prepare the ideas you want to share, but not a word-for-word script. That way, your delivery stays alive, flexible, and real. It feels less like performing and more like connecting. And when you stop obsessing over perfection, you start finding your presence.
That presence begins with your voice. We did warm-up exercises that at first felt silly: Stretching vowels, humming, even making strange sounds together as a group. But I realized they weren’t about being silly at all. They were about loosening the tight grip of self-consciousness and unlocking the power of a voice that’s ready to carry your thoughts.
Feedback played an equally important role. In our class, it never came as a harsh verdict or empty praise. It followed a rhythm: highlighting what worked, pointing out what could be improved, and closing with what shined through. It sounds simple, but it made all the difference. Feedback became something I looked forward to rather than feared, because it was both encouraging and honest.
And then there’s the audience. You learn to ask questions, to pause, to look people in the eye. You even learn how to use the space around you: standing still with purpose, moving when the moment calls for it, but never wandering without intent. All of these things together turn speaking into something dynamic, something that feels less like “me talking” and more like “us engaging.”
That’s the real reason everyone should take a public speaking class. It’s not about preparing you for a life on stage or in politics. It’s about giving you confidence that extends into every corner of your life. The ability to speak well translates into job interviews, presentations, leadership, and even everyday conversations with friends. When you find your voice, you also find a stronger sense of yourself.
So if you ever get the chance, take that leap. Walk into a public speaking class, even if you’re terrified. Especially if you’re terrified. Because the moment you learn to speak freely, you realize you’re not just learning how to talk – you’re learning how to be heard.
Thanks for stopping by, and see you in the next post.
Filippo
Braunstorming 