The Passions Reflection assignment asks students to evaluate their personal interests, passions, and goals and write why their passion or interest is significant and how can they explore it further. What ? It all began with a poem... I was in my first grade. It was the day of poem recitation competition. I was the only kid to recite his own poem. I discovered my passion for public speaking that day. I have been practicing this art since six years of age. That day, I felt I was somebody different as I had composed my own poem. While most of the competitors were reciting Shakespeare, I read my very own poem on colors. From then, I knew I was born to speak.
I have seized every opportunity to speak before an audience and express myself. Whether it is hosting the school farewell, anchoring the Teachers Day or conducting inter-school debates on technology – I have done it all. Public speaking not only helps me with expression of my emotions but also helps me connect with people. While speaking, I make sure to address each one personally and not mechanically to the whole crowd. I am truly proud of my speaking skills and I am confident that these skills would help me in my future endeavors.
So what? Public speaking defines me as a person. I rediscover myself every time I perform on the stage. Every experience is different as audience, venues and occasions differ every time. One learns to communicate with people, express own views and also listen to others. I have learnt a great deal on people’s reactions to different words, views and actions. I attempt to incorporate these lessons when I write code. I strive to create programs that are user friendly yet functional.
I am now apt at striking conversations with people. While performing on stage, there are times when the lights or microphone do not function properly. Yet, I adapt to the situation and continue my performance as if nothing happened. I start speaking loudly or crack a joke, but never stop my part abruptly due to any technical failure. Now what? I aspire to be an internet entrepreneur. I have already made strides in this direction by designing websites, coding android apps and organizing debates on technology. My quest to become an internet entrepreneur has taught me that entrepreneurs have to possess various skill sets in order to succeed. Negotiation is one skill that requires mastery to get business. One has to be adept at convincing clients and investors. To do so, an entrepreneur has to assure that his speaking skills are of the highest order. My diverse experiences in public speaking through speeches and anchoring, right from my childhood have helped me to gain mastery over this ability. This skill will help me to achieve my goal.
In final analysis, I can vouch that public speaking has made me more confident and has enhanced my crisis management skills. It has made me an outlier, as I am not only able to create software but also market it skillfully.