Photo Cred: Alejandra Colmenero
Before fear took control, I loved giving speeches.
The podium was my platform to entertain and show what a smarty pants I was. On stage, I felt happy, admired, appreciated—even important. Off stage, I couldn’t wait for my next presentation.
My love for public speaking died in the fifth grade, beaten to a pulp by an invader named Fear. On that day, happy, carefree Roy perished, and the chronically stressed, anxious, risk-averse Roy was born.
But after a lifetime of failure, ditching classes to avoid presentations, abandoning job interviews because I couldn't handle the pressure, I figured out a way to overcome my fear. Today, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world—I can present to anyone, speak about anything and I don't have to worry about the terror I once felt. This blog encompasses my journey to going from panicking at any mention of public speaking, to feeling excited when I get the opportunity to speak.