“In first place representing the Central Division at the District Conference….”
Not me.
“I Am Jack’s Broken Heart” – Fight Club (1999)
Sitting there after the announcement of the winner, I was surprised. I had just spent the last three hours being told by people that they thought I had won…then the results. I didn’t even place. For the next few hours I ruminated on what had happened. What lines could I have fumbled, what message did I not deliver…then I realized something.
I put too much pressure on myself.
Going up there, I was filled with terror and I found it hard to keep from shaking uncontrollably. I kept asking myself, “Why are you so afraid?” Then when I sat down after the speech, it dawned on me…I had put far too much into this. I had spent so much time thinking about the desire of winning that I forgot about the most important thing – having fun.
Later that night while looking over the video of the event, I learned something. This was a good speech well delivered and other years it might have won. However, what defeated me was me. No other competitor beat me. I beat my self.
I realized that when you are competing in speech contests, you decide the message, you decide the delivery, and you decide how to prepare. No one else decides those things, so in the end, the only person that can beat you is you.
If you don’t deliver a needed message, if you don’t prepare, and if you don’t connect with the audience – these are all things you can control. So why don’t you?
Because the only person that can defeat us…is ourselves.
What do you think?
If you get a chance, check out my new site: http://youngprofitpros.com/
It is a learning resource for young professionals looking to forge their own path in life.
To see my division losing speech, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtMN-xXpQdM
About the Author: My Toastmasters Blog is written and edited by Chris Elliott, the founder of the young professional coaching site Young Profit Pros. Chris enjoys using his knowledge and experiences during his speaking engagements, workshops, consulting projects, and one-on-one coaching sessions. The result—connecting people and empowering change. If you would like information on how you can bring Chris to speak to your next meeting, please download Chris' one sheet or contact him by clicking here.
This was a perfect thing for me to read today. I am currently preparing for the District 14 contest and I was starting to get frustrated. I enjoyed your speech as well. Thanks for posting!