I dont want to be here. I dont think I have the confidence for it. I didnt want to come here, to confront this. You see, I dont like crowds and I dont like pressure; I avoid parties, cant stand basketball games. I feel awkward here too; a touch of nausea, especially when I cant think of anything good to say. I have no idea what I sound like. How can I be sure Im not making a fool of myself? They tell me occasionally that Im not bad at speaking, but honestly I think Im terrible. My mind rushes to bring the next words to my lips, and I pray that I dont trip over the text -- butterflies flitter in my stomach. Sometimes while Im speaking I ask myself why am I here, in this situation, and why would on earth would I put myself in here,() and I have no idea. I do know, however, that Im not alone. Everybody Ive spoken to isnt confidentabout himsel for herself in some important way. When it comes to speech, or to integrity or even to action, many people simply dont believe in themselves -- and theyre pinned down by it. Public speaking (shiver) -- Thats my demon. For a long time I was petrified by the mere thought. I envy people who can do this easily. Like this old friend I have who actually lives here; his names Camden. Hes really speech confident; hes very articulate. He talks to people he doesnt know without trouble, so much so that last time I visited him he walked up to strangers on the street and lectured them on quantum physics for fun. Much to my surprise, he kept his audience the majority of the time- despite their schedules, despite their appointments. He knows how to speak like an expert on almost anything, and it all comes from his strong confidence in his presentation skills. Hes not afraid to speak; he sounds like he has confidence in what hes talking about, and it shows in his many victories in life.Being articulate is an important part of your confidence because its how you show who you are. Without it you lack ...
