Ursuline High School, Wimbledon has always placed a huge emphasis on the importance of being confident to speak in front of other people. Whether it’s one person or one hundred people, public speaking is a skill we require as we go through life. And it’s more important for the upcoming generations than ever before.
Online newspaper, Forbes, claims that it’s thought about 10% of our population would say they actually enjoy public speaking. Another 10% hate public speaking, believing it to be terrifying, overwhelming or simply impossible. In fact, it’s as common a phobia as a fear of snakes or heights. However, this fear should be easier to overcome, as the results can be so rewarding for the rest of your life. And it’s much easier to avoid a snake than another person.
When I was younger, as many young children I was always nervous to talk in front of a crowd. Being forced to play a princess in a school assembly was probably my first experience of public speaking. But it’s definitely become easier since then.
The Ursuline places a great amount of importance on public speaking all the way from year seven. They ensure that we all get a chance to go outside of our comfort zone through the ‘Jack Petchey’ scheme. I was fortunate to go all the way to the regional finals in this competition, and came in first place, speaking about girl’s education. Definitely a big jump from playing Snow White in a school play. A year 12 Ursuline student explained how ‘practicing public speaking at school is definitely one of the most useful skills I’ve learnt, and will continue to use after education’
Public speaking, and being able to address an audience is such a significant skill as our generation enter the world of work, politics and further education. So instead of worrying, ‘will I freeze?’, instead ask, ‘how can I use my voice to give me power?’, and you might be surprised by the strength of a few words.
By Madeleine Mamak, Ursuline High School
