Why I Choose Public Speaking

Oscar Tao

Mrs. Guarino

Public Speaking

Sept. 5th

                                              Why Am I Taking Public Speaking

As a student who only came to the state of Connecticut for the first time last week, there are a million of things that I don’t understand: new class schedule, new rules in a dorm — it is my first time boarding too. However, there was one thing that was crystal-clear to me: I need to improve my public speaking skills. As a matter of fact, Public Speaking is the only course that I chose to sign up instead of being arranged into. There is a major difference between the two ways: I feel like I am a cheetah haunting down a deer, with the desire in my eyes saying “I am coming after you.”

To explain the reasons why I winded up signing up for this half year course after two days into class, first it is necessary for me to talk about my understanding of the English language. I remember in his book Why The West Rules for Now, Ian Morris made the claim that English is and still will be a common language for the world for now and the days to come. No matter where you are from, it is an advantage to know how to speak English for the sake of both your personal convenience and others’ accurate understanding. Especially for a student born in a non-English-speaking country, I value this theory as one of my maxim: English is power. It is the bridge to communicate to the world. 

After realizing the importance of English, I started to take classes as well as self-study. Although it was not extremely helpful — I was only two chapters ahead of the rest of my class, this certainly gained me some confidence, and I was always the first one who raised hand in my English class. More importantly, this little confidence that I had was the resource of my impetus to put more effort in learning. Besides the advantage in English made me more confident, it gave me an opportunity to look into a different world with has been ignored by other kids. Through this crystal ball, I saw a New World which was discovered by the great Columbus in 1492.

However, the era of leading in English class ended when I moved to America. Even though I put more effort than my peers in China, I cannot compare with my classmates who are born to be English speakers, especially in oral English. Although I gradually got better by keep practicing daily speaking, the opportunities for me to speak in front of public is seldom. 

And this is the ultimate reason why I signed up for this course. Public speaking is a skill that everyone should possess and master in the twenty-first century. The ability to render an idea to the public is essential. Without it, teachers will not be able to teach classes, and CEO’s cannot tell their teams about the agenda. I hope I can improve my public speaking skills with the effort I put in during this Public Speaking class.