Six-word Speech

"Education is reading between the lines."

This is the six-word speech I wrote for public speaking today. What made me proud was what happened as soon as the professor said we needed to move along to our speeches (he loves to talk himself) and sat down. Typically I would stay seated, at least until after he formerly asked to come forward (even then, I might double-check), but the professor's body language seemed to be turning the time over to us, so I stood right up and moved to the podium.

I did find myself falling back on old patterns once I was up there, asking, "We just come on up, right?" It was like I suddenly doubted myself. Clearly I already knew it was okay or I wouldn't have stood up in the first place. Yet that is only a small habit of the past compared to the newer habit of self-confidence I seek to establish.

I really feel self-confidence is, to a great extent, a habit. Habitually being the first to present. Standing up without hesitation. Delivering a speech while making direct eye contact with the class and articulating every word. I know the more I do this, the more second nature it will become.