Scaring Myself in Public for the First Time

The crowd filed into the large hall. The early morning wake-up meant weary faces and subdued voices. As expectant eyes roamed from side to side, the headmaster rose, and another boarding school morning meeting started. After opening remarks, the headmaster began introducing the Chapel Talk’s speaker. When a familiar biography met my ears, it all suddenly came into view: I was the speaker. And I was terrified.

Taking a deep breath, I stood and moved to the podium.

The Dreaded Chapel Talk

On the eve of the new school year, I had opened my faculty binder and nearly yelped: I was selected to deliver a Chapel Talk. The talk was still months away, but acute nervousness set in quickly. It was my second year of teaching so I had a general idea of expectations. Every two weeks, the school community would hear from a faculty or staff member. Be it a series of anecdotes, an idea or inspirational message, the talk was designed to share something – anything! – that would resonate with students, ranging from freshmen to post-graduates, at the boarding school outside Hartford, Connecticut.

Still, I would be standing at a podium in front of my faculty peers. Alone. With no one to turn to, much less take over for me. All eyes would be on me to deliver an engaging talk to many wishing only for more precious sleep.

Establishing Intent

Other than outright failure, I decided on my intent: Identify a theme, make two to three relevant points, and if possible, leave the audience with a message (or, one can hope, an insight!) they might consider as thoughtful, not straight pabulum. Yet a Chapel Talk was a new creature for me and, well, public speaking hadn’t exactly been a strength.

Thinking back to my first college presentation (on Greek philosophy, no less), I recall being overwhelmed. Like when nerves cause you to sweat profusely and stammer noticeably when you’re trying to sound coherent. So, sincere and sustained preparation would be key. And that meant selecting what I wanted to say well in advance.

Prepping My Talk

Over the course of a week, I jotted down possible themes and topics on Post-Its and note cards, in notebooks, and on backs of envelopes. Surrounded by swirls of ink and a fast-moving calendar, I decided hesitantly on a topic, a serious one. I identified supporting examples and fashioned them into a working outline. Another week went by, one that saw much tinkering and shuffling. At last, helped by feedback from a trusted source, I moved to the next stage: turning the outline into a talk. Again, this was a new format for me, so it took even more time.

When I became somewhat comfortable with my draft, I printed a clean copy, and headed to the old chapel where I would be speaking. For three consecutive nights, I rehearsed every step, from sitting near the podium to adjusting the microphone. And I went through my entire talk, not pausing, but mentally marking spots to edit yet again and places where I felt a more deliberate pause was needed. Given my past performances (i.e., not very good), the goals of this exhaustive preparation were minimal: boost my confidence and gain some level of comfort in my surroundings.

Suddenly, it was time.

The Outcome

I survived, barely. I recall a swirl of emotions buffeting me and what felt like a cramp in my side. I also remember catching sight of the student who had fallen back to sleep (probably from the headmaster’s introduction). Time, so relentlessly fast in the run-up to this moment, now moved with leisure. And then, finally, with a simple “Thank you,” my talk was complete. Sitting down, I caught a breath and said to myself, “It’s done.”

Yet it wasn’t – far from it, in fact.

Once morning meeting ended, positive feedback flowed in. From my faculty peers, a handful of students in my English and history classes later that day, and others across the school community. The one I remember the most was a brief email from a student: “Mr. Meyer: Great message in your Chapel Talk! You’ve given me a lot to think about.” That did it for me – in a big, big way.

More Public Speaking

Years later, the Chapel Talk led me to pursue communications opportunities at work and to present more to colleagues. Driven by a desire to craft and share messages with an audience, I explored Toastmasters – a club that provides a forum to grow your leadership and public speaking skills. Not content to merely listen anymore, I wanted to be where I once dreaded: at the podium.

I can report that improving my public speaking skills has helped build my confidence and poise. Two months ago, I delivered a wedding toast for an old friend. While a certain level of anxiety remained, I now knew what to expect – and how to deliver a message to a large crowd.

Remembering that anxious morning leads me to offer this: Even in today’s digital age, public speaking remains a potent skill. It can move people, it can shape policy, and it can illuminate the path ahead. And since you communicate every day, honing your skills through public speaking and regular presentations is more than a good investment of your time. After all, how many effective leaders are not good communicators too?

Take a deep breath and give your chapel talk. I promise you won’t forget it – and you’ll be glad you did.